New Car

[mojobanana]

I'm getting a brand new car on Friday and wondered if I have to treat it any differently because it's new, e.g 'run it in'. I'm planning approx 100 mile journey on Friday evening on motorways, so obviously I'll be doing 70ish.

Anyone got any tips/ideas/etc.?

[rugeleyboy]

just get in it and drive!!

you no longer need to run a car in like you used to.

i think just get in it drive it and enjoy it.

[Toureman]

As the boy from rugely says, just get in and drive but for the first 500-1000 miles take it easy.

"Running in"is'nt what it used to be.

For the first 500 miles just use half the accelaration, let the engine warm up, take it easy when you first drive off also run in your brakes and tyres, just do everything gently for awhile, there's nothing wrong cruising at 70 mph.

[erimus1]

Engines these days are bench run in, and therefore should not require any special treatment. you will notice that your first service period is quite soon -0 this is because there could be some form of fault in the car that was not apparent in the PDI

[Buenchico]

Firstly, I've got to agree with the previous posts. I used to deliver cars for a living. While most of these were used vehicles, I occasionally got to drive some brand new cars and there were never any 'running in' rules.

Secondly, you ask for tip and ideas. My former job could mean that I was driving an old Jaguar first thing in the morning, a brand new BMW truck at lunchtime and an automatic Nissan Micra at teatime. One of the things I learnt about getting into an unfamiliar vehicle was that it was worth spending several minutes checking out where all of the controls were before setting off. Yes, I know that might sound rather obvious, but suddenly realising that you need your headlights and wipers on can be rather worrying if you're doing 70mph, on a busy motorway, and you haven't got the foggiest idea where the controls are!

So, please, spend some time checking through the controls before you set off. If, like me, you like to have the radio on when you're driving, I recommend spending time programming your favourite stations in. Also, check that you know how to control the volume. (I once got stuck, in heavy rain and equally heavy traffic, on the M25 when I wanted to turn the radio down to allow me to concentrate. The controls were on steering wheel stalks. I managed to turn the volume to maximum but I couldn't find out how to turn it down or off! I know it sounds daft but it's the sort of mistake it's easy to make on an unfamiliar vehicle). Also, make sure that you know how the heating controls work. You don't want to be fiddling with the controls, trying to stop a blast of icey air, when you're doing 70mph!

If any of that sounds patronising, please accept my apologies. My only excuse is that I often learnt the hard way!

Chris

[Impret-Sir]

Well, just to be different, Im certain that you definately DO still need to run in a new engine, and that running at a constant speed, ie on a motorway, is the worst possible way to do it! I accept that modern engines are built to finer tolerances than older units, but that does not completely negate the need for some degree of running in. I guess that rather than rely on us opinionated amateurs you could ask the dealer when you pick the car up?

[kepla]

Most cars are bench-run for a while when they are made, so there isn't quite as stringent a running-in period as there used to be. However, treating the engine right for the first couple of thousand miles will make a big difference on its life expectancy. Ever wondered why some engines seem worn-out at around 70-80,000 miles but others can manage 250,000 without major work ? It all begins with how the car is driven for the first one or two thousand miles. While you should NEVER stress a cold engine (of course) it is even more important when it has only had a little bench running. Treat it VERY gently untill it is warmed up and then give it an 'easy life' - at least for the first thousand miles or so. Keep the revs less than half of the 'red line' maximum and, after that first thousand and an oil change, then gradually let the engine work its way up to its full potential. In ten years time you'll get the pay-back.

[mojobanana]

Hi all,

thanks to everyone for the messages. It's helped to canvas opinion on these things.

Great tips from Buenchico too. I have driven this type of car before and am usually ok when getting into unfamiliar cars (driven all sorts for work), but it's a good reminder to know where everything is and set to my liking, starting with the music! (Got to get your priorities right! I'm currently compiling my 'driving' cd!!!).

Thanks again, I'm going to enjoy my new car!
Jo