Distance Drive for New Car
 

Hey guys...I was just wondering if u think it would be bad to drive a new FR-S after only like 40 miles on a long trip (527 miles to be exact). I don't really know much about cars but I heard that the breaking in period is really important and that you should avoid extended highway driving.

Keep her under 4k RPM's and enjoy the ride. I would say highway miles are better than city driving for break in. That constant stop/start is brutal on a car.

no, highway driving is the worst for break in. if you must drive on the highway, switch gears often so that the engine seees different speeds (loads) and the rings seat properly.

you can switch gears whilst keeping the rpms under 4k.

I drove 800 miles after I picked up my car. I first set the rev meter to sound a buzzer and flash when the revs hit 4,000. Then I drove a mix of rural highways and Interstates without using cruise control. I varied my speed every couple of minutes in a range of about 15 mph. From 30-50 on back roads and 55-70 on the Interstate. The manufacturer also recommends braking slow and easy. Don't worry too much about it - just vary your speed and revs.

same sort of situation for us, will be heading on a 1000 mile round trip 2 weeks after getting the car, plan on going back roads the whole way..

Just vary your speed and you'll be fine. You just want to avoid sticking at the same RPM for long periods of time. Also car will do over 90 in 6th around 4k rpm, so no reason for a slow trip. LOL

yeah, thats the plan.


also, police... lol

I took mine to Vegas with 91 miles on it. lol

There are many different opinions on how to best break in a car. The traditional view is to vary speeds, keep rpm low, etc. But some people (including some powertrain engineers I've spoken with) say the best way is to drive the car hard.

What I'd love to see: any recent research on the topic. The traditional view has been around for decades, and any research it was initially based on was conducted when engines were built with much larger tolerances.

Has anyone seen any recent research?

I'd advise the back roads regardless. You have an FR-S--highway miles are a waste! I see you're in NY. There should be some good roads going to wherever you're going.

vary speed and more importantly vary your throttle inputs. yes this will be annoying but that's better than sitting with the car practically on cruise

One thing you have to understand about engine break-in is that your engine has already done 500-600 miles between load testing out and then in the chassis before it ever left the factory. Therefore there is not much else you can do to assist break-in or much you can hurt. Most of the engine break-in stuff you read about it pretty out-dated or for if you are re-building your own motor or whatever.

HOWEVER, it is a new car with a new gear box, new rear diff, new EVERYTHING. So taking is easy (under 4K RPM) is still a VERY good idea.

I'm confused by this. 500-600 miles? This would take about ten hours and 20+ gallons of gas.

Good thread, and good timing. I'll be taking a ~250 mile trip a couple weeks after I receive the car, if the schedule is correct.

Mine had to go on a 2.5 hour interstate ride to get home from the dealership and it has been fine so far. Alter your speed regularly, alternate between 6th and 5th once in a while. Basically just don't let it cruise down the highway at the same rpm for long periods of time. It's best to try and use as much of the engine's range as possible I think.