Proper Break-In Procedures

[hanjkwon]

I'm driving any faster than 60mph. No hard breaking. No hard accelerating. Turning off A/C before turning off the engine (not sure if this is necessary though). Not revving it higher than 3000rpm. Also driving duration is about 1 hour. Is there anything else?

[hanjkwon]

Planning to do this for 1000 miles.

[Kyousuke]

I've heard that you shouldn't keep the engine at a constant speed while cruising--you should vary the engine speed. Not sure if it's true though...

[rxets]

Don't keep in the same speed/rpm for a long period of time. This is the good one.




Just follow the owner manual, you will be fine.

Many ppl never follow such break-in rules, they're often fine, too.

You should relax.

[Kyousuke]

Is there a set RPM which you cannot go over? Some say 3000, some say 5000. Which one is it?

[hanjkwon]

I guess it's not a good idea to go on the freeway.

[Hal56]

i have been told to break in a car the way you will regularly drive it--except do not push what is a redline and also do not brake too hard early on.

I know we have been told change oil at 5000 miles--I like to change oil at 1000 miles the first time--it may be an old story thing but there used to be sand in the engine block from building the engine--and early oil change wil get that sand out-

also there are magnetic plugs for the oil drain plug--the benefit here is that if there are any slivers of metal in the engine the magnetized plug grabs it and keeps it from screwing up the engine.

[lex]

Copied from the manual:

Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
l For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
l For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
l 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.

[sightdev]

Originally Posted by hanjkwon

I'm driving any faster than 60mph. No hard breaking. No hard accelerating. Turning off A/C before turning off the engine (not sure if this is necessary though). Not revving it higher than 3000rpm. Also driving duration is about 1 hour. Is there anything else?

break-in period is no longer promoted by manufacturer and last time I have seen "break-in" reminder was in the early 80's. Drive normal during first tank to break-in the tires and brake and avoid towing. We took our 10RX on 3 hour trip [avg 80 mph] after first tank and this is typical driving for me in the past 20 yrs or so of purchasing new vehicles. I follow 7k oil change regiment using Mobile 1 and I have never had engine problem. Some of the Jeep I have had as much as 140k before replacing but none of the vehicles required additional oil between changes. Enjoy your vehicle and use it as it was intended, “utility” vehicle.

[The G Man]

2/3 is a good rule, stay under 2/3 of the engine's max rpm and 2/3 of the max speed for about 700 to 1000 miles. No jack rabbit start and drag your brakes the 1st few hundred miles.

[Hal56]

10 years ago I drove a practically brand new Vette cross country--I varied the speeds--sometime 75, sometimes 105 and once 135.

But never hit the brakes hard nor accellerated fast. :-)

BTW--RPMS at 135 were not close to red line.

But--comparing the two cars--the vette and RX450? Totally different -both great in their own ways.

[Mbenz528i]

I have been easy going on the new RX (driving in eco mode helps the hard accelaration) and was also (slightly) worried about break in. I am driving to Ohio tonight for labor day and we only have 200 miles on the odo, so this will be our first major trip. I basically am taking the manuals advice, but from what you guys are saying, should I avoid cruise control in during this trip?

[The G Man]

Do not use cruise control and vary your speed.

[DOUS]

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-t...in-period.html