How To Safely "Break In" Your New Vehicle

Have you ever heard the phrase “Break in your new car gently”? Our vehicle experts have some safe ways to “break your vehicle in” when it is purchased with no or low mileage. It’s tempting to want to see what new power you wield, but first, here are some ways that will help prolong the life of your engine. 

Take it Easy: In the first 1,000 miles, it’s important to consider all of the moving parts. It takes time for everything to become properly lubricated, and by not pushing your engine too hard, you are ensuring that every moving part in your engine and transmission doesn’t experience intense wear right off the bat. 

Manual Transmission: If you have recently purchased a new manual vehicle from Melloy Dodge, we will tell you that when you shift gears the first 1,000 miles, it's best to do so at a low RPM. Switching consistently at a low RPM also is good for your fuel economy. 

Cold Floor Accelerating: The first 1,000 miles are so important for your new engine, try to avoid flooring your engine, when you do this, it doesn’t give your engine oil, piston ring, and cylinders proper time to work as efficiently as they should. Don’t worry those first 1,000 miles will be over with soon enough. 

Short Trip? Maybe not: Avoid taking trips that don’t give your engine plenty of time to warm up. When you drive your new vehicle and it doesn’t have enough time to warm up, it doesn’t allow the engine oil the proper temperature to coat all the working parts!

Towing Something Heavy?: It may not be the best idea. Sure, you have the power now, but towing already puts added strain on your engine, and it could even more damaging to tow something heavy with your new truck! 

First Oil Change: Your first oil change should take place within the first 200 miles. This is because everything is just starting to becoming lubricated, and by changing the oil, you are minimizing the amount of metal that builds up, that’s the reason for dark oil! 

There you have it! When you purchase your new vehicle at Melloy Dodge, you will hear us talk about the reasons why the first 1,000 miles can determine the proper performance of your vehicle for the years to come. Keep the RPM’s low, accelerate slowly, no towing, bring your vehicle up to highway speed without flooring it, and make sure your engine is warm! These tips will help you begin proper vehicle maintenance. Contact Melloy Dodge to see about purchasing a new vehicle or shop our online inventory.