New car break-in and engine break-in are two different things. In a new car, you are breaking--in transmission, clutch, breaks and anything else that moves. Engine break-in is specifically about engine. I wouldn't stress about it if you happen to go over what the manufacture recommends as the manufacutre do start the engine and rev it in all rpm range for testing before the engine is installed in the car.
This is info is key: the engine in a brand new car is ran on the dyno to seat the rings from the factory prior to being installed in the car and sold. Manufacturer recommendation separate from engine break in procedure. Both need to be done it’s just not needed if the engine is coming from the factory. If it’s a new engine build or rebuild with new pistons then engine break in must be followed first.
What people usually never consider here is the actual clutch. You always hear people talking about engine break in... But a brand new car has a brand new clutch as well. It is going to take you at least 500 miles to break in a new clutch and that is all city miles too. You somewhat covered this but didn't say clutch, just transmission. Something to keep in mind. Another thing to consider here. Most "new" cars where you buy it and it has ~30 miles on it have already been taken out and gunned by the sales people or on a test drive. If you ever worked at a dealer you would know this first hand. Doesn't even need to be a sports car, they run all of them pretty hard. So your new car very likely has been rung out by at least a few people before you get her.
Exactly! Most manufacturers run the car hard on a dyno before it leaves the factory to seat the rings. Then when you get the car and it has 2-3 miles (or more), then you should be gentle cause it might have metal shavings and other stuff in the oil until the first oil change. So the correct way is run it super hard very briefly, then baby it until the first oil change at 500 miles or whatever.
Great content. Just bought my very first new car--a Crosstrek--and this info was extremely helpful thank you! What are your thoughts on doing the first oil change after that first 1000 miles?
zinc content: ZDDP is the reason why, I believe anyway, there is a rec by some to rev high etc. because ZDDP requires you to run it hot enough, long enough to produce a coating on the moving parts of the engine. But, that doesn't apply to the entire car and/or trans. The trans, to me, need to be broken in, and until such, the gears and synchros might feel tight, harder to shift. Once they wear some, the slide better. But, engines today don't really need a "Break-in" period. I believe the first 1,000-2k miles should be smooth, easy driving. Then slowly start increasing the demand on the car in both pressure and time. But, I also don't follow the OEM rec. oil change intervals. I start ramping up load after 1k miles then start increasing load from then onward to about 2.5k miles. But I change the oil at about 1k-2k. Basically, I follow OEM for the first whatever thousand miles they say, and then I follow my own. I also change my oil every 3k or less or every 3 months, at the most.
I test drove a new wrx the other day. I drove the crap out of it...bounced off the rev limiter, slipped the clutch, tested the antilock brakes. Unless you order from the factory, this is how your car will be broken in.
I'd rather let the engine warm-up until the RPMs drop, personally. Most vulnerable when its cold, seems likes least amount of stress wold be zero load. Engine oil in my 23 WRX only takes only a few minutes to 200F with a warmed up engine, would think aby residual from running lean during a cold start idle can burn off if you are driving at operating temp after only a few minutes. Just IMO
I think the most important thing with new cars is the first oil change, should be around 1200 miles or so, to get rid of any break-in particles from the piston rings seating and bearing wear.
Follow the owners manual. The engineers who designed it and tested it know the best break in process. Warranty claims are an expensive problem for car makers
as I commented on this video: So I got a new car today, a corolla hatchback, and after work tonight, I let it warm up for a good 10-15 minutes because it was -20 celsius outside (Im in Canada). After it was warmed up I wanted to go a bit fast with it, so I took it on hwy and maybe shifted a bit aggresively jus to see how it goes and revd it a 3-4 times to 5000ish RPMs.. will this have caused any damage or premature wear?
I have never heard any engine builder say such a thing, They seem to say to keep the RPM below 3000 and take it easy for the first 1,500 miles, at which point you then would do another oil change.
The Science of it should be simple, have 2 of the same engine, run one like the manufacturer says and one with a dyno break in, then examine the differences.
The boxer motor is the same motor used in small air craft, wonder how they brake those in? I rarely hit 2500 rpm so now I am concerned the piston rings and ddrive train will brake in properly.
I've never deliberately broken in a new vehicle (I just drive them the way I always do) and I've never had any issues with any of the 3 vehicles I bought new. It's possible that the way I drive is just really optimal for break in.
Makes me wonder about hybrids with Atkinson engines. The engine doesn't even run all the time, and when it does it's going at low RPM just to charge the battery.
You should always change oil after 1k due to factory additives and detergents they add from the factory. After that oil change then boost it hard to seat the piston rings.
