Breaking In a Brand New RX
#16
Pole Position
Thanks for the well wishes. Understood the distance isn't great. But still interested in the thoughts of any auto engineers/lexus techies out there as to why Lexus recommends varying the speed during breakin and is this really because of the need to varying the engine RPM. Perhaps to help better seat the piston rings or something like that. As an aside, I have been exclusively driving Lexus vehicles for 18 years now (3 ESs, 3 RXs) and when faced with even a 20-30 mile highway trip during the breakin period I did do some mild downshifting, varying the engine speed but still keeping it under about 3,500 RPM. And in all these years I never once had to top up the oil level.
I would stick to what you have done in the past and enjoy!
#17
No, I don't play soccer!
sderman, I had to drive about half that distance from my dealer. Went back roads the entire way, making one stop. Yeah, it took longer but isn't that the point when picking up a new car My trip was way more enjoyable than jumping on the highway. And the time flies by. Congrats on your new RX.
#18
Instructor
I know this is unrelated but when I was younger I bought a 2006 Ninja ZX10R 1000cc crotch rocket and from the very first day i was full throttle and redlining it all day and within 250 miles on the tach I took her on a track day going speeds well over 120+ mph and topping out at 159 MPH on the back straight. I owned that bike for 8 years and put about 50,000 miles on it before I sold it. I have rode coast to coast on that bike many times. I never had an issue with burning oil or premature failure.
To be fair i dont drive any of my cars as hard but i dont baby them either. I think you should be fine. Its a Japanese engineered vehicle and they have reliability as a priority. Drive it like you stole it.
To be fair i dont drive any of my cars as hard but i dont baby them either. I think you should be fine. Its a Japanese engineered vehicle and they have reliability as a priority. Drive it like you stole it.
#19
You can just vary your speed a bit our even stop once our twice.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
You have the list of things to follow from the manual right? This is what I followed:
Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
● For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
● For the first 1000 miles (1600 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
Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
● For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
● For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
● For the first 1000 miles (1600 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
#21
Lead Lap
I dont know of Lexus`s exact protocol as i have never been on a tour of their plant, but for sure have seen it on other mfgs lines
#22
This thread has been concentrating on the relatively new technology engine oil
and the wear of engine bearings etc. What is still comparatively old tech are the
brake pads. While we enjoy high tech ABS and traction control systems the actual work
is being done by pretty basic (asbestos free) friction pads against steel rotors.
Consider that last time you bought new leather soled shoes. Walking on carpet
was a bit dicey as you slipped and slid about. After a period of walking on various
surfaces, concrete, tile, wood and carpet the sole was scuffed and traction was
much improved. Brakes are similar, take it light if traffic permits and let the pads
scuff in before engaging track events (or equivalent street driving!)
and the wear of engine bearings etc. What is still comparatively old tech are the
brake pads. While we enjoy high tech ABS and traction control systems the actual work
is being done by pretty basic (asbestos free) friction pads against steel rotors.
Consider that last time you bought new leather soled shoes. Walking on carpet
was a bit dicey as you slipped and slid about. After a period of walking on various
surfaces, concrete, tile, wood and carpet the sole was scuffed and traction was
much improved. Brakes are similar, take it light if traffic permits and let the pads
scuff in before engaging track events (or equivalent street driving!)
#23
Lead Lap
This thread has been concentrating on the relatively new technology engine oil
and the wear of engine bearings etc. What is still comparatively old tech are the
brake pads. While we enjoy high tech ABS and traction control systems the actual work
is being done by pretty basic (asbestos free) friction pads against steel rotors.
Consider that last time you bought new leather soled shoes. Walking on carpet
was a bit dicey as you slipped and slid about. After a period of walking on various
surfaces, concrete, tile, wood and carpet the sole was scuffed and traction was
much improved. Brakes are similar, take it light if traffic permits and let the pads
scuff in before engaging track events (or equivalent street driving!)
and the wear of engine bearings etc. What is still comparatively old tech are the
brake pads. While we enjoy high tech ABS and traction control systems the actual work
is being done by pretty basic (asbestos free) friction pads against steel rotors.
Consider that last time you bought new leather soled shoes. Walking on carpet
was a bit dicey as you slipped and slid about. After a period of walking on various
surfaces, concrete, tile, wood and carpet the sole was scuffed and traction was
much improved. Brakes are similar, take it light if traffic permits and let the pads
scuff in before engaging track events (or equivalent street driving!)
#25
I went in for the 15,000 mile checkup at a new to me dealership. The service advisor came really close to pressuring me to change oil. I asked if the RX had synthetic in it, he said yes. I said I'd stick to the recommended 10,000 mile intraval.
I'm sure Mother Lexus doesn't care, but to me his comment implied shorter engine life if I followed recommended intraval.
I'm sure Mother Lexus doesn't care, but to me his comment implied shorter engine life if I followed recommended intraval.
#26
I went in for the 15,000 mile checkup at a new to me dealership. The service advisor came really close to pressuring me to change oil. I asked if the RX had synthetic in it, he said yes. I said I'd stick to the recommended 10,000 mile intraval.
I'm sure Mother Lexus doesn't care, but to me his comment implied shorter engine life if I followed recommended intraval.
I'm sure Mother Lexus doesn't care, but to me his comment implied shorter engine life if I followed recommended intraval.
So what reasons are there to change oil at 5k? I haven't seen a sludge problem since cars I owned in the 50's and early 60's.
Last edited by riwyle; 01-15-17 at 08:56 PM.
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ggebhardt (01-18-17)
#27
Lead Lap
Yup as long as the conditions are appropriate. I.e no heavy duty workloads
#28
Depends on the mfg of course. But during the last phase of assembly alot of automakers run the engine to optimize, and of course QC functionality. This has to include time on the rolling road, but sometimes in addition (random samples) are taken on a small road course.
I dont know of Lexus`s exact protocol as i have never been on a tour of their plant, but for sure have seen it on other mfgs lines
I dont know of Lexus`s exact protocol as i have never been on a tour of their plant, but for sure have seen it on other mfgs lines
Guess what i did at,,km 1600? 😀😀😀😀😀😀
#29
Lead Lap
If the factory is hitting redline at true zero mileage.....hehehe have some fun during break-in.
#30
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Arkansas
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Suggestions on breaking in new engine on 350 mile highway drive home
im taking delivery of new RX 350 350 miles from home on Saturday. I will keep this vehicle at least 10 years and I'd like to follow optional break in rules to maximize chances of engine longevity. Any thoughts on technique when faced with this king of a highway haul?
I know that I might be over thinking this - but just would like to exercise caution about not keeping at constant speeds initially.
Thiughts? Thanks in advance.
I know that I might be over thinking this - but just would like to exercise caution about not keeping at constant speeds initially.
Thiughts? Thanks in advance.