Do New Car Engines Really Need to Be Broken In?
The Old School of Thought
For decades, it was common knowledge that new car engines needed to be broken in. The theory went that during the break-in period, the engine’s components would wear in and mate together, creating a more efficient and reliable engine.
To break in an engine, drivers were advised to follow a strict regimen of driving at varying speeds and loads, and to avoid hard acceleration or high revs. This process could take hundreds or even thousands of miles.
The New School of Thought
In recent years, the break-in period has become less common. This is due in part to advances in engine design and manufacturing, which have made engines more tolerant of high revs and loads.
Today, many automakers recommend that drivers simply follow the instructions in their owner’s manuals, which typically advise against hard driving but do not specify a break-in period.
So, Do You Need to Break In Your New Car Engine?
The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you are driving a high-performance car or you plan on doing a lot of hard driving, it may be beneficial to follow a break-in period. However, for most drivers, it is no longer necessary to break in a new car engine.
Here are some tips for breaking in a new car engine:
- Avoid hard acceleration or high revs during the first few hundred miles.
- Vary your speed and load during the break-in period.
- Change your oil and filter after the first few hundred miles.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need to break in your new car engine depends on your individual circumstances. If you are unsure, it is best to consult your owner’s manual or speak to a qualified mechanic.
