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PERFECT BREAK IN
- Thread starter GTI-VI
- Start date
The owner's manual says restrict throttle and rpms for 600 mi, then gradually use more until 1,000 mi.
An opposite example is my CBR1000RR sportbike. It was uncrated, assembled, and strapped down on a dyno. Its first 200 miles were on a dyno, and after 9,000 street miles it runs fine and doesn't use any oil.
Certain car mfgs run each engine on a dyno at high power before building the car. Other mfgs (like Ferrari) track test each car before selling it. Even a brand new one has already been thrashed pretty hard at the factory track.
There are valid opinions on both sides of the break-in issue. Besides anecdotal experience (like mine), nobody really knows for sure.
To know for certain you'd have to treat it like a medical question, say whether a certain diet causes cancer. You'd have to follow dozens or hundreds of new vehicles over their operational life, meticulously tracking the break in, operational use, maintenance, environment, etc. Such studies are expensive.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'd mainly avoid obvious things -- don't hop on the freeway and set cruise control for long periods, etc. Vary engine rpm and load -- that kind of thing.
StreetSpeed2000
Passed Driver's Ed
Do you own a dyno or something!? I can't imagine what 200 miles on a dyno costs...
It was combined dyno break-in plus more runs to build a custom air/fuel map. It was done by the dealer as an optional procedure.
It doesn't take that long, nor was it extremely expensive. Many of the runs were in 6th gear, at a road speed of 180 mph or greater -- that's 3 miles per minute. Total time on the dyno was less than 2 hr.
I am 45 years old and have owned at least 10 new cars. I have always drove them hard from the start and never, repeat never had an oil burner. I have friends who have followed the "break in" procedure to a "T" and had oil consumption issues. I am a fan of drive it hard, if something isn't right, break it early and let the warranty resolve the problem.
StreetSpeed2000
Passed Driver's Ed
I personally am with you on that. I just drive it normally. I'm not beating the hell out of it, but I am pushing it on the twisty back roads.
WhiteJames
Fun Nazi
Cheers
WJ
I drove my MKV from NYC to Montreal (6 hours, 400 miles or so) the day I got it, keeping it mostly under 3k more for fuel economy reasons than anything. I then drove the hell out of it every night for 3 straight weeks.
It's been to the dealer ONCE for a $250 thingy that was covered under warranty anyway. Car has about 50k on it, and was driven hard many, many, many times.
It's been to the dealer ONCE for a $250 thingy that was covered under warranty anyway. Car has about 50k on it, and was driven hard many, many, many times.
I just joined this forum I just traded my 08 GTi for a 2010 and loving it.
One question I have is when using "Launch Control" do I have to shift gears or does it automatically shift for me. Because I was trying out the LC and was in S and I accidentally hit 7000 in 1st gear, and what is the difference between D and S using Launch Control? Also does anyone think that red lining it at 1400 miles is going to be a problem?
Thank you,
One question I have is when using "Launch Control" do I have to shift gears or does it automatically shift for me. Because I was trying out the LC and was in S and I accidentally hit 7000 in 1st gear, and what is the difference between D and S using Launch Control? Also does anyone think that red lining it at 1400 miles is going to be a problem?
Thank you,
S holds gears much longer - it will basically red line before it shifts. It will also downshift aggressively to keep you in the powerband. Of course, given the flat torque curve, it's a pretty wide powerband.
Red lining is fine, just make sure the engine is warm first - drive around gently until temp is 190, then give it a bit more for a few minutes (some 3/4 pulls, etc.), then feel free to open up the taps.
Red lining is fine, just make sure the engine is warm first - drive around gently until temp is 190, then give it a bit more for a few minutes (some 3/4 pulls, etc.), then feel free to open up the taps.