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"Break in" period?

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JeRmZ

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
This may sound like a nOOb question but ... I picked up my 08 Patriot limited on sunday with 172 miles on the dash :banana:

This is my first ever car with less than 25,000 miles on it. I've heard a lot of talk about the "break in" period .... what exactly is this and how long before the car is officially broke in? I've been taking it easy on her for the 3 day's I've had it and I don't plan on ragging but it would be nice to know if there is a mileage point or a time period for "breaking in"

Thanks!!
 
#2 ·
Welcome! Check this out from the owner's manual:

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in. Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.

I bought my car with 67 miles on it, and then drove it 215 miles home at crusie control speeds of 65-80mph with 2 stints up to 95mph. By the time I got home, by break in period was over.

Manufacuting tolerances are much better now than 20 years ago. Not much to break in these days. Now, the engine and transmission ocmputer (for CVT's) will learn your driving style/habits and the piston rings may burnish over the first 2-5k miles to help fuel economy.
 
#3 ·
It varies from maufacturer to manufacturer. A safe assumption is that the first 500 miles is the best breaking in period. That said on most modern cars now the engines no longer require this. Other would argue that you should drive it hard from the start as the ECU will adapt to your driving style.

Personally I always allow 500 miles before I consider redlining any new vehicle.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Cool thanks!! As of now I have 332 miles on it total but have not punched it once since I put my rear on the heated leather seats, maybe on my way home today when I hit a nice cruising speed on the highway I will do that ... maybe push it up to 80-85 once or twice along the way!!
 
#5 ·
Jermz, welcome to the forums. Enjoy your new ride and take good care of it. What color is it?

The break-in period is important, as well as letting the engine warm up in the first minutes after start-up. You may also to rotate the tires after the first 10,000 miles or so. And my humble advice, don't wash the car at automated carwashes ever if you wanna keep the paint in good condition. Detail it yourself by hand since the beginning. Please show us some pictures as soon as it gets "dubbed", as you said. :smiley_thumbs_up:
 
#6 ·
Officially, there is no break-in period. In reality, things seem to settle in, and the MPGs improve over the first couple of thousand miles. Be relatively gentle on it during that period. To keep it running great, look and listen for anything strange, and deal with it quickly if it happens.

And change the oil often.
 
Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
Hahahaha too funny guys ...

I am babying it right now thats for sure, I want to see what kind of mileage it get's without me driving like the normal maniac that I am. So far so good ... 23.9 MPG with only 320 miles on it. Plus the whole CVT transmission is new to me, I'm used to shifting gears!!


EuroPat - it's silver ... here's a picture ... and yeah I always detail my cars by hand, I hate to pay for car washes!!! I am trying to get the wifey to agree to 20's but she said there are more important things to buy right now ... but I can't think of any???
Image
 
#12 ·
Hello inouk,

The door side body moldings come with the Limited package, but I understand they can be purchased separately from your dealer and they easily install.

Barry
 
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