Break-in advice

[Leviticus]

Hello!

I just got my Silverstone 3.8 Base MT Genesis Coupe today and it is great. Only problem is that I have to drive a few hours away and this is the only car I have. The manual says "Do not maintain a single speed for long periods of time, either fast or slow. Varying engine speed is needed to properly break-in the engine." So... what do I do?

 

[mikec]

Use different gears in the transmission. The engine shouldn't remain at a constant RPM for long time stretches - I'd vary speed and/or transmission gear about once every half hour. Engine RPM, not vehicle speed, is what matters for breaking in the engine. Plan on taking a little extra time on the trip so you can use lower gears once in a while... driving a little slower so the RPMs aren't too far above the usual around-town range (I'd shoot for no more than 3500 RPM for a few minutes, with 4000 RPM being the short-term limit). Spend longer time at lower RPMs compared to the high RPMs too while breaking in the engine.

Modern engines don't need as much break in as engines from a few decades ago. Notice Hyundai doesn't call for a 500 or 1000 mile "break in" oil change for the same reason. In fact, the 4.6 Sedan owners manual flat-out states "No special break-in period is needed." Instead, the recommendations to stay between 2000 and 4000 RPMs "may add to the performance, economy, and lift of your vehicle."

mike c.

 

[MrB0462]

Even more important is changing the oil and filter at 100 and 500 miles and then regular intervals.

The reason is that all new engines have small metal chips and should be flushed out. Most engine builders suggest following this procedure, yes it adds some cost.

 

[ctrcbob]

Hello!

I just got my Silverstone 3.8 Base MT Genesis Coupe today and it is great. Only problem is that I have to drive a few hours away and this is the only car I have. The manual says "Do not maintain a single speed for long periods of time, either fast or slow. Varying engine speed is needed to properly break-in the engine." So... what do I do?

Drive it like you normally drive. This is not an airplane engine that runs at a constant speed. Just get in and drive. Not like the old days of 40-50 years ago where they said to vary the engine speed. No longer needed.

Again, drive it like you normally drive.

 

[TJPark01]

Use different gears in the transmission. The engine shouldn't remain at a constant RPM for long time stretches - I'd vary speed and/or transmission gear about once every half hour. Engine RPM, not vehicle speed, is what matters for breaking in the engine. Plan on taking a little extra time on the trip so you can use lower gears once in a while... driving a little slower so the RPMs aren't too far above the usual around-town range (I'd shoot for no more than 3500 RPM for a few minutes, with 4000 RPM being the short-term limit). Spend longer time at lower RPMs compared to the high RPMs too while breaking in the engine.

Modern engines don't need as much break in as engines from a few decades ago. Notice Hyundai doesn't call for a 500 or 1000 mile "break in" oil change for the same reason. In fact, the 4.6 Sedan owners manual flat-out states "No special break-in period is needed." Instead, the recommendations to stay between 2000 and 4000 RPMs "may add to the performance, economy, and lift of your vehicle."

mike c.

This is a good idea, if you want to be 100% safe. As stated, it's the RPM's that matter, engine speed, not vehicle speed.

Drive it like you normally drive. This is not an airplane engine that runs at a constant speed. Just get in and drive. Not like the old days of 40-50 years ago where they said to vary the engine speed. No longer needed.

Again, drive it like you normally drive.

This is the most practical method. The OP is taking the manual advice too literally.

Even more important is changing the oil and filter at 100 and 500 miles and then regular intervals.

The reason is that all new engines have small metal chips and should be flushed out. Most engine builders suggest following this procedure, yes it adds some cost.

I agree about changing the oil early and often the first year, but 100 miles is even crazy for someone as anal an me.

 

[MrB0462]

I agree about changing the oil early and often the first year, but 100 miles is even crazy for someone as anal an me.

You need to get more anal I guess. But seriously if you speak with engine builders they don't thinl its crazy at all.

 

[TJPark01]

You need to get more anal I guess. But seriously if you speak with engine builders they don't thinl its crazy at all.

I know BMW changes the oil on all M cars at 1200 miles. That's what I did with the Genesis, Mobil 1.