Do New Car Engines Have to Be Broken In?
Introduction
In the past, new car engines required a break-in period of 500 to 1,000 miles. During this time, drivers were advised to avoid driving at high speeds or putting the engine under heavy load.
However, with advances in engine technology, the need for a break-in period has become less clear. Some manufacturers now recommend no special break-in procedures, while others still suggest following a break-in schedule.
Do You Still Need to Break In a New Car Engine?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as the recommendations of the manufacturer.
If you are unsure whether or not your new car needs to be broken in, it is always best to consult the owner’s manual. The manual will provide specific instructions on how to break in the engine, if necessary.
Benefits of Breaking In a New Car Engine
There are several potential benefits to breaking in a new car engine properly, including:
- Improved engine life
- Reduced oil consumption
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Smoother operation
How to Break In a New Car Engine
If you do decide to break in your new car engine, here are some tips:
- Avoid high speeds. For the first 500 to 1,000 miles, avoid driving at speeds over 60 mph.
- Vary your speed. Don’t drive at the same speed for long periods of time. Vary your speed by driving at different speeds, such as 40 mph, 50 mph, and 60 mph.
- Avoid hard acceleration. When accelerating, do so gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard stops.
- Don’t tow heavy loads. For the first 500 to 1,000 miles, avoid towing heavy loads.
- Change the oil. After the first 500 to 1,000 miles, change the oil and filter. This will remove any metal shavings that may have been created during the break-in process.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need to break in your new car engine depends on the make and model of your car, as well as the recommendations of the manufacturer. If you are unsure whether or not your car needs to be broken in, it is always best to consult the owner’s manual.
If you do decide to break in your new car engine, following the tips above will help you get the most out of your engine.
