Break in period

[cmyX6go]

So how do you boys and girls drive brand new rides? Do you baby them for the first 500 or so miles or do you just drive it like you stole it?

I'm somewhere in between. I pay more attention to the tach than the speedometer.

What do you do? What should one do?

OK - how do I do this poll stuff anyway

[kustjag]

The engine revolutions are what matter, not the speed. Keep the RPMs varied and don't stick to one level for too long. Also do not over rev the engine before break in period is concluded.

Last note, most people don't realize that you need to break in the brakes and rotors as well. I borrowed the following instructions from the web:

with new brakes, the first few applications of the brake pedal will result in almost no braking power. Gently apply the brakes a few times at low speed in order to build up some grip before blasting down the road at high speed. Otherwise, you may be in for a nasty surprise the first time you hit the brakes at 60 mph.
When following these instructions, please avoid doing it in the presence of other vehicles. Breaking in your new pads and rotors is often best done very early in the morning, since other drivers will have no idea what you are up to and will respond in a variety of ways ranging from fear to curiosity to aggression. And an officer of the law will probably not understand when you try to explain why you were driving erratically! Zeckhausen Racing does not endorse speeding on public roads and takes no responsibility for any injuries or tickets you may receive while following these instructions.
From a speed of about 60mph, gently apply the brakes to slow the car down to about 45mph, then accelerate back up to 60mph and repeat. Do this about four or five times to bring the brakes up to operating temperature. This prevents you from thermally shocking the rotors and pads in the next steps.
Make a series of eight near-stops from 60 to about 10 mph. Do it HARD by pressing on the brakes firmly, just shy of locking the wheels or engaging ABS. At the end of each slowdown, immediately accelerate back to 60mph. DO NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP! (Note: With less aggressive street pads and/or stock brake calipers, you may need to do this fewer times. If your pedal gets soft or you feel the brakes going away, then you've done enough. Proceed to the next step.)
During this process, you must not come to a complete stop because you will transfer (imprint) pad material onto the hot rotors, which can lead to vibration, uneven braking, and could even ruin the rotors.
Depending on the pads you are using, the brakes may begin to fade slightly after the 7th or 8th near-stop. This fade will stabilize, but not completely go away until the brakes have fully cooled. A bad smell from the brakes, and even some smoke, is normal.
After the 8th near-stop, accelerate back up to speed and drive around for as long as possible without using the brakes. The brakes will need at least 10 minutes to cool down. Obviously, it's OK to use the brakes to avoid an accident, but try to minimize their use until they have cooled.

[cmyX6go]

Thanks for the info on the brakes. In a couple of situations I didn't think my brakes were as effective as they should be.

[cmyX6go]

Hmmm, ~KaiFY voted somewhere in between. I thought for sure he was a drive it like you stole it kind of guy

Carry on

[Fastbuck]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

Hmmm, ~KaiFY voted somewhere in between. I thought for sure he was a drive it like you stole it kind of guy

That's because you didn't give him a "Drive it like your daddy will buy you a new one if it breaks" category.

[cmyX6go]

RYAN!

[Wagner]

IMO entirely, drive the car the way you intend to drive the car. I have read a billion articles, some say take it easy, let rings settle..blah blah blah, other says 'drive it like you stole it'. I don't really believe either one is accurate. IMO you shouldn't red-line the ride but you also shouldn't coddle it. Of course, when a motor is cold go easy, but once it is warm..regardless of mileage..IMO go for it. You aren't a F1 racer, you aren't going to be nearly as hard on the motor (by average) as you think you are. Enjoy the ride (sorry, nissan quote).

Curious, I've always wondered why people ask how to break in a motor, but never the trans/drive-axles or other multiple moving lubricated parts that need the same "experience".

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by Wagner

I
Curious, I've always wondered why people ask how to break in a motor, but never the trans/drive-axles or other multiple moving lubricated parts that need the same "experience".

I have an excuse, I'm a girl. I need you men to tell me how things work

[kustjag]

Why are you all stirring up the hornet's nest??? It's been nice and quiet around here without the egos

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

I have an excuse, I'm a girl. I need you men to tell me how things work

Well see little lady these mechanical things can be confusing to you pretty thangs