Break-in schedule???

[bokingwen]

I just notice there is a break-in schdule in the user manual, on 5-43 there is a break-in schedule.

CautionDuring the first 1,200 miles (2,00 km), follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle.

Failure to follow these recommendations may result in shortened engine life and reduced engine performance.

- Avoid drving for long periods at constandt speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

- Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

- avoid quick starts.

- avoid hard braking as much as possible.

I remember reading a thread about break in but I couldn't find it anymore. How many of you followed this recommendations? I am going to Wasu Wi these weekend it is 5 hour each way. I only have 5xx miles on my car. The only thing that bothers is the first recommendations they said don't drive for a long periods at constant speed.

Any suggestion?

[302@12psi]

You can easily vary your speeds throughout the trip. My commute is about 25 mins all highway on my way to work. If you change lanes and just maintain with traffic you will probably vary your speeds 10mph or so. I did this every few mins. Honestly as long as you arent using the cruise control (which you shouldnt use) you will naturally vary speeds via hills, traffic, human nature.

I'm at 1,400 and honestly havent had a need to take it above 4k rpms yet. THe thing just moves so nicely. Once I get that oil out of there I'll try it a bit just to see what it feels like but so far it has plenty of power and I havent needed to do any major highway merging.

Engine break in is a highly debated topic inside the automotive world. Some people say drive it like you stole it as the engine needs different heat cyles to break others. Other's say drive it easy for a bit. I tend to follow the manufcatures recomendations on their breakin. My last two new vehicles were broken in rather easy and they didnt consume a drop of oil. The motors were ej25's (Subaru's) and are known for oil consumption.

[cjre1]

I would always follow the manual for the warranty sake, however, how to break in an engine is very debateable. Some say it is a slow process and some say floor it. I am in the middle type of guy. But no matter what you do, you need to be careful on the brakes, pulleys and pumps. There are many articles about how to properly break in an engine. It depends on your methods and what you are comfortable with.

Most engines are broken in at the factory anyway. The first 50 miles is what really matters.

[jonkarn]

Haven't needed to take it over 4K RPM's yet? What fun is that? This car is meant to be driven, drive it like a sports car! You may as well have gotten a 1986 Lincoln Town Car if you don't take it over 4K. I keep it in Manual and pretend Im driving a stick, downshifting to slow the car and to accelerate, etc. Enjoy!

(Moderator Edit: Duplicate partial post removed.)

[driveforfun]

I think there are common sense things to do with a new vehicle during a break in period and one of those things is to push the car and see how it will perform under a variety of conditions. Test pilots call it pushing the envelope. I certainly wouldn't suggest trying to roll the thing over, but push it hard in acceleration and braking. Push it in the corners. See what the car will do on wet pavement. Do all of these things whereby you are in control of the time and place. The fact of the matter is that you never know when an emergency driving situation will arise that forces you to push the edge of the performance envelope to avoid a collision. It's best to have already explored those performance parameters (while having a little fun too!).

That's just my perspective from a 30 year career in law enforcement. So drive that EX and have fun, and be safe!

[cjre1]

Good rule of thumb. Thanks for the update.

Summary: Drive hard, but safe and have fun!!!

[DAAN.]

I pushed it from the start

[UnMaTcHeD]

IMO the car has enough long end power where I did not really feel the need to push it early.

[cjre1]

With the technology of the engines now a days, you can do this. No worries, all the engines are broken in at the factory.

The brakes and other parts you need to worry about more.