Every new car I ever bought recommended running the factory engine oil 'til the first scheduled because it is a "high-quality lubricant" with special additives.... A mechanic friend (sadly, now departed) recommended driving the break-in period as close to the car's intended every-day service use as possible.
Agree with John. I’m doing my first oil change at 500 miles to remove any metal shavings, then I’ll rev it up from 500-1000 to seat the piston rings. Trying to get the best of both schools of thought in the first 1000 miles
@@JohnnyUtah9173 Quoted from break-in recommendations for my Subaru. Similar recommendations were included in owners' manuals in my five Nissan trucks/ I've seen the recommendation and reasoning in several manuals from big-three auto makers, and even in the manuals for a '51 Studebaker.
The oil doesn't necessarily have special "break-in" additives but the engine itself has lubrication from the engine assembly process that mixes with the oil.
Thanks for the video was informative I'm breaking in my new outback right now and I'm doing it exactly the way you're talking about. What are your thoughts on how many miles break in oil should have before changing out? Thanks again.
Good points. Actually, there are a lot of newer cars on the road with oil consumption issues. Enough that I took the engine builders seriously. But it's not that rough--they bring new engines up to 2500 RPM and run them there for 20-25 minutes before doing a dyno pull. They aren't running them wide open for that long to get the rings to seat. They just aren't putzing around like your computer would do if you left it in D from the dealership and babied it until 1000+ miles.
I just broke in my GR Corolla (now 1k miles) Keep in mind -you are also breaking in the whole drive train (& brakes et al ) For the most part my list of things to do is very close to yours & what I have done going on at least 15 new vehicles. This is my short & dirty list for first 600 ish miles (& oil change) - I don't idle the engine to warm up - I drive very slow out of my residential area - no short trips or long trips (35 to 80 miles) - let engine get DEAD cold before next driving event - MPT - don't drive during rush hour - for one so as not to idle or abuse the clutch - step up engine RPM when accelerating. (in 1st gear - 1800 hold 15 sec 2000 for 15 sec 2200 for 15 sec 2500 for 15 sec - let car coast to 1800 & repeat in all gears) To not be the A-hole on the road I do this part of the break in at 5 am!!! -the controversial part - but it's what I do. 50-75% Wide Open Throttle a few times each session (starting at 3k RPM) Allow vehicle coast to 1800 rpm and hold for a bit oil up the cylinders & cool down a bit.
i have a vb wrx. just up to 1,300km. i have been driving it just like you say. i have another 3,000km to go but after that i will probably be still gentle with my driving.
My vehicle manual break-in section did not mention idling so i stayed in the car for an extended period (20-30 min) of time because it was hot outside. What effects will this have on my car? I had 15 minutes of idle time after driving 60 miles as well. Its a direct injection engine
So I got a new car today, a corolla hatchback, and after work tonight, I let it warm up for a good 10-15 minutes because it was -20 celsius outside (Im in Canada). After it was warmed up I wanted to go a bit fast with it, so I took it on hwy and maybe shifted a bit aggresively jus to see how it goes and revd it a 3-4 times to 5000ish RPMs.. will this have caused any damage or premature wear?
No issues with oil consumption.. here is a video where I change the oil at 4500 miles and the level on the dipstick is good: ua-cam.com/video/y8GryzoNN48/v-deo.html
I have a 2022 Supra and bought it with 650 miles on it. The dealership changed the oil right before I bought it. It now has 1,200 miles and I can’t say that I’ve kept it under 4,000rpm but I also haven’t been going crazy with it. I should be good right?
Question is, did the person before you full throttle it? Most likely yes. I hope for your sake, the theories of full throttle pass break-in also holds some truth.
When you started talking about your 'high' cylinder pressures at 4k RPM, you show a peak boost of 9.6 psi. You're not even in boost at 4k rpm when doing sustained rpm, it doesn't need it to maintain the rpm. You can reach 4k rpm with no boost at all, which doesn't help seating the rings
Guys!!! lotta new cars r burnin oil coz dealerships r sayin 1st oil change is 10 K miles !!!!!!! then every million !!! and people believe that crap!!!!!!!!!!!! right after warranty ur car z burning oil coz now it's a pile O rubbish!! thx Y'all
180.000 miles & your braking it in “at the time of this video made” engine is high mileage at that point 😂 but I’m now about to start my brake in on my new build something my mechanic/friend always said he’d do as he’s built many many cars but now he’s screwed me so iv gotta do it & not looking forward to it,but getting information where I can & this video did give me some information
I have a new 2024 Impreza. At the 1000kms breakin the dealership service was just a look over, no oil change. Im pretty sure that the oil should be changed at 1000 klm. Is this correct?
