What would be the effect on my new 04TL if greater than 97% of the first 3000 miles were all highway miles? I'm planning an extended road trip that would start almost as soon as I leave the dealership's door. The 3000 miles would be driven in less than a week.

If there is a problem, is there anything I can to to eliminate the problem?

I need accurate information here ... If I'm about to do something very bad to my new car, I probably won't do the trip.

 

I would just play around a little on the highway. Run it up the rev range in a lower gear and let the engine braking slow you down. This should help seat the rings.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses.

Don

 

Far from accurate info here, but I remember reading awhile back that driving any new car for a prolonged period of time at one static RPM (i.e. long road trip and your cruise is set) is not recommended during the break-in period.

I'm sure someone will correct me that knows a little something about engines though.

3,000 miles, huh? Sounds like you're driving cross country somewhere!!

 

I wouldn't do it, take the wife's car on the road trip.

If you have no other choice but to take your new car then I would make a conscious effort to vary your speed. Whatever you do, don't set the cruise control. Exit off and on the freeway often. Try to avoid the freeway, take the scenic routes.

 

Ya, i have heard that before...make sure you don't stay at one constant speed or RPM range for a extended period of time. Just vary your speed throughout the trip. Or take a rental car and have some fun

 

I like the rental car idea....a 3000 mile road trip may not only effect the engine, but think of all the spilled drinks, fast food falling under the seat, dings and chips from debris....its all a bit scary....I always love rentals for any road trip taking more than a couple of hours (nice to save the miles on your car too)

 

In my opinion, a great way to break in a car. I've always had good luck.

It is important to vary the RPM- which means changing from 5th to 4th and back to 5th etc - repeatedly. I note that at highway speeds the demands and stress on the engine are minimal and passing gives opportunity to change the speed and put a "gentle" (not floored) load on the engine. It's always worked for me and my cars broken in this way have never used any oil.

Jim

 

I agree with the rental car - a week of rental is only couple of hundred bucks depending on what you get and you don't have to start your new car out with a 3000 mile road trip. 3000 mile highway road trip could mean poor break in procedure, salt & rock chips from the 18 wheelers, messy interior from fast food & drinks - yikes! Rental car is the way to go if you're going across the country - assuming.

 

I'd take the car and enjoy it! Highway miles are much less demanding on your engine than the stop-and-go stuff. Plus, you'll know the car inside and out when you return from your trip.

 

Just do it.

Varied MPH & RPM is necessary. Since you're in the highway most of time, maybe you could prolong your break-in period to 1k-1.5k.


So I won't see you in a week?

 

This topic tends to get out of hand....

Just drive your car. Keep the RPM's below 4000 like the manual states, don't use full throttle starts and hard breaking etc...... As for the highway driving, it won't hurt it a bit. It won't cause you to burn more oil or have a rough idle etc. I won't go in to my automotive background nor engine building experience but anyone who claims constant highway miles are bad for a new engine ,,,, well, lets just say if you drove a constant 65 for the first 5000 miles straight that may not be optimum, but it most likely would never happen..... What really helps the engine seat-in is different loads and different temps. Besides, most of the owners manual "recommendations" are for the drivetrain break-in and not so much the engine..

Just treat your car well and slowly "introduce" it to the normal type of driving you will expose it to after the 600 or so break-in miles......

Enjoy it!

 

Thanks for the always useful info, guys!

Guess what I got today?

 

Your mileage is well over the break-in... ?

 

Not yet. The trip may be getting cancelled due to excessive workload. I'll know by Tuesday.