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Oops...didn't break-in engine

6K views 18 replies 17 participants last post by  franco1961 
#1 ·
Bought new Overland with three (3) miles on it. Next day took to beach, 280 miles roundtrip. Didn't learn about break -in until after.

I didn't drive hard but did keep on cruise control around 74 at times, but took most secondary roads so did't have at high speed for more than 20 - 30 min max at a time.

Any late precautions I should take?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
I'm with Bill. Don't lose any sleep over it.
 
#4 ·
Modern engines no longer demand rigorous attention to a break-in protocol. Try a few full throttle 5-60 runs and vary your throttle inputs on steady highway cruising for the next 500 miles and you are good to go. I'm also a strong believer in warming up your engine for a minute or two in the morning.
 
#5 · (Edited)
You got nothing to worry about on...Enjoy the vehicle and drive like you normally would. I picked mine up on a Friday and drove it around trip to Chicago (600 miles roughly).
 
#6 ·
Yup no issues. I did a 1000 mile round trip the day after taking delivery of mine...
 
#7 ·
I know a guy who is flying 1500 miles to pick up his new GC and he's driving it back over the next couple days.

I'm sure you'll be fine.
 
#18 ·
I know a guy who is flying 1500 miles to pick up his new GC...
...and boy, will his arms be tired! ;)

But seriously, folks, the old fashioned way of breaking in a vehicle has gone by the wayside (thank goodness!). I would not recommend doing misdemeanor/felony level speeds until at least a thousand miles are on any vehicle, but driving at varied highway speeds for a couple of hundred miles is about as much that may be required or suggested. Some folks drive more carefully the first ~50 miles to properly "scuff in" the tires... not a big deal unless those miles are in heavy rain.

Our first trip in my wife's new GC was from central NY to Fairfax, VA and back... that trip went great, and helped convince me to get one. The first trip in mine was to West Orange, NJ (to celebrate) and back.

About the 1500-mile guy, did he buy from Dave Smith? His account of the deal and the trip home (i.e., how he likes the Jeep) would be most welcome here. :)
 
#8 ·
Thanks for piece of mind all:thumbsup: I am getting the life-time max. care so worse case problems would be covered by warranty.

Dealer never mentioned break-in so can't be all that important. If it was a problem I am sure dealer and Jeep would make you swear on your life you won't neglect it since it would be under warranty and problems would most likely end up on their dime.
 
#9 ·
I wouldn't sweat it... the good news is that you varied your speed, which folklore claims is bad for the universe and causes the heartbreak of psoriasis.

Now, you need a few full throttle runs from a moving start.

If you want an Owners Manual, go to jeep.com and log in as an owner and you can get a free hard copy. Its pretty thick, but seems to fit in the little place at the top of the glove box.
 
#10 ·
I'm fairly certain the OM recommends against WOT in low gears for break in purposes. Instead it recommends short WOT bursts in higher gears.
 
#12 ·
Oh pleeeeease! I drove 200+ miles today on I-87 and lost count of the number of vehicles with dealer plates being traded among dealers passing me at 75+ mph. We bought a Maxima in the 1980's and the color we wanted was at a dealer 300 miles away. They drove that car here so fast I couldn't believe it and all was well with it. So, relax.
 
#13 ·
Here's what the manual says.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission
and axle) in your vehicle.
• Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
• While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws
contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy
conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity
and quality grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers)
of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication to an engine problem or malfunction.

You haven't strayed much.
 
#14 ·
(Snorkle) If you go WOT at almost any legal speed you will be in a lower gear. Also back in the bad old daze when an "economy" gear was a 3.08 and top was 1:1, most engines would be turning over 3k rpm at 70 so speeds under 60 for the first 500 miles were advised. Today you are turning 2K or less at 70 and bearing materials, tolerances, and oils are much better so fagedaboudit.
 
#15 ·
Bought new Overland with three (3) miles on it. Next day took to beach, 280 miles roundtrip. Didn't learn about break -in until after.

I didn't drive hard but did keep on cruise control around 74 at times, but took most secondary roads so didn't have at high speed for more than 20 - 30 min max at a time.

Any late precautions I should take?

Thanks
Unless you were on the Utah Salt Flats, even with cruise control on your engine speed varies.

You are fine.
 
#19 ·
Break-in like the manual say.
NOT for the car but for the OWNER/DRIVER.
Since need bit time to be all-in-one with the new car, also to have time to feel if there is something strange (sound, brake, gear, feeling etc etc) and so will talk with garage without damage.
My 2 cents.
 
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