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New Prime engine break in?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Lisa99, Jul 4, 2018.

  1. Lisa99

    Lisa99 Junior Member

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    I’m flying from Florida to Maryland on Saturday to buy a Prime. Return trip is about 800 miles. I’ve read that it’s a myth that new engines need to be broken in yet Toyota manuals have break-in instructions.

    I don’t want to drive 45 mph for 800 miles so would like your thoughts. Thanks!
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats, road trip!
    i don't think that is toyota's recommendation. keep it under the speed limit in the right lane and vary your speed a bit every so often.
    stay well back of the vehicle in front of you and try not to slam the brakes on.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 4, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2018
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  3. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    We just bought a 2017 Lexus RX450h last July and the recommendation was to vary speeds for the first 1000 miles. So no cruise control;).

    Only items after that that I’ve done was a short change on the oil (5k miles) and drained and filled the trans axle fluid at 6800 miles:).

    Enjoy your trip and new Prime (y).
     
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  5. Lisa99

    Lisa99 Junior Member

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    Thanks, I like those answers!
     
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  6. Starship16

    Starship16 Senior Member

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    Just drive it. :D
     
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Here's break-in advice from Owner's Manual:

    upload_2018-7-4_17-45-25.png

    The first item is for brakes, and is something to do whenever you have new pads. It's maybe overkill, and if you have to stop just do what you have to do. But as mentioned above, take it easy on the brakes, keep a good following distance. Good policy anytime, by the way.

    The second item is for engine, and the aim is to provide a variety of load condtions, and avoid extreme loads. Not that hard to accomplish, again, as mentioned above, stay right and play by the rules.
     
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    The definition of what “extremely high speeds” are leaves something to be desired:cool:.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah not not only high speeds I think. How about a sustained hill climb? I'd avoid those during break-in. I try to avoid those period, lol.
     
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  10. Lisa99

    Lisa99 Junior Member

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    I think there will be hills between MD and FL. I’ve never driven that route but it’s through some states with BIG hills
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you can't avoid them, just stay right and take it easy, it'll be fine.
     
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  12. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You’ll be taking 95 back?

    I’ve driven it from Pa to Fort Lauderdale before and there were no significant elevation changes;).

    Enjoy the drive(y).
     
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  13. Lisa99

    Lisa99 Junior Member

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    Yea Ray, no hills!
     
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  14. antiglare

    antiglare Member

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    Considering that my first tank of gas lasted 1700 miles, it means that I was mostly on EV and my ICE really didn't run much at all. The amount of time that the engine runs during the first 600 miles is bound to be drastically dependent on how often you charge. In the Prime, I just don't see how a blanket statement to avoid hard driving the first however many miles is really that meaningful.
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I appreciate this is heresy, but it might be good to not charge the car for the first 1000 miles.
     
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  16. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You heretic:p.

    Yeah the Prime folks try to eek as much out on electricity as possible:cool:.

    One of the guys that works for me has a Prime and has a 50 mile one way commute in Bay Area traffic:eek:.

    He gets 70 mpg so he’s satisfied(y).
     
  17. Lisa99

    Lisa99 Junior Member

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    Since I have to drive 800 miles on it’s maiden voyage it definitely won’t be prematurely charged. ;)
     
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  18. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I wouldn't over think it. What do you suppose happens to new rental cars?
     
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  19. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Drive the car around town the first night and learn the controls. Dynamic cruise control takes some confidence building but the navigation unit is 'funky.' Practice with getting your cell phone plugged in and selecting favorite tunes. Get a good night's sleep, a nice breakfast, and start towards Florida.

    Consider going via the Outer Banks and taking the ferry. You'll add an extra day or two but it is a lot prettier than the Interstate and the food is better. Take lots of pictures.

    Find semi-trailer trucks loafing along at 65 mph and practice with dynamic cruise control. Use maximum following distance until you feel comfortable. You'll want the cruise control, set speed to be +10 mph so it can handle the variations.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  20. triggerhappy007

    triggerhappy007 Active Member

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    I did a similar 1700 mile trip. Here are my tips:
    1. Ask them to charge it ahead of time. You can use electric mode while test driving and in the city on your way back.
    2. Learn how to switch between HV, EV, and Charge Mode. Charge Mode is helpful when I saw there was an hour delay ahead and I charged up about 10 miles before I got there.
    3. Bring a phone mount and use your own GPS app. I didn't like the built in GPS. Takes some time to get used to it. Don't forget the car charger.
    4. Make sure everything works and tires are inflated.
    5. Learn how to use the DCC in traffic. It works great. You can turn it on at less than 28 mph and it will be set at 28 mph. Set it to 1 bar following distance in traffic.
     
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