"break-in" period on a new car.

I just got a new car this weekend.

They tell me not to brake too hard or rev it up over 4000 until I get to 1000 miles, and not to run it at a constant speed for too long.

Questions:

What are the worst-case consequences from disobeying these orders?

What are the chances I will actually suffer the worst-case consequences if I disobey?


FYI: 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS, 5-speed

I had my eye on the WRX but with the wife’s objections, cost considerations (purchase price, gas and insurance), and my own realistic assessment of the practicality, I had to concede the 2.5RS was a wiser choice.

[I test drove that WRX – a 2.0l turbo. It was sweet, but you really got to keep it revved up to fully benefit. In the low end, I found the 2.5 liter more responsive.]

Hope this helps.

These guys are great.

Perfect. Thanks.

I’ve had so many fruitless searches at their site, I don’t always try.

I’ve heard the opposite advice given (from what they recommend on the cartalk link).

Basically, just follow the manual if possible but don’t fret about it. I couldn’t follow the manual (90 km/h is just plain dangerous on the highways around here doing 120) and I work about 35 km from work (one way). I couldn’t vary my speed enough so I just left it alone and my car came out just fine.

I would recommend not red lining the vehicle though :smiley:

There’s also the issue of the computer that controls the engine. Many of these computers store a bit of information about how the engine performs under various conditions and uses that to make the engine run more efficiently. You want the computer to have a variety of conditions to work from while it is “learning” so you need to vary your driving when you first get the car, and also any time that the battery is disconnected or if the computer gets reset.

true, geek.

I think with subarus it only takes about 50 miles, though.

At least that’s the case with the outback I have.

This car is the first new car I’ve ever owned though. I knew they had “break-in” periods but didn’t really know why. This oil-seal thing makes sense to me.