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I have searched the forum but have not come across another thread on this. Just curious what is the correct way to break in a new car. I was unaware of this. Hopefully I haven't caused any damage to the motor or anything.
What is the correct way to break in a new car
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Avoid rapid acceleration i.e. flooring it once the light turns green. Also, avoid revving the engine over 4500RPM and sudden braking. After 750 miles break in period will be over, but I wouldn't do anything crazy until the car 2k miles since everything is still new.
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thanks, I dont know if I followed that or not, but I try to redline it as little as possible. I have about 2300 miles on it right now. Hopefully I didn't cause any damage.
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I would think its okay to brake hard once or twice during the break in period, sometimes its unavoidable like when a light suddenly turns red or when someone cuts in front of you, but doing it constantly will wear the brakes out faster. Pressing the brake pedal gradually and slowly is the best way to brake.
It’s not going to kill anything to stop quickly once or twice. however if you keep doing it you will "glaze" your pads, which means that they wont stop very well. You will need to get them machined in order to fix this.
As for the engine, yes, don’t floor it or take it to redline. Just Drive like you have your mom in the car, you know? About 1000 miles of this is fine. Also if it’s a brand new engine, you will want to change the oil and add some full synthetic or whatever you are going to be using since they put a special break-in mineral oil at the factory. This makes sure all the seals seat correctly. Once you change the oil after the initial 1000K miles its all good to go. Stomp on it at you see fit.
As for the engine, yes, don’t floor it or take it to redline. Just Drive like you have your mom in the car, you know? About 1000 miles of this is fine. Also if it’s a brand new engine, you will want to change the oil and add some full synthetic or whatever you are going to be using since they put a special break-in mineral oil at the factory. This makes sure all the seals seat correctly. Once you change the oil after the initial 1000K miles its all good to go. Stomp on it at you see fit.
Break-in
The TSX engine is a wonderfully precise machine - it does not require much break-in. However, there are some general rules to follow for every car not just to break in the engine but the car. Your breaks, drive, transmission, suspension, tires, etc... all require break-in.
So here are some general rules that I picked up from reading a lot on the topic.
- For the first 1000 Miles avoid reving the engine past 5000 rpm - this will help not just the engine but the other components as well.
- Having said that - make sure you do vary the speed of the engine - if it is wearing a groove into a seal you'll accelerate that by driving at a steady speed.
- Avoid hard cornering
- after a few hundred miles though - do start to break harder occassionally rather than keeping it gental
- I'll repeat - the key to a good engine and transmission break in is to vary the speed both of the engine and the transmission.
- Do not replace the first engine oil until at least 3000 Miles.
- Make sure all your fluids are topped up and tire pressure is good at this critical time - if not you will do damage.
- Keep your eyes on the road - not on your new car during the critical time. You would not believe how many accidents happen in new cars. And the worst thing for break-in is to crash the car.
The TSX engine is a wonderfully precise machine - it does not require much break-in. However, there are some general rules to follow for every car not just to break in the engine but the car. Your breaks, drive, transmission, suspension, tires, etc... all require break-in.
So here are some general rules that I picked up from reading a lot on the topic.
- For the first 1000 Miles avoid reving the engine past 5000 rpm - this will help not just the engine but the other components as well.
- Having said that - make sure you do vary the speed of the engine - if it is wearing a groove into a seal you'll accelerate that by driving at a steady speed.
- Avoid hard cornering
- after a few hundred miles though - do start to break harder occassionally rather than keeping it gental
- I'll repeat - the key to a good engine and transmission break in is to vary the speed both of the engine and the transmission.
- Do not replace the first engine oil until at least 3000 Miles.
- Make sure all your fluids are topped up and tire pressure is good at this critical time - if not you will do damage.
- Keep your eyes on the road - not on your new car during the critical time. You would not believe how many accidents happen in new cars. And the worst thing for break-in is to crash the car.
"- Having said that - make sure you do vary the speed of the engine - if it is wearing a groove into a seal you'll accelerate that by driving at a steady speed. "
This is an urban myth. Trust me; I worked in the service department at a BMW dealership for 3 years. I know what’s bunk and what’s not, and what the dealers tell you to do but you don’t need to do, it’s just for them to make extra money off of you.
What I listed before is standard operating procedure for all new BMWs. If you think the TSX is made so well that it doesn’t need to be broken in, in the same manner, I’m afraid you are wrong.
Like I said, you really should change the oil after the first 1000K miles. After that you are good for every 5K miles between changes. In fact, if you don’t race your car, and use full synthetic you only need to change the oil every 7500 miles. Just don’t cheap out on the oil filter, that’s a nono.
This is an urban myth. Trust me; I worked in the service department at a BMW dealership for 3 years. I know what’s bunk and what’s not, and what the dealers tell you to do but you don’t need to do, it’s just for them to make extra money off of you.
What I listed before is standard operating procedure for all new BMWs. If you think the TSX is made so well that it doesn’t need to be broken in, in the same manner, I’m afraid you are wrong.
Like I said, you really should change the oil after the first 1000K miles. After that you are good for every 5K miles between changes. In fact, if you don’t race your car, and use full synthetic you only need to change the oil every 7500 miles. Just don’t cheap out on the oil filter, that’s a nono.
Joe - I am familiar with urban legends, and trust me that is not one of them. I have rebuilt engines with my uncle who has a great deal of experience in this matter (over 25 years).JoeB18R said:
BMWs are very different from TSX - as are Porche - you can actually take a Porche off the dealer lot and drive as fast as you like.
I have to disagree with you on several points.
- Don't change the oil for at least 3000 K
- Vary the speed of the engine and don't drive constantly in the same gear
- Don't use synthetic until the second oil change.
But as in all things - many people don't follow a strict diet for the same reason - they just don't believe the benefits are there. So you are certainly entiteled to your opinion, however I believe I have more studied the topic more.
i never said to use synth on the first oil change, but that is done at the factory. using synthetic after the break in mineral oil has lubricated and "swelled" the seals usiong whatever oil you want is fine.
ALso, I said it is important to vary speed, but not for the reason you stated.
ALso, I said it is important to vary speed, but not for the reason you stated.
Ummm - It sure looks like you told him to use synthetic at the 1st change. I have been told that synthetic motor oil should not be added until about 10K, atleast this is the word for a Cummins Turbo Diesel. You need to allow the rings to seat using non synthetic oil.JoeB18R said:
Instead of guessing and listening to others, read you owners manual or write AMH.
I figure that's what I'll do. Speed limits get progressivly higher as you head west so I suppose I can *try* to drive the speed limit going 55-65-70-75 by then I'll have over 1000 miles on it when I hit west of Denver...80...85? 90?jcg878 said:
Probably not.Thanks!
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Did you get Navi? You can use the Points of Interest feature and find places to pit stop and let your car cool down from time to time ;-Poffset_98 said:I figure that's what I'll do. Speed limits get progressivly higher as you head west so I suppose I can *try* to drive the speed limit going 55-65-70-75 by then I'll have over 1000 miles on it when I hit west of Denver...80...85? 90?
Thanks!
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