hey... new RDX owner here... I been wondering on how other RDX owners broke in their engines... this is the first turbo engine I've owned... upon numerous readings online, its pretty much split between "easy-driving" method and "drive it like you stole it" method...

I've also read online that high performance engines, i.e.: turbo engines need to be driven hard during break in period...

any suggestions and feedback greatly appreciated...

 

Your owner's manual has recommendations for braking in the engine (and the brakes).

 

I got this right out of the owners manual. I've been true to the directions except for the first two areas. I only have 300 miles on mine.
Acura RDX Owners Manual P.272
Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle’s future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. (oops, guess I should have read this before driving off the dealer's lot)
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). (oops, this one too!)
Do not change the oil until the scheduled maintenance time.
Do not tow a trailer.

You should also follow these recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are replaced.

 

Hello everybody,

I'm also new to RDX and to whole Acura world. Vehicle arrived just 2 days ago and one of the questions I've asked the dealer was related to engine break-in.

I understood that one should not go to redline in the first 1k miles. Because of its particular turbo system(I'm not very technical, but he said something about 2 chambers or something) one should though use the Sport gear from time to time and also go to high revs (5-6k).

For the breaking system I have been advised not to break suddently from high speeds (100mph).

Other than that, I have been told that I'm good to go and enjoy the car .

 

I do not think any engine that is needs to be driven hard for a breaken. Normal city driving then a good trip for about 1000 mile of HWY driving. change the engine oil and filter at dealer recommended time. Switch to a very good synthetic oil that is approved for your car. Just because you have a turbo doesn't mean drive the crap out of it unless you want some big bills to start an pay. treat you car as if you want to be treated.

 

Most manufacturers have break in procedures that recommend against long periods of highway driving and idling. The most common method is to avoid idling, long highway periods without varying rpm's and wide open throttle starts and vary the rpms as much as possible.

Some engine builders go say to go hard from the start to seat the rings and change the oil right away to get rid of any metal shavings or casting debris.

I personally try and drive fairly aggresively during break in , but not redlining or taking long highway drives with the cruise set. Cylinder pressure should help seat the rings and if you ever watch someone break in an engine on the dyno, they will varying the RPM's up and down repeatedly (once the engine is to operating temps).

 

+1 follow the manual and all should be fine. Don't panic about the gas mileage, it starts to get a little better after 5k.

 

thanks for the comments and feedback... I have read the manual and have been babying my car... Im at 400 miles at this point... I was just worried because I read online on how with turbos, you have to drive it hard during break-in period...

as for the mileage, Im really hoping it does go up... Im on my second tank with 93 and Im averaging 16.9... I live in NY though and constantly sitting in traffic so its expected...

 

I routinely get 18-19 mpg in the city. I'm not a lead foot at all, but I do get on it once in a while. I am able to catch rush hour at the right time where it's not that backed up.

My highway mileage isn't so hot at 22 or so going 78mph and 24 at about 68 mph.

 

Really should have known better but we hammered it hard the second day and then put it away wet without a cooldown (even thought the manual/acura says it's o.k.) and restarted to a strong smell of burnt oil. I'm sure there has been some frying pan action in my turbo now.