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Picked up a '10 LX sedan new years eve. I'm itching to drive it but always break in my cars very carefully. I'm not sure exactly why but it seems like a good idea.

Got about 500 miles right now and I'm wondering what the best time is to stop worrying about such things. Owner's manual says 600 miles but is kinda vague regarding details. The dealer said not to worry about it at all. I've had cars with very specific instructions in this regard for periods up to 2000 miles

For lack of better instruction, I've been doing the following:
- Took it real easy on the brakes for first 200 miles
- Not using cruise control
- Not maintaining any specific speed for very long
- Accelerating gently, not revving engine too high
- Not going over 55-65

Opinions/guidance/comments would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

 
Rep Power: 812

thats good. i drove like that and my car is doing fine at 90k. just vary the rpms, dont idle too much, and dont keep the rpms too low either. most newer engines will not fully break in til 20k miles and thats when you see the best power and mpg. after around 4-5k miles (first oil change), you can consider the car pretty much broken in. go easy on the brakes but that doesnt mean riding the brake pedal either. just normal stops, no sudden slams. most of the major break-in stuff happens the first 50-100 miles.

 
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Thanks Gearbox

I'm over 700 miles now so next time out I'm just going to drive it "like it was stolen".


I just wish there was a way to maintain that new car smell

 
Rep Power: 812

whoh dont go around flooring the gas or redlining lol. just normal driving but keep in below 5k rpms most of the time at least for first 3-5k miles. driving hard is never good for a car in the long run, broken in or not.

 
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OK I hear 'ya (sigh). I do have a heavy foot. I took care of my '99 Accord very carefully. Broke it in slowly, always did maintainence on time, etc. Then it committed seppuku this past XMas at 155K. Maybe that was the reason.


I can start using cruise control though, right?

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah after 1k miles i think cruise is okay to use.