Break In Procedure?!?!

[reddrako]

I have bought many new-used cars, but, have never bought a totally new car with very little or no miles on it.

My question would be: What is the/a proper break-in procedure for the 05' ?

Any reply would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[squeeeg]

car companies have been saying for a couple years that cars no longer need a "break in" period but i would take it easy for the first 1000-1500miles and nothing over 55 for the first 500. Change the oil at 500 also.

[reddrako]

Thanks squeeeg, I appreciate the reply. It is nice to know these things and without the help of people like yourself I would not.

This is one car I am seriously looking forward to getting and I would like to take the absolute best care of it.

Thanks again.

[nshaner]

It used to be the valve seals inside of car engines needed to run at engine like temperatures for several hundred miles before "setting" correctly. If you ran the car too hard, you'd just blow the seals right out and the car would start to eat oil, etc.

You would also need to take the car in after 1000 miles to make sure the seals set correctly.

When I bought a 2000 Ford ZX2 in 2000, I was told that new valve seals don't require a break in period.

I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure that the vast majority of new cars no longer require a break in; however, it can never hurt to baby the car for a little while, especially if your dealership tells you too.

[beerme]

My owners manual says it doesn't require breakin, but for the first 1000 miles try not to run at the same RPM for long.

[SNW BLUE BY YOU]

Drive it like you stole it!

[saulsse]

Vary your speed for the first 500. After the first 500 check the oil and ensure it is at full markings.

Let the break-in oil do its job, and change it out after 2500-3000 mile service (recommended by my dealer).

No hammering the engine (like driving it like its stolen bit) giving the componets a chance to come together will pay big dividends down the road.

Stephen from Atlanta

[SNW BLUE BY YOU]

Sorry Stephen, but I have to disagree with you.
Outside of a normal warmup, run it hard, and maintain it.
I have 20 years professional wrenching experience, 13years as a Ford dealership tech, 10years as an ASE Master, and 6 years as a Ford Master Tech in engines and chassis.
I also run my own high performance shop, that will install an air filter, or build you a race car
On a daily basis I see the best and worst of vehicles and their owners.
The fact of the matter is, we can agree to disagree. I have only experience and time on my side.
Four days and approx 100 miles after the purchase of my 03 Cobra, the car was run at a sustained 150+mph. 20,000 miles later, it has required nothing other than oil changes.
This car is used in open track events, autocross, and drag racing.
It has been driven hard since day one, but always properly maintained, perhaps that is why I am one of the few owners of 03-04 Cobras who has not suffered the littany of complaints that have plauged those who choose to drive them like a Model A.
On average my vehicles are in my possession for 120,000 miles or more.
By the way, there is no such thing as break in oil!
:rolleyes:SNW Ford High Performance LLC. (snwfordhighperformance.com)

[saulsse]

We each have views of how to break a vehicle in.

In my situation, it is my regular driver, ergo short of renting a car, I have no second car.

I still prefer the easy going way for the first 1500 miles or so, I did that in several previous vehicles that I have owned over the years. A Chevy Chevette (laugh all you want) carried me back and forth between military duty stations and other places.

All told I racked up 275,000 miles on that little car before I went onto other things. One clutch replaced at 121,000 and clutch cable that broke at 23,000. Other than that except for tune-up's oil changes and tires I never had anything major.

Stephen from Atlanta

[nascaracing]

Mine and all the reports read "Drive like you stole it". Have had nothing go wrong yet.