Breaking in the engine at 180,000 miles… better late than never, I guess.
HAW HAW HAW!!!
Hahaha same I was at 120k. Got a brand new block and turbo and all internals from my warranty
U beat me to it lmao 😂
A waste of time at that mileage.
180miles or 180000 miles😅
Take it easy on your new car. No excessive braking, no engine load above 5,000 rpm and get the oil changed at 500-1000 miles and you’re good
New car break-in and engine break-in are two different things. In a new car, you are breaking--in transmission, clutch, breaks and anything else that moves. Engine break-in is specifically about engine. I wouldn't stress about it if you happen to go over what the manufacture recommends as the manufacutre do start the engine and rev it in all rpm range for testing before the engine is installed in the car.
This is info is key: the engine in a brand new car is ran on the dyno to seat the rings from the factory prior to being installed in the car and sold. Manufacturer recommendation separate from engine break in procedure. Both need to be done it’s just not needed if the engine is coming from the factory. If it’s a new engine build or rebuild with new pistons then engine break in must be followed first.
What people usually never consider here is the actual clutch. You always hear people talking about engine break in... But a brand new car has a brand new clutch as well. It is going to take you at least 500 miles to break in a new clutch and that is all city miles too. You somewhat covered this but didn't say clutch, just transmission. Something to keep in mind.
Another thing to consider here. Most "new" cars where you buy it and it has ~30 miles on it have already been taken out and gunned by the sales people or on a test drive. If you ever worked at a dealer you would know this first hand. Doesn't even need to be a sports car, they run all of them pretty hard. So your new car very likely has been rung out by at least a few people before you get her.
Good point! My car had 13 miles on it when I bought it and I was able to drive it before they even removed all of the plastic shipping covers.
Exactly! Most manufacturers run the car hard on a dyno before it leaves the factory to seat the rings. Then when you get the car and it has 2-3 miles (or more), then you should be gentle cause it might have metal shavings and other stuff in the oil until the first oil change. So the correct way is run it super hard very briefly, then baby it until the first oil change at 500 miles or whatever.
Great content. Just bought my very first new car--a Crosstrek--and this info was extremely helpful thank you! What are your thoughts on doing the first oil change after that first 1000 miles?
@@turo3066 dealership told me 6k on first oil change
GR Supra break-in is
zinc content: ZDDP is the reason why, I believe anyway, there is a rec by some to rev high etc. because ZDDP requires you to run it hot enough, long enough to produce a coating on the moving parts of the engine. But, that doesn't apply to the entire car and/or trans. The trans, to me, need to be broken in, and until such, the gears and synchros might feel tight, harder to shift. Once they wear some, the slide better. But, engines today don't really need a "Break-in" period. I believe the first 1,000-2k miles should be smooth, easy driving. Then slowly start increasing the demand on the car in both pressure and time. But, I also don't follow the OEM rec. oil change intervals. I start ramping up load after 1k miles then start increasing load from then onward to about 2.5k miles. But I change the oil at about 1k-2k. Basically, I follow OEM for the first whatever thousand miles they say, and then I follow my own. I also change my oil every 3k or less or every 3 months, at the most.
I test drove a new wrx the other day. I drove the crap out of it...bounced off the rev limiter, slipped the clutch, tested the antilock brakes. Unless you order from the factory, this is how your car will be broken in.
Bought mine with 2 miles on it.
Told them I didn't want to buy the test driven one for that reason 🤣🤣
You aren’t wrong.
That type of break in is good for the car. It helps to seat the piston rings while there still is the "rough" cross hatch pattern to do it.
I'd rather let the engine warm-up until the RPMs drop, personally. Most vulnerable when its cold, seems likes least amount of stress wold be zero load. Engine oil in my 23 WRX only takes only a few minutes to 200F with a warmed up engine, would think aby residual from running lean during a cold start idle can burn off if you are driving at operating temp after only a few minutes. Just IMO
I think the most important thing with new cars is the first oil change, should be around 1200 miles or so, to get rid of any break-in particles from the piston rings seating and bearing wear.
I ordered a new Crosstrek with manual, delivery due in April. I'm looking in to these matters now so I can get the best life out of my retirement car.
