Why must you drive a new car under 60mph during it's first 500 or 1000 miles and is it really bad if you do?

Answer 1

that used to be true with older cars but these newer cars you can drive them like you are always going to drive them.

Answer 2

You have a couple of VERY good reasons that you need to take it easy on the new car. The other person was partly correct with engine break in, but there is more at work than just the engine.

All of the parts in this expensive piece of equipment that you just purchased need time to run-in, yes the parts are precision machined and fitted properly. But, they still need to "Work Polish" so they have a final fit. Basically we are taking off all of the metal burrs, shavings, and any other surface defects so the parts operate smoothly for their lifetime.

Very important that you change the engine oil early in the break-in process. As a mechanic myself I normally would reccommend to my customers that you drive the car as you would normally, then around 500 to 700 miles do its first oil and filter change. Then repeat this once the car has reached 1500 miles. This ensures that most of the metallic material produced by the break-in process is removed from the engine. I would also reccommend that you do the same for the transmission, (manual or automatic). More critical for a manual because it does not have a pump and a filter to circulate the lubricant. Nevertheless, do this about the same time.

A quick word about oil. Not all oil is oil! If you choose to use a particular brand of oil, then you need to use the same brand for the life of the car. Now if you are in a jam and you need to add some oil, and the place does not have the brand that you are using, just make sure that you use the same weight, (5w-30/10w-30 ect.)

Don't use synthetic oils for break-in purposes. The lubricating properties that are in these oils will not allow the parts to work polish together very well, the break-in time can be extended, and cause engine damage or excessive oil consumption. I normally reccommend that synthetic oils be used AFTER you are beyond 10,000 miles. Though some manufacturers do equip their cars with synthetic oils off the assembly line, (Chevrolet Corvette, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, ect.).

The only other piece of advice I can extend to you, is go easy on the brakes for the first few miles, they are new and have to have a little time to break-in too.

Also, driving under 60? That is a new one on me. Just drive like you normally do. Just don't go and play "Fast and the Furious" for a little while. Meaning just drive normally.

Lastly, and I consider this the most important. Change the fluids on the vehicle regularly. Even with the new "100,000 mile" coolants, I would strongly reccommend that they be changed annually. Same with Transmission, Transfer-Case, (4x4 equipped), and Rear-End Oil. If you have purchsed a vehicle where they claim no coolant change for 100,000 miles, be sure that you use their coolant. This is one fluid I would not head down to your local autoparts store to get. If you mix the incorrect coolant, it will gel-up and cause your engine to overheat. Then you have a really expensive Boat Anchor. :)

Keep that car tuned, and serviced. Follow the manufacturers reccommendations for the life you have the car and you can't go wrong, AND for the record, YES!!! Change the oil every 3000 miles or 90 days whichever occurs first. This includes using synthetic oils. It is not a marketing poly, as folks would have you believe, keeping that oil clean can make the difference between your car passing a smog test or failing it.

If you are living here in California, you know exactly what I mean with the new Dynometer Testing.

Anyhow, congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle, and I hope this information will help you keep that car in your garadge for many years, and give you reliable service for many more.

Answer 3

This is nonsense. Break your car in from new by heading down the Auobahn, Freeway, Motorway at the speed limit, or 90 MPH for 50 miles and turn round and come back.
that will get the stress out of the block then use all the revs but dont let the engine labour for the next 500.
My pal had a Garage and when new cars came by road 50 miles from the factory, the paint bwould be blistered off the exhaust and the engine would be red hot, but they woulkd be fine, when they came on a transporter with 5 miles on the Clock they would burn oil because the piston rings never got to bed in. Fast Break in Fast Car.

Answer 4

To "break it in". The engine and trans are new and this gets all parts to wear evenly together until they mate perfectly. The only thing you want to try to avoid is one speed for extended times. Dont get on the highway and drive 50mph for an hour or two. Vary the speeds so the engine can wear in at different RPM's. This is good for the engine. Drive at 55 for a little while then 60 then drop to 45, etc.

Answer 5

Years ago the break in period was really recommended but with newer models I have been told to drive the car like you are going to within reason of course.. The only two important issues were to vary the speed some on long drives and to avoid hard braking ..

Answer 6

There are all sorts of wives tales pertaining to the "Break in period"

Why I usually suggest is drive normal, at varying speeds and engine power. BUT change your fluids early, the filters and fluids will have the metal shavings and left over manufacturing debris in it, and this is the only way to remove it before the debris causes wear.

Answer 7

Piston rings need to "wear in" properly to the cylinder walls and excessive speed can cause premature wear.... should aslo change oil and filter after the first 1000 miles to remove any casting slag or sand left in the engine during casting as a precaution.

Answer 8

Paul H has the right answer,the piston rings are the main thing to break in correctly.If they are not broken in correctly the engine will never run efficiently.Stray metals will be found in the first oil change.I normally send a sample oil to Brookstone Labs for analysis to see what metals are found.

Answer 9

I think they just want you to take it easy for a few miles, no sustained high speed at the same rpm like a cruise control would do. just vary speed up and down a little take it easy and you will be fine.

Answer 10

You can go over 60, its just not reccomened to go long distances or stay at a constant speed. What is good is actually getting on it a bit (not redline) then let it cool off. Getting on it a bit builds pressure under the rings and lets them expand, as well as letting them get warm then cooling off. Doing this will allow your rings to set correctly.