wowzer

Are you supposed to break ini the engine with the 300h? How many miles...as the electric power will run in lieu of the engine? Also, what do you do with the snow and hard breaking? Tx.

chromedome

I never followed any break-in rules, I just drove it like normal because it's hard to predict when the engine actually runs. I would avoid frequent full throttle takeoffs before 1000 km. I also did a full oil change at 1000 km because my car doesn't see a lot of mileage and I didn't want all those metal bits from a fresh engine circulating around.

On another note, would doing a lot of Sport mode takeoffs damage the traction motor or power split device? It's equivalent to launch control on a normal car which wears out the clutch.

Mike728

Only break-in parts to worry about are the brakes. Don't make a panic type stop within the first 500 to 1,000 miles. Well, if it's a necessity, I guess use your best judgment.

LexBob2

Any guidelines for break in listed in the owners manual?

jim256

Since it's only changing the steering ratio and changing throttle response, you're just putting more torque on the CVT more quickly--not an issue IMO. Full throttle in ECO mode is still full throttle, just more pedal movement. Launch control is really just a rev limiter that lets you hold full throttle while still stationary, prior to clutch release or brake release on an automatic. Not something i think we hybrid drivers need.

Arty101

I'd still wouldn't go full throttle, electric motor or not, within the first 1k miles. Like Mike said, I'd also brake gently during this period.

chromedome

Wait, isn't most of the braking done by the electric motor reversing and regenerating energy? The friction brakes only engage on hard panic stops and at very low speeds. I'm wondering if it's possible to stress the electric motors instead of the engine by doing hard acceleration and hard stops on a new car.

Arty101

Chrome, I think the electric motors won't stress on the regen mode as much as acceleration. I suspect they'll be limited on the amount of kwh output after a certain rpm. More likely the mechanical brakes/rotors would be stressed with hard braking.

Arty101

ooopppsss!!

wowzer

Is a panic stop where the ABS kicks in? I had to made a short stop because a light suddenly went from green to red...I was gnashing my teeth because of it....

Arty101

Just try not doing that too often. I think that's better than getting into an accident or a ticket.

Arty101

I'm just wondering what damage might have been done to the engine. OTOH, if it's a lease, I'd feel sorry for the next owner.

sghyunsu

From the owner's manual, Break-in tips (186p)

■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:

●For the first 186 miles (300 km):
- Avoid sudden stops.

●For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
- Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
- Avoid sudden acceleration.
- Do not drive continuously in low gears.
- Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

source: Lexus 2014 ES300H,ES350 Owners Manual (OM33A60U) (pdf) (11.4 MB)