"Break in" mileage
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
From: CA
"Break in" mileage
Have a new 2023 RX 350. Dealership said we should "go easy on it" till x mileage but I forget what it was, and Id like opinions here anyway.
Currently at about 2k on the odo. How much should we put on it before we can "floor it" or is that just a myth?
Thanks!
Currently at about 2k on the odo. How much should we put on it before we can "floor it" or is that just a myth?
Thanks!
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 542
From: Florida
Today’s engines do not really require a break in period. Most manufactures say not to tow anything for the first thousand miles. I tend to drive pretty easy for the first 1000 miles but that is just me. Some say drive it off the lot like you stole it. The choice is yours!
At 2K, you are safe to floor it! Enjoy!
At 2K, you are safe to floor it! Enjoy!
Last edited by ggebhardt; Apr 20, 2023 at 10:36 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 22
From: OR
From page 174 of the RX Owner’s Manual:
A quick search of the PDF version is all it takes to come up with answers like this, quicker than posting on a forum.
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. (vehicles with towing package)
●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.
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. (vehicles with towing package)
●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.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
From: CA
Having said that, I did want to hear what others had to say.
Thanks everyone!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
From: CA
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 542
From: Florida
‘’When and how often to change oil will create lots of opinions, just make sure you change at least as often as what Lexus requires, doing it much quicker is just a waste of resources and money.
Enjoy your new RX
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Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 457
From: Pennsylvania
It is old reasoning but their preference. At near 1300 miles my oil is still so clear and clean it is difficult to see on the oil stick. They want you to change per the Maint schedule which I believe is at 10K. I am a little old fashioned and will likely do my 10K at 8K miles but that is my preference.
‘’When and how often to change oil will create lots of opinions, just make sure you change at least as often as what Lexus requires, doing it much quicker is just a waste of resources and money.
Enjoy your new RX
‘’When and how often to change oil will create lots of opinions, just make sure you change at least as often as what Lexus requires, doing it much quicker is just a waste of resources and money.
Enjoy your new RX
Does anyone here know of anyone who has even heard of a Lexus engine problem by only doing the bare minimum required maintenance? Unlikely. Read the manual, do what it commands and drive on.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 409
Likes: 130
From: WA
This is an old-school thing that I've followed on every new car I've had. Some argue it isn't necessary but the cost of one oil change is very cheap insurance.
Why?
Engines have tight tolerances. When new, the metal parts within the engine have a lot of friction. In spite of the lubricating oil, metal is ground out and shaved. Much of it is near microscopic. It's the job of the oil filter to remove these metal particles from the oil. Most of this initial wear occurs within the first 1K miles. So, the old-school thinking is to perform a change of oil and filter (especially the filter) to get the ground up metal out of the engine. Yes, the oil is designed to hold particles in suspension but can it hold them for the 10K miles? Depends how much there is.
Oil drain plugs are often magnetic. That is to trap the metal shavings that don't get filtered and can be removed at the next oil change. If you are there to see it, check out a drain plug at an oil change. It may look like the photo below. You can also open up the replaced oil filter and find metal shavings.
Why?
Engines have tight tolerances. When new, the metal parts within the engine have a lot of friction. In spite of the lubricating oil, metal is ground out and shaved. Much of it is near microscopic. It's the job of the oil filter to remove these metal particles from the oil. Most of this initial wear occurs within the first 1K miles. So, the old-school thinking is to perform a change of oil and filter (especially the filter) to get the ground up metal out of the engine. Yes, the oil is designed to hold particles in suspension but can it hold them for the 10K miles? Depends how much there is.
Oil drain plugs are often magnetic. That is to trap the metal shavings that don't get filtered and can be removed at the next oil change. If you are there to see it, check out a drain plug at an oil change. It may look like the photo below. You can also open up the replaced oil filter and find metal shavings.
