New engine's and "Running in".

Do modern new engines require a running in period?

Anyone know if the Gen 4's handbook recommends this?

GeorgeC wrote:

Andy2640 wrote: Do modern new engines require a running in period?
Anyone know if the Gen 4's handbook recommends this?

Yes, and Yes. Its 2am here, the manual is out in the car, its too cold and the boogy man is about. :evil:

Dont be lazy George, go and get it mate P.S > Boogey men are always fellow humans.

Regardless of what a handbook might say, it would go against my instincts not to run in a new engine. Yes, I know that they are built to fine tolerance etc., etc., but taking things easy for the first thousand miles is no hardship. Avoiding high revs through the gears, steady acceleration, etc. will, IMO, benefit the engine in the long run. A thousand miles on the motorway, at 70 mph. is not running in.

I accept that others may disagree, but any new car that I have had, has been treated with a little TLC for at least the first thousand miles. After that, don't drive it like you have stolen it. build up gradually.




Steve.

This topic is like tyres, oils and toothpaste - very personal and potentially very emotive. Personally I like to treat my new vehicles gently and let all the components bed together before brisk exercise. I also ensure all components get up to their normal working temperatures (most engine wear happens on short runs) and never over-rev or have the vehicle struggling at too low revs. 'Drive it like you stole it' might be fine if you are on PCP and change your car every 24 months.

I have put over 1000 miles on mine and the engine has definitely ‘loosened up’ compared to when it was new.

Mpg has increased from 39 to 42 suggesting that load on the engine has eased.

Bob1050 wrote: This topic is like tyres, oils and toothpaste - very personal and potentially very emotive. Personally I like to treat my new vehicles gently and let all the components bed together before brisk exercise. I also ensure all components get up to their normal working temperatures (most engine wear happens on short runs) and never over-rev or have the vehicle struggling at too low revs. 'Drive it like you stole it' might be fine if you are on PCP and change your car every 24 months.

Spot on, Bob.

Even now, with my car approaching six years old, I still wait for the oil to reach a decent temperature, before I use any high revs.

I have an engineering background, so have an inbuilt sympathy for cold engines having their nuts revved off. :laugh:




Steve.