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Break in advice for upcoming trip

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Alan Claver, Sep 12, 2013.

  1. Alan Claver

    Alan Claver Junior Member

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    Just got a 2013 Prius Type 5 which has about 250 miles on it so far. I'm probably going to need to drive it on an extended trip (200 miles of mixed roads and highways 2x in a weekend) in a couple of weeks at which point I'll probably have about 400 miles.

    I've been following the break-in advice but the manual warns against sustained driving during the break-in period. Wonder if a) this is too conservative or b) something I should be concerned about.

    If b, can folks suggest any strategy I should follow during my trip. Thanks.
     
    #1 Alan Claver, Sep 12, 2013
  2. cary1952

    cary1952 Member

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    Dont worry about it. just drive. i took a 2600 mile trip the day I bought it.
     
    #2 cary1952, Sep 12, 2013
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  3. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    I would just avoid using the cruse control for the first 1000 miles, other than that just drive it.
     
    #3 Munpot42, Sep 12, 2013
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  4. jdk2

    jdk2 Active Member

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    From page 183 of 2013 Prius Owner's Manual:

    Breaking in your new Toyota
    To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
    ● For the first 200 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden stops.
    ● For the first 600 miles (1000 km):
    • Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
    • Avoid sudden acceleration.
    • Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

    Taking a trip should not cause any problems if you follow the above. Don't drive it like you stole it. Helps with break in and mpg.
     
    #4 jdk2, Sep 12, 2013
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  5. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Do you have the AT package and the DRCC? If so, use the cruise away.
     
    #5 Jonny Zero, Sep 14, 2013
  6. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    I'd change my oil before leaving
     
    #6 ursle, Sep 14, 2013
  7. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    If it will ease your mind any, the way the ICE and MG1 work in tandem the ICE speed will vary even with the cruise on holding a steady speed.

    So as stated above, just drive and enjoy your trip.
     
    #7 jdcollins5, Sep 14, 2013
  8. kgall

    kgall Active Member

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    Have fun. If you are a leadfoot, try to keep that under control a bit. Otherwise, you'll be fine.
    I remember asking about changing oil early before a trip in my new Prius, and the answer I got from a lot of folks was "Don't bother." So I didn't.
     
    #8 kgall, Sep 14, 2013
  9. Alan Claver

    Alan Claver Junior Member

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    I'd assume just the opposite since the break-in guide says don't drive at a constant speed for a long period.
     
    #9 Alan Claver, Sep 16, 2013
  10. Alan Claver

    Alan Claver Junior Member

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    Yea. Well since I have only 250 miles on the car I think it's still a bit early. :cool:

    I find it pretty unsatisfying to "lead foot" in my Prius. I already drive more carefully with an eye on the Eco gauge (which is easy on my Type 5 and the head-up display).
     
    #10 Alan Claver, Sep 16, 2013
  11. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    If you have dynamic radar cruise control, the speed won't be constant.
     
    #11 Jonny Zero, Sep 16, 2013
  12. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    If you have any hills at all the cvt will be changing speeds all the time anyway. Don't over think things they will be just fine. Just drive it. Don't Speed and no hard braking if you don't have to.
    Enjoy your trip! :)
     
    #12 retired4999, Sep 16, 2013
  13. Alan Claver

    Alan Claver Junior Member

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    Sure but that assumes you're following someone. Otherwise it reverts to the set speed. I've tried it a couple of times and I'm not seeing the big advantage on highways where folks often use cruise control anyways.

    Appreciate all the good advice.
     
    #13 Alan Claver, Sep 17, 2013
  14. BruceInOKC

    BruceInOKC Member

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    There are some good reasons behind the instructions in your Owner's Manual:

    1. Avoid constant rpm for long periods, so you will properly seat your rings against the piston walls.

    2. Avoid high rpm. Don't listen to anyone who tells you, "Drive it like you stole it." Don't listen to this website:

    Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

    Why is this advice wrong? Your cylinders already get enough internal pressure at moderate rpm to properly seat the rings. High rpm could damage the delicate parts of the valvetrain, which operate the valves. People sometimes overreact and only accelerate at low rpm. This is a bad practice, too. You need moderate rpm to generate enough pressure to seat the rings.

    3. Avoid hard braking. You probably have enough miles on your new brake pads that they're already broken in. Again, using only light brake pressure is a bad practice. You need to use moderate braking pressure to properly seat the brake pads.
     
    #14 BruceInOKC, Sep 18, 2013
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