To Run In, Or Not To Run In ?

[derekpara]

Is it still advisable to 'run in' a new car ?

I've just bought a new Japanese car and the service schedule lists the first service in a year's time. In my day we used to keep the revs and torque down for a few hundred miles and then have an oil and filter change.

Is it really necessary now with modern engines ? My inclination is still to change the oil and filter in three months.

Cheers.

D

[Zacs-Master]

No reason whatsoever. Just drive sensibly.

[Milvus]

Agree with Zacs. Hasn't been necessary for ages

[Linotype]

Hi there: Yep, times have moved on. Today, new Japanese cars have their engines 'bench tested' for a suitable period; oils are far superior than what we/you were used too – I'd still be tempted to keep the revs down for the first 1000km/1600 miles though ... I suspect if you were to take your new 'pride and joy' back to the garage for an oil/filter change after three months they'd simply chase you away! Don't worry, all will be well, I'm sure. You don't name the brand but rest assured they are all very, very good. [Retired motoring journalist who lives abroad – Cape Town.]

[bookbinder]

Doesn't the owner's handbook give you any advice on running in?

[Zacs-Master]

No, because there's no need.

[retrotv]

Decent length runs will make your car last much longer.

It's the repeated short runs which destroy car engines, exhausts, batteries, bodywork, brakes, alternators, aircons etc.

You can combat some of this by deliberately driving extra miles until the car is properly warmed up, using the brakes and keeping the car overnight in a dry garage.

[Khandro]

I concur with Linotype, I would instinctively not want to over-rev a brand-new engine, however it makes me wonder about Formula 1 engines, which have been described as "most highly stressed pieces of machinery on the planet", what degree of 'running-in' do they get on the bench, does anyone know?

[retrotv]

The traditional approach is to wildly vary the revs when running-in to keep the cylinder carbon seal at the top end of the revs. I can see no reason to change this for a modern engine.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Mine had to go in at 1200 miles...all fluids were changed and software updated.

[ToraToraTora]

No, not been necessary for a long time. Oddly enough my last new motorbike advised riding gentler for for the first 500 miles but to occasionally redline it during that process!

[derekpara]

Thank you all.

I do not do a high mileage - only about 6k per year, so I might change the oil between the recommended 12k (annual) service schedule. Also, I tend to agree with Retrov about varying the revs during the early period.

The Nissan handbook says nothing about runing in.

Cheers.

D

[EDDIE51]

As said 'running in' has not been necessary for over 25 years, just drive normally and take it for the 1st service on time. Do not change the oil or filter yourself you will invalidate the warranty, it has to be the dealer who does ANY work on it while in warranty.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Eddie...any vat registered garage can service the car ..as long as they follow manufacturers guidelines and use correct parts etc.

[tonyav]

Try and vary the revs though for about the first 1000 miles.

[EDDIE51]

^^ Yes, any registered garage, I read this as the questioner is thinking of doing it himself!

[derekpara]

Thanks again,folks.

My DIY oil changing days are over,Eddies. I have an excellent local garage who could do it and I will use main or franchised dealer to do regular services.