[Darth Cruzer]

For those who already own their SCs, what does the manual state as the recommended break in guidelines?
Speed, Rev, drive modes, distance, etc.?
Thanx.

 

[soldthetaco]

The manual is vague, and I really like quantifiable things so here is my interpretation:

• Keep engine rev lower than 4k RPM
• Don't let the engine speed remain constant for more than 30 seconds
• Don't brake too hard unless you have to (this one is debatable, the worst case scenario if brakes are not properly broken in is just replacing pads and rotors, not a big deal)
• Maybe don't go too fast for too long(100 mph more than 10 mins)... even if SC on 8th gear can keep engine rev low, but diffs are still new and temp can get very hot if spins too fast
• Don't tow at all

 

[Walking Black Bear]

Don't let the engine speed remain constant for more than 30 seconds??? That's not even possible in my world. LOL I have a 90 minute highway drive home from the dealer when I pick it up. I guess I can just play dashboard drums on the paddle shifters all the way home ...

 

[soldthetaco]

Don't let the engine speed remain constant for more than 30 seconds??? That's not even possible in my world. LOL I have a 90 minute highway drive home from the dealer when I pick it up. I guess I can just play dashboard drums on the paddle shifters all the way home ...

that's exactly what I did, holding the vehicle speed constant, I was able to cycle through 3 gears still keeping the rev within 2-4k rpm

 

[albnc74]

By following a few simple precautions for the first 600 miles (1,000km) you may add to the performance, economy and life of your vehicle.
• Do not race the engine.
• While driving, keep your engine speed (RPM, or revolutions per minute) between 2,000 RPM and 4,000 RPM.
• Do not maintain a single speed for long periods of time, either fast or slow. Varying engine speed is needed to properly break-in the engine.
• Avoid hard stops, except in emergencies, to allow the brakes to seat properly.
• Fuel economy and engine performance may vary depending on vehicle break-in process and be stabilized after 4,000 miles (6,000 km). New engines may consume more oil during the vehicle break-in period.
• Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles (2,000km) of operation.

 

[Darth Cruzer]

Thanx everyone for your guidance.

 

[Walking Black Bear]

that's exactly what I did, holding the vehicle speed constant, I was able to cycle through 3 gears still keeping the rev within 2-4k rpm

That's going to be fun trying to remember to do that every time I drive for a week ... but I'll survive. LOL

 

[micsandman]

You have no control over some of the break-in if you bought a vehicle after it has been test driven multiple times. I wonder how crucial it is for the longevity of the vehicle?

 

[albnc74]

it isn't ... it's all complete BS ... it's mostly a legal CYA on their part ... if your engine blows up in the first 6mo, they're going to ask you if you followed the proper break-in procedure, and if you claim you never read that, they're going to try to blame it on you.

 

[JMII]

it's all complete BS

Not complete BS.. but also not something that requires NASA-like levels of precision either. Just don't beat on it, drive conservatively and allow all the parts to heat up slowly and bed in properly. Heat causes things to expand so putting lots of heat quickly into a new engine, trans or diff is not a good idea as tolerances are tight and excess wear can occur. Honestly these rules extend beyond break in and should be followed any time you start up and drive off. Just wait until the vehicle reaches operating temperature before pushing it hard. This is especially true with turbos.

 

[Wontonpierre]

In normal mode I can't get it to stay in that range (2000-4000 RPM) in the city. So I've been doing all sport mode.

 

[Phil75]

I have been wondering about the break-in. No one at the dealership said anything. Last evening I happened to read the section in the manual about break-in procedure. We have two miles of driving at 40+ MPH to get to a highway. Then we drive 15 to 30 minutes at 65 MPH to get were we are going. Because of natural geography we do not have choices but to use the highway.
I remember about 50 years ago we bought a new car. I asked about break-in procedures. The dealer said, “That is not so important with these new cars.” Then he told about taking a car off of the lot and driving it across several states at steady highway speeds to go pheasant hunting. The day we picked up our car we drove it about 500 miles at highway speeds. We drove that car 85,000 miles before selling it to the son of a friend. I never saw any indication the engine suffered in the least from its early use and not so cautious break-in. I believe we may have changed the engine oil after the first 1,000 miles, but that was all.

 

[ToadVine]

Probably need to worry more about breaking-in the brakes and tranny clutches, rather than the engine. (This is not to say 'just ignore the fact that the engine is brand new.')

 

[CvPec]

I have been wondering about the break-in. No one at the dealership said anything. Last evening I happened to read the section in the manual about break-in procedure. We have two miles of driving at 40+ MPH to get to a highway. Then we drive 15 to 30 minutes at 65 MPH to get were we are going. Because of natural geography we do not have choices but to use the highway.
I remember about 50 years ago we bought a new car. I asked about break-in procedures. The dealer said, “That is not so important with these new cars.” Then he told about taking a car off of the lot and driving it across several states at steady highway speeds to go pheasant hunting. The day we picked up our car we drove it about 500 miles at highway speeds. We drove that car 85,000 miles before selling it to the son of a friend. I never saw any indication the engine suffered in the least from its early use and not so cautious break-in. I believe we may have changed the engine oil after the first 1,000 miles, but that was all.

I'm going to assume that some may know this bit of info, but in the event some don't, be advised. Carfax has free online maintenance recorder.
It allows a user to add maintenance info about their vehicle. Any work in a shop or dealer may show as well if these shops are aligned with Carfax.

I was looking at the service history of my vehicle a month before I received it @ 1 mile, the oil and filter were changed at the factory.
So I'm thinking the vehicle was test driven and fluids were changed to clean out metal filings from motor and trans.

CARFAX Car Care: The Best Car Maintenance App for Service Alerts

Keep your car running smoothly with CARFAX Car Care. Get service reminders, vehicle history, and more! Available for free on both iOS and Android.

www.carfax.com

 

[JMII]

I have been wondering about the break-in. No one at the dealership said anything.

Dealers are clueless - I wouldn't ask them anything, the same guy who sold your car was likely selling TVs at Best Buy last month. Just follow what the manual says as best as possible.

 

[Denny]

I have been wondering about the break-in. No one at the dealership said anything. Last evening I happened to read the section in the manual about break-in procedure. We have two miles of driving at 40+ MPH to get to a highway. Then we drive 15 to 30 minutes at 65 MPH to get were we are going. Because of natural geography we do not have choices but to use the highway.
I remember about 50 years ago we bought a new car. I asked about break-in procedures. The dealer said, “That is not so important with these new cars.” Then he told about taking a car off of the lot and driving it across several states at steady highway speeds to go pheasant hunting. The day we picked up our car we drove it about 500 miles at highway speeds. We drove that car 85,000 miles before selling it to the son of a friend. I never saw any indication the engine suffered in the least from its early use and not so cautious break-in. I believe we may have changed the engine oil after the first 1,000 miles, but that was all.

I don't think its that critical, factory engins are fairly broken in already, mostly you just want to vary the speed a little here and their on your trip back.