When you first get the keys to your new car, it can be tempting to see what it’s capable of. However, pushing a new engine too hard during the first 1,000 miles can have long-term consequences.
It’s crucial to allow the car time to break in before revving it up to high speeds or pushing it near the red line.
What do we mean by ‘breaking in’? Essentially, it’s giving the engine time to adjust and run smoothly after leaving the production line, so that no components are subjected to excessive strain too soon.
Many manufacturers recommend breaking in new vehicles, and this information is usually outlined in your car’s manual.
Breaking in an engine helps minimize early wear and ensures that oil flows evenly and smoothly through all the moving parts.
It also gives the piston rings—the part that connects the cylinder and the piston—time to settle properly and allows the engine and transmission to synchronize with each other.
How Long Does It Take to Break in an Engine?
The time required for breaking in an engine can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Most car makers recommend avoiding high RPMs for the first 1,000 to 1,500 miles, with a maximum of 3,500 RPM for diesel engines and 4,500 RPM for petrol engines.
What Are the Benefits of Breaking in an Engine?
Breaking in a new car has several advantages, including:
Improved Fuel Economy: New engines don’t reach their optimal efficiency until they’ve been driven a few thousand miles.
By following the manufacturer’s break-in guidelines, you help maintain good fuel economy. Adding a suitable fuel additive, like Redex, can further enhance engine performance and efficiency.
Enhanced Performance: Breaking in the car helps improve the engine’s performance over time. With reduced friction, parts work together more efficiently, leading to better power delivery.
Better Long-Term Engine Health: With the engine running smoothly and oil circulating properly, breaking in your car during the first 1,000 miles promotes optimal engine health for years to come.
6 Techniques for Breaking in a New Car
If you want to take excellent care of your car from the very first mile, here are some tips for breaking it in properly.
We’ve also included advice on driving safely during the first 1,000 miles to allow the tires, brakes, and suspension to settle in.
1. Avoid Pushing the Engine Too Hard
In the first 1,000 miles, it’s important not to push the engine to its red line. Doing so can put excessive strain on the piston rings and cylinders, exacerbating any imperfections in manufacturing.
As a general guideline, keeping the RPMs under 4,000 during the first 1,000 miles is safe. Afterward, you can gradually increase the RPMs without causing harm.
2. Shift Gears at Low RPM
During the break-in period, the engine and transmission need time to adjust to one another.
Shifting at lower RPMs helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear, while also contributing to better fuel economy.
Many new cars have a ‘change up/change down’ indicator that tells you when to shift for maximum miles per gallon (MPG).
It’s a good idea to follow this within the first 1,000 miles to keep RPMs within a safe range.
3. Refrain from Flooring the Accelerator
Although it may be tempting to accelerate aggressively when you first drive your new car, doing so can put strain on the engine oil, piston rings, and cylinders.
Aggressive acceleration, especially when the engine is cold, can damage the engine regardless of how many miles you’ve driven.
During the break-in period, accelerate gently and work through the gears quickly before the RPMs climb too high. This will help maintain smooth engine performance and ensure the transmission is properly bedded in.
4. Avoid Short Trips That Don’t Allow the Engine to Warm Up
Short trips, such as running errands or driving the kids to school, are not ideal for a brand-new car. Cold engines have to work harder, which places strain on the oil delivery cycle.
It’s best to drive your new car on longer trips that allow the engine to warm up fully.
Additionally, after a long drive, try to slow down before you reach your destination to allow the engine to cool gradually, rather than coming to a sudden stop.
5. Don’t Tow Heavy Loads
While you may be eager to hitch up a caravan or trailer, towing heavy loads is not recommended for new cars.
Towing places additional stress on the engine, and it can be particularly damaging when the engine hasn’t had the chance to break in. It’s best to wait until you’ve driven at least 1,000 miles before towing anything heavy.
6. Adjust Your Driving Style for Safety
When breaking in a new car, it’s not just the engine that requires attention—components such as the tires, brakes, and suspension also need time to adjust.
Cars don’t handle as well immediately after leaving the factory, so it’s important to drive cautiously for safety.
For the first 200 miles, tires don’t offer the same level of grip they will once they’ve been properly bedded in. This is because a lubricant used in manufacturing takes time to wear off.
Similarly, brakes need time to develop proper friction spots, ensuring smooth and effective stopping power. Shock absorbers and springs also take at least 1,000 miles to fully settle, which can impact handling and performance.
Our fuel system cleaners and high-performance engine oils can help ensure your car operates optimally from the very first mile.