I would like the full skinny, the low down, no punches pulled, the inside scoop on how to perform the break-in period.

I have been told the break-in period for a car is 500 miles, but have since re-thought that to 1000 miles.

I have also learned that on the highways/freeways/interstates to constantly vary your speed between 50 and 70 mph.

So, I have some questions. What do you do in the city? Do you let it idle at red lights? Do you hold it at higher rpms? Do you blip the throttle constantly at lights? How should you start your car during the break-in period? Start it and let it warm up? Start it and drive immediately (to blow the acids that build up in the combustion chambers out, that accumulated while the engine sat idle)? Start it and never rev it below 2000rpm? Should you be aggressive on the drive train, or just cruise so every part gets to know its neighbor? Should you idle for 5 minutes before shutting the car down? How should you treat the brakes? What is heat cycling, how do you do it, is it worth it, what does it do? The clutch, anything special to do there? What about other mechanical bits, what do you need to do to treat them well so that they treat you well farther down the road?

If you don't know all the answers then just post the parts that you do KNOW. That way we can all benefit from the collective knowledge. I would like to perform my break-in period to the best my ability so that I can FLOG THE SNOT out of my STI in the future and get results for the long term.

Thanks in advance for your posts, this will help us all!!

 

The best thing to do is just drive the car normally for the first 1000 miles (when I say normally I mean don't flog it, try to keep your RPMs under 4000). Try and avoid fast starts, stops and Prolonged idling. Vary your speed if you are driving on the highway. At the end of the 1000 miles I change my oil but some don't.

Have fun and enjoy

 

Thank you omahasti!

 

So, the first relpy is...... change your oil after 1000 miles. Do you disagree? i think 1000 mile oil change makes sense.

 

No I always change it at the end of the breakin period. I have been using synthetic in my cars for the last 7 years and have had very good luck. I use Mobil One. I have tried others but have found availability to be a problem for some. Be sure and use the Subaru filter and get a new pan plug crush washer for each oil change. Also be aware the oil filter that dealer catalogs list is incorrect. the Correct part number is 15208AA080. If the dealer says otherwise get then to call SOA and verify. I was sold the wrong filter and didn't find out until I had pulled the plug and drained the oil. The filter is MUCH smaller than the one on the WRX.

 

I also changed my oil at the first 1000 miles and kept it below 3500 for the first 2000 miles. Now, at 2400 miles. I may change the oil again at 3000 miles. For 25.00$ why not?

 

What is WOT and what is Reflash? Debbie