Engine Break-In
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
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Engine Break-In
I haven't found any forum topics on this, except for those older gens that are doing nothing but rebuilds at this point, but what are people's opinions on breaking the engine in? I've seen all sorts of different views, but there's a common theme on changing almost right away (first few hours/couple dozen miles) and again 1000 mile mark.
Does GM do the initial break-in and first oil change at the factory, or is that left up to us to figure out? Also, any idea if the dealerships are covering the first few regular oil changes and if they'd toss in a 1000 mile change?
Does GM do the initial break-in and first oil change at the factory, or is that left up to us to figure out? Also, any idea if the dealerships are covering the first few regular oil changes and if they'd toss in a 1000 mile change?
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw GA
2 year 24000 mile service for all new GM vehicles including oil changes. First change should be scheduled at 7500 miles.
to edit my statement: I always change the oil in a new car at 1000 miles and then again at 3000 although it is probably not needed. I also do not rev above 4K RPM for first 500 miles then keep it away from redline until 1000.
to edit my statement: I always change the oil in a new car at 1000 miles and then again at 3000 although it is probably not needed. I also do not rev above 4K RPM for first 500 miles then keep it away from redline until 1000.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 342
From: St. Louis MO
Back in the day, they used to ship engines with "break-in oil" or what the old hot-rodders called "fish oil". The old adage was to "cool it" (keep rpm below 4000, don't run at constant rpm for prolonged periods, etc.), for the first 1000-1500 miles, and then change the oil and filter.
They say today's engines don't need to be "baby-ed" like this, BUT it won't hurt to change the oil early. I plan to change mine at 1000 miles or 3 months, whatever comes first.
They say today's engines don't need to be "baby-ed" like this, BUT it won't hurt to change the oil early. I plan to change mine at 1000 miles or 3 months, whatever comes first.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,689
From: Pacific Northwest
I too am conservative during the recommended break in period and always change my oil and filter the first time at 1,000 miles or less.
In talking with previous Chief Engineer Dave Hill about this, he said that after my initial oil and filter change, whatever I was comfortable with, that changing oil every 3,000 miles (as I continue to do) was a waste of oil and money, but heck, "it's your money." What he cautioned about however, was not driving it too hard for the first 1,200 miles to allow the differential gears to properly break in, as well as not using cruise control for the first five hundred mileage, and, as stated above, you should vary your RPM's during that time.
Never had a single engine problem in my life and many of our cars and pick-ups have gone just under 200,000 miles. At the same time, there are many who say that from the first turn of the key, "drive it like you stole it." Not me, thanks...
In talking with previous Chief Engineer Dave Hill about this, he said that after my initial oil and filter change, whatever I was comfortable with, that changing oil every 3,000 miles (as I continue to do) was a waste of oil and money, but heck, "it's your money." What he cautioned about however, was not driving it too hard for the first 1,200 miles to allow the differential gears to properly break in, as well as not using cruise control for the first five hundred mileage, and, as stated above, you should vary your RPM's during that time.
Never had a single engine problem in my life and many of our cars and pick-ups have gone just under 200,000 miles. At the same time, there are many who say that from the first turn of the key, "drive it like you stole it." Not me, thanks...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 66
From: . Wyoming .
Do what the manual dictates.
Or change the oil every 100 miles for the first 10,000 miles.
Or <insert whatever directions here>.
This is an age-old question that will forever lack consensous.
Or change the oil every 100 miles for the first 10,000 miles.
Or <insert whatever directions here>.
This is an age-old question that will forever lack consensous.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
i'm going to red line it after 100 miles after the oil is nice and warm and engine well lubricated...
last 8 new sports cars owned.. give em 100 miles and drive em like i usually would and never any oil consumption (this coming from the porsche world where 80% of cars consume oil due to flat 6 configuration).
last 8 new sports cars owned.. give em 100 miles and drive em like i usually would and never any oil consumption (this coming from the porsche world where 80% of cars consume oil due to flat 6 configuration).
