Engine Break-in Period

[dalemccl]

I have a new 2006 base Vibe. The manual says no special break-in procedure is needed but also says not drive too long at any particular speed during the break-in period. My dealer had to get my car from another dealer 180 miles away. They sent a driver to the other dealer with a car they traded and he/she drove mine back here. It is almost all interstate between the two dealers. I doubt that the driver varied the driving speed and probably spent close to 3 hours at 75-80 mph. How much did this compromise proper break-in of the engine and what could be the long term effect?

[AKLGT]

usually break in periods are about the first 1000 miles. however, i've heard it's best to treat your ride well the first 3000-5000 miles too.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »usually break in periods are about the first 1000 miles. however, i've heard it's best to treat your ride well the first 3000-5000 miles too.agreed.When I bought my 04 Vibe I drove to the Detriot Autoshow like a week afterwards. It took a while to get there as I kept the RPM under 3000 or around there for the drive but I know the several 100km round trip was not driven like the manual described... My car is fine as far as I can tell to this day. Just baby the car for the first few 1000miles and don't use the cruise (if equipted) for the first 1000 miles.

[AKLGT]

see.. i DO listen to you (every once and again!)

[ToolGuy]

Easy on the gas and brakes for 500 miles, change the oil out at 1,500 because that is the engine break in oil...

[engineertwin2]

Quote, originally posted by dalemccl »How much did this compromise proper break-in of the engine and what could be the long term effect?It shouldn't have compromised the proper break-in at all...but remember it's not just the engine you gotta break in.If you spend the first 500 miles on the highway, then your break-in period will actually be a little longer. MiVibe is right - an oil change will be good for you, although my opinion is that it can be done as soon as possible. The reason for an oil change so soon is that you should see some metal shavings, etc from your engine as things wear into place. Keeping the shavings from recirculating is always a great idea to prevent scarification of the cylinders and oil ports.And remember to be soft on your brakes and tranny...best thing to do is drive like you are going for the best fuel economy (brake softly and early, accelerate slowly, etc) and you should get a proper break in.

[WifesGT]

It all depends. I just read in my Motor Trend mag and they said reserch has shown being "hard" or driving the car like you would like to actually helps to seat the rings better in long term tests. I've always beat the **** out my cars after the first 500 miles. Oh well.

[AKLGT]

also remember that your car's ECM is LEARNING how you drive your car. in other words, if you are gentle on the break in periods, you'll have better fuel economy due to the air/fuel ratio. i did my best to take it easy on the new turbo car, however...... well, it's tough NOT to go into full WOT with it once in a while. my gas mileage (due to my agressive driving) is MUCH less than what many others on the LGT boards get. i'm told by many (not just hubby) that is due to my inherent lack of NOT LISTENING to him about how important the break in period is. more wear and tear on the car if you drive it like you stole it straight of the lot. of course, this would apply to a new car or new engine, motor, tranny. not necessarily a USED car (depending on mileage). and yes, i'd certainly make sure you change the oil around 1500 miles.

[goodvibe]

Lots of debate about break-in. Varying speed and compession breaking are good things. No lugging. Loading the motor seems to be a good thing but high rpm and high temps should be avoided for a while. Probably wont hurt anything on these motors but mine didn't really feel tight for a few thousand miles and I sure didn't baby it. I've read reports on cars making more power with hard break in so who knows. I'd go with the manufacturers recomendations and swap the oil a few times in the first 10k.