I will pick up a new 2007 TL-S tomorrow. I know new cars often have break in periods and recommendations.

I will have to drive ~120 miles from the dealer to home - mostly freeway miles.

What can/should I do during the drive to help break the car in?

TIA.

 

I think the owner's manual tells you exactly what to do. When I bought my 07 TL-S the dealer told me not to drive it for a long time at the same speed for the first 600 miles. I think they want you to cycle the transmission through the gears as much as possible so city type driving is preferred.

Also, they told me to be gentle in accelerating and braking. Generally they tell you not to use the cruise control either.

 

agree on not driving at the same speed for a long time. Since you are goign to drive 120 miles, here is a suggestion if you got a auto (prob apply to manuals too). Put it in ss mode. Shift from 5 to 4 once in a while and slow down a bit. Then go ahead and speed up a bit and shift back from 4 to 5. This should work.

 

I've been told by numerous people to just drive how you would normally drive, and push it every now and then. Babying the car won't break in the car properly. Then again, everyone has their own ways of breaking them in.

 

The idea is to get the piston rings used to moving at different rpm's
5 MPH change +or- in your speed every 10-15 minutes will be good and if you can hop off the freeway for some in town stuff for a few minutes- thats good too.
Just dont let it run for 2 hours on cruise at 65

No full panic braking, no full throttle first 5oo miles, then all will be ready for play.
Use the trans SS mode just to make sure it works, and its a great way to change 1000 rpm for a few minutes then back up a gear while maintaining freeway speed

 

Thanks all.

Really appreciate the input. I'll put it to good use.

 

Easiest way to avoid annoying one-speed trip home: don't use the freeways.
Take state highways, rural and side roads that you've never been on; treat yourself to a day trip with the sunroof open. The actual road time may take you an additional 30 minutes, assuming you don't stop for a meal. You can get on a freeway for a few minutes to try higher speeds if the state highways don't permit you to do that.
Have a good weekend!