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 53
I did 400 miles of varying speeds, because that's how long it took me to the track. Did the first session at 1000RPM below redline, after that I took it to redline. I did change the oil after the weekend and continued to do so every 6 track days after that.
That car is still going strong with 25K miles today, most of them track miles.
I see no reason the Corvette would need more break in time besides careful warming up the car as always.
That car is still going strong with 25K miles today, most of them track miles.
I see no reason the Corvette would need more break in time besides careful warming up the car as always.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 24
From: Cary NC
The official owner's manual is now online. Here is the gospel from GM:
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended guidelines during the first 2414 km (1500 mi) of driving this vehicle. Parts have a break-in period and performance will be better in the long run.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
For the first 2414 km (1500 mi):
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended guidelines during the first 2414 km (1500 mi) of driving this vehicle. Parts have a break-in period and performance will be better in the long run.
For the first 322 km (200 mi):
- To break in new tires, drive at moderate speeds and avoid hard cornering for the first 322 km (200 mi).
- New brake linings also need a break- in period. Avoid making hard stops during the first 322 km (200 mi). This is recommended every time brake linings are replaced.
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
- Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
- Do not exceed 4000 rpm.
- Avoid driving at any one constant speed, fast or slow, including the use of cruise control.
- Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle when the engine speed will exceed 4000 rpm.
- Do not let the engine labor. Never lug the engine. With a manual transmission, shift to the next lower gear. This rule applies at all times, not just during the break-in period.
For the first 2414 km (1500 mi):
- Do not participate in track events, sport driving schools, or similar activities during the first 2414 km (1500 mi).
- Check engine oil with every refueling and add if necessary. Oil and fuel consumption may be higher than normal during the first 2414 km (1500 mi).
Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 34,551
Likes: 505
From: Auburn Hills MI
Poo.
Full throttle out of the dealership.
Break in is a myth today. The reason for break in before was the parts like the cam were not heat treated. So they were soft. Take a new car out and beat on it, wear down the cam lobes. Going through a break in procedure heat treated and hardened the metal.
Now with heat treated metals if its up to operating temp its good to go.
I do not know why they continue to publish stuff like this. Now there might be other parts like the AC/Alternator, PS Pump, etc that go through a break in process but the engine, no.
Changing the oil early is not a bad idea but never done the break in deal.
Full throttle out of the dealership.
Break in is a myth today. The reason for break in before was the parts like the cam were not heat treated. So they were soft. Take a new car out and beat on it, wear down the cam lobes. Going through a break in procedure heat treated and hardened the metal.
Now with heat treated metals if its up to operating temp its good to go.
I do not know why they continue to publish stuff like this. Now there might be other parts like the AC/Alternator, PS Pump, etc that go through a break in process but the engine, no.
Changing the oil early is not a bad idea but never done the break in deal.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I expect to break in the car over 2 weekends. LOL I'll be driving all over the place. Should get about 16 MPG driving 1500 miles on streets only for 14 days. 
But then I'll be able to really get on the gas in no time.
BTW, never buy a used car from NoOne.
But then I'll be able to really get on the gas in no time.
BTW, never buy a used car from NoOne.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
You guys should check what the break in is for the GTR. Engine runs on the dyno at or close to redline and at the end the car is taken to a mini track to ensure it performe up to standards. Youtube megafactories GTR.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 15
2 year 24000 mile service for all new GM vehicles including oil changes. First change should be scheduled at 7500 miles.
to edit my statement: I always change the oil in a new car at 1000 miles and then again at 3000 although it is probably not needed. I also do not rev above 4K RPM for first 500 miles then keep it away from redline until 1000.
to edit my statement: I always change the oil in a new car at 1000 miles and then again at 3000 although it is probably not needed. I also do not rev above 4K RPM for first 500 miles then keep it away from redline until 1000.
The first 1000 miles is very crucial how you break it in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 80
From: Ohio
I can tell you this if I'm looking at a Corvette to purchase and the owner tells me " I drove it like I stole it ! " I'm outta there ! And I'm sure that when it comes time to sell or trade you will tell the dealer or prospective new owner that. Sure you will. 