When you buy a new car, (I just got a LEXUS GS 350) is it true or a myth that you are not suppose to push the?

Question

car and/or drive fast for the first 1000 miles or so?

Answer 1

It is not really a question of driving fast it is rather a question of pushing the revolutions (rev) of the engine. Plus the fact that a lot of its part (not only engine wise but also of the body, suspension and the like) has to seat well with each other.
Nowadays, vehicles are pre-broken-in. Thus, there is a school of thought that states: to push it to red-line rpm every time that you shift (I think this is much more applicable to motorcycles than in cars), for the simple reason that there are more parts in a car than in a motorcycle. Again you have to include the body parts.
The golden rules in (breaking-in) new cars are:
1. Never start the car and immediately turning the engine off without letting it first reach the optimum engine temperature. Long drives are better for new engine and letting it idle too long is a no no.
2. Never pass 3,000 rpm in the first 100 m.
3. Never pass 3,500 rpm until 500 m.
4. Change your oil and oil filter after the first 500 m.
5. Never pass 4,000 rpm until 1,000 m.
6. Change your oil and oil filter after 1,000 m.
7. And, during all these vary your rpm. Never stick to an rpm and don't use cruise control yet.
8. After 1,000 m drive to your heart's content.
Per experience with a few cars (Isuzu Trooper, Mitsu MX, and Subaru WRX) I never had an engine break-down with that golden rule. And I usually drive my fast cars really fast.

Answer 2

I have two Lexus LS400's, one is mine with 185,000 miles on it, the other is my wife's with 239,000 miles on it. They have both been amazing cars. The city mileage is terrible, yes, but the comfort can not be matched. Reliability is beyond excellent. The repairs that do need to be performed are more expensive than a cheaper car, but on par with similarly priced cars. They do not need to be repaired very often, though, and with 139,000 miles on it your example is a baby just getting warmed up. The only concern I would have is the price; locally I found several for sale that had significantly lower mileage for the same price or similar mileage for $1,000 to $2,000 less. I would say that if you could get the car for $6,000 and it checks out okay at a mechanic then you are getting a great deal. A little more money wouldn't be wasted, though, if the seller won't come down that far in price. The electrical and luxury features on these cars are more reliable than most. You won't spend time trying to track down gremlins keeping your power seat from working like in many others. That's nice. Keep on top of any repairs that need done. Ignore one, and when the next one comes up you will start to feel dissatisfied with the car. If you keep on top of them you'll stay happy with it. I've been really pleased with my car, for the price it can't be beat. I've owned it for years when I usually trade cars every year or two. Be sure you can put up with the 16mpg though. That is a realistic figure and you will regret it if you drive a ton and can't afford gas!

Answer 3

You really shouldn't drive very fast for the first thousand miles. That's all i've heard about that, my boyfriend has worked on cars for many many years. Don't know about the 'push it' part, what do you mean by that? If you mean gunning the engine or peeling out or something, then yeah, you're right. Just be careful with it for a while until you get it 'broken in'. Remember, if it's brand new, it is a baby, and you don't just give a baby solid food and expect it to walk at the age of 2 days. Have fun getting to know your car!!!!

Answer 4

Generally, for all new cars, there is a "break in" period that in which the engine "gets used" to driving. In my Toyota, which is pretty much the same as a Lexus (not), there was a break in period where you were NOT supposed to exceed speeds of 65 mph and other things. You can actually check in your owner's manual if there are specifications on what to do during the break in period. You will most definitely find one and I would advise following it's instructions, especially on a LEXUS (!). It will make the car run better in its later years and will increase the value of it when or if you ever decide to sell it.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My Chevy owners manual clearly said that a break in period is needed. It said to avoid rapid acceleration (except in emergency) & not to tow anything for the first 1000 miles. Also violent braking. When metal parts are new, they tend to be a little thick per say and cause alot of excessive friction. Until everything find it's desired shape, it's best to take it easy.

Answer 6

No it isnt. Parts of the engine need some time to wear properly so it is prudent to not go above 55 mph for the first 500-1000 miles.

Answer 7

To properly break in a new engine you are to drive the first 1000 miles alternating your city and highway driving. This allows your engines sensors to go through diffrent conditions to operate properly and your engine to form a "memory" so as to operate at maximum efficiency...... Just be sure you run plus grade fuel for maximum mileage unless your car manufacturer specifies premium fuel.....

Answer 8

its a very good idea you shouldn't

it needs a while to break in the piston rings, so if you push it the very first time you drive off the lot, you may break one of them

its a rule of thumb with every car that you drive it around a bit, then after 1k-3k miles or so, then you can try and unleash its full power

Answer 9

yeah you need to let the engine break in for the first 500 miles. untill you reach that point just roll on the gas easy, or at least don't try to burn out or drag race.

Answer 10

older cars all had a breakin period of 500 miles , i wouldnt push any new motor for the frist 500 miles