Running in an engine? Brand new

[Ryan-H]

Hi,

I am expecting a delivery of my brand new Nissan Tiida Ti 1.8 4 speed automatic sedan in the next 3 weeks.

Never owning a car from "Brand New" i want to know the best way to run in my engine.

Soft or Hard?

I have recently been reading up some articles on google and i came across this really intresting site that says to run the engine hard in the first 20 miles then go get the oil changed? Whats the best way.

My current Tiida is running perfectly fine (i don't want to drive a manual anymore) but because it is ex demo i did not run the car in.

How did you do it?

[Andrews Chalmers]

Broke it in per the instructions of the owner's manual.

Gentle acceleration, avoid high rpm, avoid driving at the same rpm for extended periods of time.

[kerrton]

I agree, the procedure in the manual is based on Nissan precision engineering, testing, and years of experience. The "run it hard" theory of breaking an engine in is somebody's opinion that I wouldn't be comfortable implementing on my own vehicle because the stakes are too high. From my research, the "run it hard" break-in theory is based mainly on motorcyles which are probably quite a bit different than the engine in your Nissan. The Nissan break in procedure is customized to your specific engines by the engineers that built it, as is the maintenance schedule for oil changes etc, so just follow that and you'll be great.

[fjwagner]

Hi,I have recently been reading up some articles on google and i came across this really intresting site that says to run the engine hard in the first 20 miles then go get the oil changed? Whats the best way.

just because an article is found on the internet, does not make it correct and you are wise to check. I agree with others which is to follow the advice of the manual. I do not think Nissan does it, but Honda actually has a special "break in" oil which I believe has more molybdenum in it and is mean to be run the full oil change cycle. Bottom line, follow the instructions! Fred

[barra]

driver's manual information:

CAUTIONDuring the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),follow these recommendations to obtainmaximum engine performance and ensurethe future reliability and economy ofyour new vehicle. Failure to follow theserecommendations may result in shortenedengine life and reduced engineperformance.-Avoid driving for long periods at constantspeed, either fast or slow, and do not run theengine over 4,000 rpm.-Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.-Avoid quick starts.-Avoid hard braking as much as possible.