Engine break-in procedures vary from vehicle to vehicle, though the logic behind them is virtually universal. The break-in period for most cars is relatively painless—but imagine not being allowed to romp your new Corvette for 805 kilometres!
Many folks remember their first baseball glove and the excitement of breaking it in for a long life of playing catch, softball and the like.
But how? Was glove oil the answer? What about tying a ball into the glove and leaving it in the sun? Under a mattress? In a dark corner? Should it be rubbed with shaving cream? Maybe it was best to just get out and start playing catch.
Like a baseball glove, new-car engine break-in procedures can be a bit of a grey area. Each manufacturer has a different break-in recommendation for their engines, some being more complicated and extensive than others. In general, not following the break-in procedures to the letter won't cause any serious problems—though a properly broken-in engine is more likely to have a long and enjoyable life.
Your average affordable sedan probably has a break-in recommendation similar to that of the Chevrolet Cobalt. GM engineers say there's no elaborate procedure to follow, but that the vehicle will perform better if drivers follow some simple rules for the first 805 kilometres. These include not travelling at constant speeds, not downshifting, and not making full-throttle starts.
Why the extra initial care? It’s all about ensuring uniform wear occurs between components within the engine. Engine internals work in contact with one another under very tight tolerances-- so the surface formed between them is very important.
For instance, the metal piston rings are always in contact with the cylinder wall. A proper surface between the two is vital for engine compression, which ultimately dictates performance and fuel efficiency. Changing engine speed and load encourages the piston rings to move slightly, which helps creates a more uniform wear surface between the ring and cylinder wall. That’s exactly why many break-in procedures recommend against using cruise control or a constant engine speed during break-in.
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Many folks remember their first baseball glove and the excitement of breaking it in for a long life of playing catch, softball and the like.
But how? Was glove oil the answer? What about tying a ball into the glove and leaving it in the sun? Under a mattress? In a dark corner? Should it be rubbed with shaving cream? Maybe it was best to just get out and start playing catch.
Like a baseball glove, new-car engine break-in procedures can be a bit of a grey area. Each manufacturer has a different break-in recommendation for their engines, some being more complicated and extensive than others. In general, not following the break-in procedures to the letter won't cause any serious problems—though a properly broken-in engine is more likely to have a long and enjoyable life.
Your average affordable sedan probably has a break-in recommendation similar to that of the Chevrolet Cobalt. GM engineers say there's no elaborate procedure to follow, but that the vehicle will perform better if drivers follow some simple rules for the first 805 kilometres. These include not travelling at constant speeds, not downshifting, and not making full-throttle starts.
Why the extra initial care? It’s all about ensuring uniform wear occurs between components within the engine. Engine internals work in contact with one another under very tight tolerances-- so the surface formed between them is very important.
For instance, the metal piston rings are always in contact with the cylinder wall. A proper surface between the two is vital for engine compression, which ultimately dictates performance and fuel efficiency. Changing engine speed and load encourages the piston rings to move slightly, which helps creates a more uniform wear surface between the ring and cylinder wall. That’s exactly why many break-in procedures recommend against using cruise control or a constant engine speed during break-in.
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