Hey , just came across this site and would like to know what other members think about this method of breaking in a new car. check this site out here:


http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

I've been using a similar method for years after rebuilding an engine. Dad taught me something to that effect about 10 years ago after I re-ringed the engine in my old mitsu truck.

go out on an open highway and run it through 3rd and 4th from low/midrange RPM up to about redline at WOT. then SLOWLY take your foot off the gas and use the engine to brake down to the lower rpm and do it again. I do that for about 60 miles, and the engine's pretty much done. go home and change the oil at normal intervals after that.
after I got done rebuilding the engine, I did a compression test on it before even starting it. around 120psi in each cylinder... after ~50 miles of break-in, it was around 170psi which is factory spec for a new engine.
I did it again after 1500 and 3000 miles and it was at ~175psi both times.

 

My VQ35 should be in fine shape then.

 

When I got my new (POS) clutch put in, I asked my mechanic if I should be easy on it, he said nope, drive it as you usually would, well the clutch is just now starting to grab nice, I think mostly to my change of driving style. As for an engine, I think he's right, why break in an engine grannying it, when you know your gonna be pouncing on it later?

 

+1 on matt's method

Been doing it that way for atleast 3 generations. Simple, easy and effective. Also somewhat frequent oil changes for the first 1000 miles just for good measure.

 

thats pretty interesting, too bad i bought my car used and didnt get the chance to do all that lol but i probably will on my next new purchase, whenever that may be

 

I bought my car brand new off the show room floor and lucky I stomped the pedal to the metal which helped out

 

I totally agree with that article and have broken in all of my cars exactly that way. I've never owned a car that consumed a drop of oil EVER in my life. When I baught my Maxima it was WOT as I was pulling out of the dealers lot.

Drive it hard from day one!

 

wow... i was afraid of buying a car with 100 miles on it from the dealer, thought it was a test car that everyone "beat" on, i guess its not too bad now

 

well there's a difference between beating on the test drive car and breaking it in.
biggest one is you MUST let the engine warm up properly first. dealer test drives almost never get the engine up to operating temps.

 

so when i go get my sis's new altima from the dealer, i should give it hell for a few miles? sounds good to me

 

Ahh the drive it like you stole it method.

 

most cars get a beat-down before getting to the dealers.