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5 Things You Should Never Do In A Brand New Vehicle
Congratulations on your new car! You're probably excited to get behind the wheel and start exploring, but before you do, there are a few things you should know about breaking in your new engine. Proper break-in is essential for the reliability, performance, and longevity of your vehicle. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your car will last for many years to come.
1. Don't Give Your Vehicle Full Throttle
One of the worst things you can do for your new engine is to give it full throttle. This can put excessive stress on the engine components and cause them to wear out prematurely. When you're first starting out, it's best to keep the RPMs below 3,000. As your engine breaks in, you can gradually increase the RPMs, but never go above the redline.
2. Don't Take Your Engine to Redline
The redline is the maximum RPM that your engine can safely reach. When you take your engine to redline, you're putting a lot of stress on the engine components and increasing the risk of damage. It's best to avoid taking your engine to redline, even when you're just testing out the car's performance.
3. Don't Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a great feature for long road trips, but it's not a good idea to use it when you're breaking in your new engine. Cruise control can cause the engine to run at a constant RPM, which can lead to uneven wear on the engine components. It's best to avoid using cruise control until your engine is fully broken in.
4. Don't Travel Short Distances
When you're breaking in your new engine, it's important to avoid taking short trips. Short trips don't give the engine enough time to warm up properly, which can lead to increased wear and tear. It's best to take your car on a long drive at least once a week to help break in the engine.
5. Don't Tow
Towing a trailer or other heavy load can put a lot of stress on your new engine. It's best to avoid towing anything until your engine is fully broken in. If you must tow something, be sure to keep the load as light as possible and avoid driving at high speeds.
Engine Break-In Procedures
There are a few different engine break-in procedures that you can follow. The best procedure for your car will depend on the make and model. Some manufacturers recommend a specific break-in period, while others simply recommend following the general guidelines outlined above. Here are a few examples of different engine break-in procedures:
- Nissan GT-R: The Nissan GT-R has a specific break-in period of 1,200 miles. During this period, drivers are advised to avoid full throttle, high RPMs, and sudden stops.
- Acura NSX: The Acura NSX has a break-in period of 1,000 miles. During this period, drivers are advised to avoid full throttle, high RPMs, and towing.
- Chevrolet Corvette: The Chevrolet Corvette has a break-in period of 500 miles. During this period, drivers are advised to avoid full throttle, high RPMs, and towing.
- Land-Speed Record Car: FCA engineer Jason Fenske built a land-speed record car as a hobby. He used a unique engine break-in procedure that involved running the engine at high RPMs for short periods of time. This procedure helped to break in the engine quickly and safely.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your new car's engine will last for many years to come. Remember, proper break-in is essential for the reliability, performance, and longevity of your vehicle. So take it easy on your new car and enjoy the ride!