how long does it take to break in a new car?

Question

a 350Z?

Answer 1

Used to be, motors had lots of newly-machined parts, so the moving surfaces generated lots of tiny, microscopic particles that you didn't want floating around in your oil. There was always the philosophic dichotomy of "take it easy" versus "drive it hard" as good techniques for "breaking in" your new car. I subscribe to the former. If the wear surfaces were going to break in, I want that done gently. New cars vary, and the different manufacturers have their differing philosophies about how to treat motors with a couple of miles off the assembly line. If you're talking about a car whose odometer is in double digits, ask the dealer. If it's too late, just drive like an old lady for a few thousand miles.

You can infer what the break-in period is by looking at the recommended first oil change. The manufacturer wants you to get rid of newly-generated small particles. Newer cars can get a lot of miles between changes, but sometimes it's good to just drive a couple of thousand miles, then change the oil. If you have one of those magnetic oil drain plugs, that should give you a hint as to how much your motor is throwing off little metal pieces. Of course, to check that, you have to pull it, and that's tantamount to an oil change anyway.

So- I can't give you a real answer. "How long" really means "how many average miles." I'd say, cut the recommended first oil change's mileage by half, then get the next one *at* the recommended mileage.

If you change the oil regularly, you can drive that car forever. My 1786 Volvo has over 300,000 miles, and the motor is as strong as ever. (The interior is kinda crappy, but that's not the moving metal parts.) My 1964 F-100 has similar mileage, but when I got it, there was no speedometer cable, so its exact mileage is unknown. My 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel has over 250,000 and is still fine, but that's a diesel for you.

Good that you're asking because that means you care about your car. If you want to do some hard driving (racing?) it's good to break things in first. If you do drive hard, remember, your moving parts will wear out faster because you're putting more force on the moving parts. The cylinder walls will wear more if the pistons are forced down with a greater amount of fuel and air; the crank bearings will wear more if you normally use it at 100% max power. But racers don't care about longevity, just performance. Not sure which you are, but asking indicates you're smarter than the average driver. Good on ya!

Answer 2

i could disagree with you. in case you % to truly gauge the sturdiness of the distinctive vehicles then circulate out and count selection what number 70s, 80s & 90s vehicles, of each and every make, there are in any given vehicle parking zone. The older you get the less eastern & eu vehicles and the greater distinctive the yank vehicles. American vehicles out survive the two eastern and eu vehicles. in case you % to stumble on eastern vehicles from the 70s and 80s you need to circulate to a junk backyard. I drove a 1984 Olds Cutlass Ciera and averaged slightly over 20,000 miles a year. The odometer broke while the vehicle had 287,000 miles on it and that i drove it for yet another 3 years till now I traded it off. the only ingredient different than ordinary upkeep substitute into an alternator. i've got owned American, eastern and eu vehicles and have chanced on American vehicles to be each and each bit as or greater good plus they're going to take a beating that the others won't.

Answer 3

Take it easy the first 1000 miles. Follow the manufactures instructions in your owners manual.

Answer 4

Most cars state in their manuels that 600 miles is the magic number.

Answer 5

I allways try to take it easy,under 65mph for atleast the first 500 miles and after that let her rip.

Answer 6

I heard the way you drive .Around 250 yrds.