Follow the owners manual. The engineers who designed it and tested it know the best break in process. Warranty claims are an expensive problem for car makers
as I commented on this video:
So I got a new car today, a corolla hatchback, and after work tonight, I let it warm up for a good 10-15 minutes because it was -20 celsius outside (Im in Canada). After it was warmed up I wanted to go a bit fast with it, so I took it on hwy and maybe shifted a bit aggresively jus to see how it goes and revd it a 3-4 times to 5000ish RPMs.. will this have caused any damage or premature wear?
I’d follow it just so they can’t try and use it as an excuse to deny a warranty claim.
thanks for sharing!👍💯 Am sure this is helping prolong the engines out there as we speak...keep it up sir
I have never heard any engine builder say such a thing, They seem to say to keep the RPM below 3000 and take it easy for the first 1,500 miles, at which point you then would do another oil change.
There are so many recomendations on how to break in a new car. Ive heard the rings are seated within 200 miles. Just drive normally and itll be fine.
Curious how does engine braking help? Should i downshift in my automatic car to slow down the car when coming to a stop?
The Science of it should be simple, have 2 of the same engine, run one like the manufacturer says and one with a dyno break in, then examine the differences.
Wrx just got a new motor and I’m breaking her in my mechanic said to keep the needle between 3 and 4
Amazing vid. Thanks for the info and the thoughts behind it.
The boxer motor is the same motor used in small air craft, wonder how they brake those in? I rarely hit 2500 rpm so now I am concerned the piston rings and ddrive train will brake in properly.
I've never deliberately broken in a new vehicle (I just drive them the way I always do) and I've never had any issues with any of the 3 vehicles I bought new. It's possible that the way I drive is just really optimal for break in.
Makes me wonder about hybrids with Atkinson engines. The engine doesn't even run all the time, and when it does it's going at low RPM just to charge the battery.
All you need to know is cars today have black boxes and if you gave issues, they will know you didn't follow breakin. Warranty void.
Lmfao dude stfu thats the furthest thing from the truth
Engine breaking helps seat the rings. Drive easy and coast / enginebbreak a lot
Why engine break? How does that help im curious.. thanks
You should always change oil after 1k due to factory additives and detergents they add from the factory. After that oil change then boost it hard to seat the piston rings.
Every new car I ever bought recommended running the factory engine oil 'til the first scheduled because it is a "high-quality lubricant" with special additives....
A mechanic friend (sadly, now departed) recommended driving the break-in period as close to the car's intended every-day service use as possible.
Agree with John. I’m doing my first oil change at 500 miles to remove any metal shavings, then I’ll rev it up from 500-1000 to seat the piston rings. Trying to get the best of both schools of thought in the first 1000 miles
@@5610winston which auto makers add special lubricants to their oil at the factory? I’m curious. I know Honda and Toyota don’t. So who does?
@@JohnnyUtah9173 Quoted from break-in recommendations for my Subaru. Similar recommendations were included in owners' manuals in my five Nissan trucks/ I've seen the recommendation and reasoning in several manuals from big-three auto makers, and even in the manuals for a '51 Studebaker.
The oil doesn't necessarily have special "break-in" additives but the engine itself has lubrication from the engine assembly process that mixes with the oil.
Thanks for the video was informative I'm breaking in my new outback right now and I'm doing it exactly the way you're talking about. What are your thoughts on how many miles break in oil should have before changing out? Thanks again.
Good points. Actually, there are a lot of newer cars on the road with oil consumption issues. Enough that I took the engine builders seriously. But it's not that rough--they bring new engines up to 2500 RPM and run them there for 20-25 minutes before doing a dyno pull. They aren't running them wide open for that long to get the rings to seat. They just aren't putzing around like your computer would do if you left it in D from the dealership and babied it until 1000+ miles.
I just broke in my GR Corolla (now 1k miles)
Keep in mind -you are also breaking in the whole drive train (& brakes et al )
For the most part my list of things to do is very close to yours & what I have done going on at least 15 new vehicles.
This is my short & dirty list for first 600 ish miles (& oil change)
- I don't idle the engine to warm up - I drive very slow out of my residential area
- no short trips or long trips (35 to 80 miles)
- let engine get DEAD cold before next driving event - MPT
- don't drive during rush hour - for one so as not to idle or abuse the clutch
- step up engine RPM when accelerating. (in 1st gear - 1800 hold 15 sec 2000 for 15 sec 2200 for 15 sec 2500 for 15 sec - let car coast to 1800 & repeat in all gears) To not be the A-hole on the road I do this part of the break in at 5 am!!!
-the controversial part - but it's what I do. 50-75% Wide Open Throttle a few times each session (starting at 3k RPM) Allow vehicle coast to 1800 rpm and hold for a bit oil up the cylinders & cool down a bit.
