Breaking in a new vehicle

[manning]

It's been 16 years when I last bought a new vehicle.

Tomorrow I pick up a new 2010 Mercury Mountaineer V8.

The manual (picked it up ahead of time) has nothing in it about breakin.

Is there a certain way to drive it at first or just drive it as normal?

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

New vehicles do not have to be broken in any more....drive away.

 

[MizTink]

anymore? did you ever have to treat a new car different?

 

[Stumpy]

NC is correct. One reason for older cars was to allow seals and components to seat properly, but improved engineering and manufacturing have made the break-in practice obsolete, similar to having to shut off all electrical components before starting a car or having to change your oil at 3,000 mile increments.

Many people will disagree, including several mechanics. However, I would trust the engineers on this one as they are more familiar with the specifics of the design of the vehicle. Still, even though it may not be necessary, since there's no harm in a break-in might as well baby the car for the first 500 miles.

Oh, and congratulations on the new purchase. Very nice vehicle.

 

[iggbees]

my new car said in the manual to not go the same speed for too long (like don't drive at 65 mph for an hour i guess?) before the car hit 500 mi... too bad i didn't listen to that and drove 4 hours the weekend after i got my car. it also said in my manual to not go over 3,000 rpm before 500 mi. it's basically just telling you to ride gently if you want your car to last, but that's kind of common sense.

 

[BabyTigger99]

Wow, apparently my mind was TOTALLY in the gutter with the first response that I thought of!!!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

We last bought a new car in '98. At the time we were told not to go over 55mph for the first week to avoid strain on the engine. Did it matter?

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I just bought a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup friday. They said to drive it normal! BUT this thing is fast! so I just been taken it easy, I have already 100 miles on it just running around doing errands!
I LOVE a new car smell!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Don't forget in alot of new cars you can go past the 3k marker for an oil change. Check your owner's manual. Also if you do the fuel injecter cleaner or the fuel additive, ask ahead of time. Some motors does not appreciate this stuff the way old motors did.