Break-In Period

I picked up my Prius in Tucson two weeks ago, set the cruise on 80 mph and drove it 1,300 miles to Texas. In this day and time, all the engine components are made to strict tolerances that you shouldn't have to worry about break in like you did many years ago.

 

Nevertheless the Toyota manual states the following:

Breaking in your new Toyota
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended
to observe:
l Forthefirst200miles(300km): Avoid sudden stops.
l Forthefirst600miles(1000km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

 

MPG usually improves with time but it has nothing to do with breaking in the car. It's a driver education thing, you learn as you go. Check out the fuel economy forums. Have fun.

 

I have bought two new Prius(es). My first, an '05, I did see a considerable improvement over the first couple of thousand miles but I think it was all about me learning how to drive a hybrid car. With my second Prius I noticed no improvement over time and my mileage is still about the same after 60K miles.

There may be some improvement with mileage but all the evidence, including mine, is anecdotal.

I think in the "old days" there was a definite improvement with mileage to both fuel economy and performance but those cars were not built to the tolerances our cars are.

 

I have to agree with the above. My mpg is improving steadily, but I think it has more to do with the hybrid driving learning curve, and perhaps the warmer weather.

 

My best tank was like my third tank. I have not been able to achieve that since and I am @ 31K. I wouldn't expect any appreciable improvement.