Doesn’t the owner’s manual have something to say about this? Do what it says, and ignore everyone else’s advice.
This subject, along with the “proper” frequency of oil changes, and the organic/synthetic oil debate, are among the most frequently discussed topics on several automotive forums I frequent. IMO, the reason they are discussed so much is that there is little or no conclusive evidence in favor of, or definitively refuting, any of the various positions. The main reason that people debate them so strenuously (also IMO), is that many of us learned these “facts” from our fathers when we were children, and most people accept such teachings as Gospel for the rest of their lives. (I do not exempt myself from such tendencies, but my father knows nothing about cars and has never owned a brand new one, so I’ve had to make my own way in this field.)
The fact is that (IMO) it would be nearly impossible to definitively link any specific mechanical failure to any specific behavior (or lack thereof) in the first few months of ownership.
That said, here are some things I’ve learned in reading extensively on the subject. I believe these to be true, but YMMV.
The need for break-in is far less than it used to be. Engines these days are far better made, and are machined to far better tolerances (with computers, fer Chrissakes!), than they were 20+ years ago. So the chance of “shavings” working loose and doing damage is far less than when your father got his first new car back in the 1960s.
If anyone tells you about “break-in” oil (specially formulated oil put in by the manufacturer that should be left in until the specified first oil change), they are working with information that is at least 30 years old. Automakers in the 21st century are not using break-in oil.
There is no basis in fact for the claim that you shouldn’t put synthetic oil in the engine before x miles. Put it in before you drive off the lot, if you want.
*Consumer Reports *did a very comprehensive test of oil change intervals using NYC taxis. The results: you don’t need to change your oil every 3,000 miles, unless you drive in very dusty conditions or other special circumstances that are more extreme than a NYC taxi!!! Every 5,000-6,000 miles is just fine.
As for the break-in period, it probably doesn’t make a hell of a lot of difference what you do, but if you do what the manufacturer recommends in the manual, at least they can’t claim later you bear some responsibility. (Not that I think that’s very likely.)
Also, I disagree with the “beat it hard” camp. Sounds like macho BS to me.
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