What happens if you don't obey the break-in rules?

InfideNino · 10-11-2006, 10:14 AM

I'm getting my Prius tomorrow so I'm very excited and basically can't think about anything else. My productivity at work has dropped to almost zero, since I'm just reading Prius-related websites and forums all day. For example I was just reading the user guide at john1701a.com which states (and I assume this is in the owner's manual as well):

For the first 200 Miles (322 km):
• avoid rapid deceleration (hard stops)
• avoid high speeds (more than 70 MPH, 113 km/h)
For the first 600 Miles (966 km):
• avoid rapid acceleration
• avoid racing (high RPM) the engine

Does anybody know why exactly this is necessary, and more importantly, what would happen if you don't do this?

Please don't answer "just do as it says in the manual", "why would you risk damaging your new car", etc. Of course I will do it but I'm just curious what the reason is.

I hope this is not in any other topic; I searched but couldn't find it.

**efusco** · 10-11-2006, 10:17 AM

The theory is you want to let the brakes to wear in as well as the rings an pistons to seat properly. In today's modern/well machined vehicles this isn't as big of a concern, but certainly is worth just taking it easy until you really get familiar with the car and it has a chance to work itself in.

The first 600 miles will go by very quickly...usually in a week or two as you have fun playing with your new 'toy'.

brandon · 10-11-2006, 10:19 AM

Parts may not seat properly, etc. But really, the improvements in machining, materials, and other manufacturing practices have made the break-in period somewhat obsolete, from what I understand.

Beryl Octet · 10-11-2006, 10:23 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(InfideNino @ Oct 11 2006, 10:14 AM) [snapback]331106[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'm getting my Prius tomorrow so I'm very excited and basically can't think about anything else. My productivity at work has dropped to almost zero, since I'm just reading Prius-related websites and forums all day. For example I was just reading the user guide at john1701a.com which states (and I assume this is in the owner's manual as well):

For the first 200 Miles (322 km):
• avoid rapid deceleration (hard stops)
• avoid high speeds (more than 70 MPH, 113 km/h)
For the first 600 Miles (966 km):
• avoid rapid acceleration
• avoid racing (high RPM) the engine

Does anybody know why exactly this is necessary, and more importantly, what would happen if you don't do this?

Please don't answer "just do as it says in the manual", "why would you risk damaging your new car", etc. Of course I will do it but I'm just curious what the reason is.

I hope this is not in any other topic; I searched but couldn't find it.
[/b]

The flux capacitor fields are not full initialized, and you risk a core breach/local implosion. Seriously, though, the break in is to help parts "settle in." Not following it probably means shorter lifespan of the engine, etc. I work with a fellow who follows the "break it in like you are planning on driving it" philosophy. He can't understand why he needs new pads at 10K becuase they are glazed, and his car uses oil at 50K.

InfideNino · 10-11-2006, 10:30 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 11 2006, 04:17 PM) [snapback]331109[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

The theory is you want to let the brakes to wear in as well as the rings an pistons to seat properly. In today's modern/well machined vehicles this isn't as big of a concern, but certainly is worth just taking it easy until you really get familiar with the car and it has a chance to work itself in.

The first 600 miles will go by very quickly...usually in a week or two as you have fun playing with your new 'toy'.
[/b]

Thank you for the explanation. I'm driving to the Champagne and back this weekend so I will hit the 600 miles mark by Sunday. However, I will try to drive slowly...

JeffG · 10-11-2006, 11:46 AM

If my car is any indication, nothing bad happens if you disobey the breakin rules. 2004 with 115,000+ miles and no engine, drive train or brake problems. Only maintenance done besides recalls is oil changes and tire rotation.

Charles Suitt · 10-11-2006, 12:16 PM

My question: Why would someone with a NEW Prius *WANT* to disregard the break-in suggestions?

OTOH: There would probably be little risk of long-time problems if they did.

JeffG · 10-11-2006, 12:22 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JeffG @ Oct 11 2006, 10:46 AM) [snapback]331162[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

If my car is any indication, nothing bad happens if you disobey the breakin rules. 2004 with 115,000+ miles and no engine, drive train or brake problems. Only maintenance done besides recalls is oil changes and tire rotation.
[/b]

Impatience and forgetfullness.

Jeannie · 10-11-2006, 12:28 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Oct 11 2006, 12:16 PM) [snapback]331178[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

My question: Why would someone with a NEW Prius *WANT* to disregard the break-in suggestions?

OTOH: There would probably be little risk of long-time problems if they did.
[/b]

I believe the OP is planning a fairly long trip in Europe almost as soon as the car arrives. While he may be able to avoid hard braking and hard accelleration, it's possible that there are areas on his trip where he'd have to go faster than the manual advises within the first few hundred miles, or he'd be obstructing the normal flow of traffic.

silentak1 · 10-11-2006, 01:13 PM

Short answer: pre-mature engine wear. Your Prius won't run as long as you would like to.

A quick advice: Don't use cruise control for the first 1,000 or so miles. The will break in better if you flunctuate speeds. For example, instead of traveling at 65mph flat try vaying from 60-65mph every few minutes or so. This has something to do with proper engine compression and all the other things that are mentioned above me.

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10-11-2006, 10:14 AM	#1
InfideNino Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 44 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm getting my Prius tomorrow so I'm very excited and basically can't think about anything else. My productivity at work has dropped to almost zero, since I'm just reading Prius-related websites and forums all day. For example I was just reading the user guide at john1701a.com which states (and I assume this is in the owner's manual as well): For the first 200 Miles (322 km): • avoid rapid deceleration (hard stops) • avoid high speeds (more than 70 MPH, 113 km/h) For the first 600 Miles (966 km): • avoid rapid acceleration • avoid racing (high RPM) the engine Does anybody know why exactly this is necessary, and more importantly, what would happen if you don't do this? Please don't answer "just do as it says in the manual", "why would you risk damaging your new car", etc. Of course I will do it but I'm just curious what the reason is. I hope this is not in any other topic; I searched but couldn't find it.

10-11-2006, 10:17 AM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,231 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	The theory is you want to let the brakes to wear in as well as the rings an pistons to seat properly. In today's modern/well machined vehicles this isn't as big of a concern, but certainly is worth just taking it easy until you really get familiar with the car and it has a chance to work itself in. The first 600 miles will go by very quickly...usually in a week or two as you have fun playing with your new 'toy'.

10-11-2006, 10:19 AM	#3
brandon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Manhattan, KS Posts: 770 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Parts may not seat properly, etc. But really, the improvements in machining, materials, and other manufacturing practices have made the break-in period somewhat obsolete, from what I understand.

10-11-2006, 11:46 AM	#6
JeffG Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Middle Tennessee USA Posts: 94 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	If my car is any indication, nothing bad happens if you disobey the breakin rules. 2004 with 115,000+ miles and no engine, drive train or brake problems. Only maintenance done besides recalls is oil changes and tire rotation.

10-11-2006, 12:16 PM	#7
Charles Suitt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 1,624 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #6 Touring Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	My question: Why would someone with a NEW Prius WANT to disregard the break-in suggestions? OTOH: There would probably be little risk of long-time problems if they did.

10-11-2006, 01:13 PM	#10
silentak1 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 548 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Short answer: pre-mature engine wear. Your Prius won't run as long as you would like to. A quick advice: Don't use cruise control for the first 1,000 or so miles. The will break in better if you flunctuate speeds. For example, instead of traveling at 65mph flat try vaying from 60-65mph every few minutes or so. This has something to do with proper engine compression and all the other things that are mentioned above me.