What if you only work 5 miles from your house?
@@GavinSteiner 🤡ur gonna wanna use ur magination for your particular dilemma. Cuz anything I say ain't goin' to be polite🤡
Wow. Sorry for asking a genuine question.
@@pilotgav3975 oky dokie...
How long does it take for engine to get dead cold before next event?
So if the car was wot a few times during the first 30 miles did i mess the engine up?
Probably not
@@LehewTechphew. Thank god. I was trippin
Have any advice for breaking in with cvt? Cant choose my rpm range. It just shifts automatically at very low rpm. I hate it
@@m.o.t.h.studios nope just change your oil every 3-5k and use fully synthetic oil
i have a vb wrx. just up to 1,300km. i have been driving it just like you say. i have another 3,000km to go but after that i will probably be still gentle with my driving.
My vehicle manual break-in section did not mention idling so i stayed in the car for an extended period (20-30 min) of time because it was hot outside.
What effects will this have on my car? I had 15 minutes of idle time after driving 60 miles as well.
Its a direct injection engine
@@RodJeez it’s probably fine. Just wouldn’t idle in it for hours on end
So I got a new car today, a corolla hatchback, and after work tonight, I let it warm up for a good 10-15 minutes because it was -20 celsius outside (Im in Canada). After it was warmed up I wanted to go a bit fast with it, so I took it on hwy and maybe shifted a bit aggresively jus to see how it goes and revd it a 3-4 times to 5000ish RPMs.. will this have caused any damage or premature wear?
Probably. But you won't know for thousands and thousands and thousands of miles.
I'm just playing.
It's a Toyota. You're fine.
I do know the worst thing is to go for a long drive at a constant cruise, funnily the best thing when an engine is broken in.
i say you are right, new cars does just fine
Any problems with oil burning?
No issues with oil consumption.. here is a video where I change the oil at 4500 miles and the level on the dipstick is good: ua-cam.com/video/y8GryzoNN48/v-deo.html
I have a 2022 Supra and bought it with 650 miles on it. The dealership changed the oil right before I bought it. It now has 1,200 miles and I can’t say that I’ve kept it under 4,000rpm but I also haven’t been going crazy with it. I should be good right?
as long as you didn't put WOT load on it and high rpm, should be good.
Question is, did the person before you full throttle it? Most likely yes. I hope for your sake, the theories of full throttle pass break-in also holds some truth.
When you started talking about your 'high' cylinder pressures at 4k RPM, you show a peak boost of 9.6 psi. You're not even in boost at 4k rpm when doing sustained rpm, it doesn't need it to maintain the rpm. You can reach 4k rpm with no boost at all, which doesn't help seating the rings
Its my understanding that cylinder pressures rise as rpm rises even if boost pressures are low
Why would I use air-conditioning when breaking in the engine? Otherwise, it's solid info.
Tell this to the guy that just leased a new BMW M series. Balls to the wall because it’s under warranty, and it gets returned after 3 years.
what about 4x4 cars
Hi thanks for the information where about this beautiful scenery road thanks
Love my brand new 2023 WRX premium
Wait what, 180k miles, did I hear that right?
Nice 180k break in
Maybe avoid driving your vehicle with one hand while trying to film a UA-cam video with the other. You will definitely BREAK your car!
great info 👍
Guys!!! lotta new cars r burnin oil coz
dealerships r sayin 1st oil change is 10 K miles !!!!!!! then every million !!!
and people believe that crap!!!!!!!!!!!!
right after warranty ur car z burning oil coz now it's a pile O rubbish!!
thx Y'all
Step one, get new car ✍️
Done. 2023 WRX premium:)
180.000 miles & your braking it in “at the time of this video made” engine is high mileage at that point 😂 but I’m now about to start my brake in on my new build something my mechanic/friend always said he’d do as he’s built many many cars but now he’s screwed me so iv gotta do it & not looking forward to it,but getting information where I can & this video did give me some information
Break in, not brake in.
I have a new 2024 Impreza. At the 1000kms breakin the dealership service was just a look over, no oil change. Im pretty sure that the oil should be changed at 1000 klm. Is this correct?
Do the break in at 180k miles , be a man.
Nice TAG
4k rpms? mines gonna be busted in around 10k miles
You telling me I have to drive like ms daisy for 180k miles before I can even break it in ? Isecrete of owning a WRX I guess !
@@Impekible1 I think he put a new engine in the car.
You said that car has 180k you mean 180
step on the gas & go...!