break in period

[RickyBoxler]

I just bought a brand new '03 Solara SEL. Now ive heard 4 different stories on break in periods. Fist story,dont drive over around 60mps. Second story, dont exceed my rpms over a certain limit (not sure what it was).Thrid, just dont stay in one certain speed for to long of a period of time, ie. get on the highway put cruise control at 55 and drive for 6 hours. The final story is that in this new age of technology a break in period is no longer required and I can drive any which way i please and it will not affect the future quality of my engine. I dont know which to believe. Input would be helpful.

[SpikedMantis]

For my '01 Solara, all the above I followed just to be safe. I'm not sure about the '03s. My friend just bought a brand new Cobra Mustang and he told me it had no break in period.

[Yanks0114]

For new cars there is really no formal break in period but it is highly reccomended. Basically you had the right idea in your post. Dont bring it over 55-60MPH, Don't rev over 3500. Don't worry about the other stuff. The break in period is typically 1000 miles and get an oil change after that

[RickyBoxler]

I see. What do you think the actual affects would be if I did not follow any of the above? Engine problems down the line?..etc

[Yanks0114]

Essentially its just a precaution. Some people swear by a strict break in, others don't. I would reccomend doing it just because its an extra insurance policy and it can't hurt. Also yes, it could save a few problem down the line.

[Missay]

when my sis got her 02 saturn the dealer said there was no break in period..but i'd still do it.

[Yanks0114]

when my sis got her 02 saturn the dealer said there was no break in period..but i'd still do it.

That seems to be the general trend with new cars. Old cars people used to swear by a break in period. The new ones you don' need to follow as strictly, but I still would. Also change the oil after 1k miles

[NASTY]

I just bought a brand new '03 Solara SEL. Now ive heard 4 different stories on break in periods. Fist story,dont drive over around 60mps. Second story, dont exceed my rpms over a certain limit (not sure what it was).Thrid, just dont stay in one certain speed for to long of a period of time, ie. get on the highway put cruise control at 55 and drive for 6 hours. The final story is that in this new age of technology a break in period is no longer required and I can drive any which way i please and it will not affect the future quality of my engine. I dont know which to believe. Input would be helpful.

just about everything you said (except the last thing)...check the manual

[DavPak]

yeah, the manual does have a maintenance guide, but those are merely suggestions meant mostly for warranty purposes. for example, toyota recommends oil changes and tire rotaions every 5K. i guarantee you most ppl on this board will change their oil WAY before that, esp. the first oil change.
but its all a matter of preference. like i tell people every day...."It's your car, take care of it however you wish."

[papaae]

Hey folks,
Long Time no chat, well anway I am up to appx 8.5k on my car since august and i work with new cars all the time, I've heard all the break in stories you can think of but I have to agree with everybody,
Better to be cautious for the first 1000 miles or so, you dont want to be that person standing at the dealer on a weekend waiting for service.
In the mean time enjoy....... and btw people I've heard the next generation of solara's is coming out with the 04 model, from the dealer i think.....
Papaae

[Flipside909]

Take it easy first 1000 miles, 60mph or below. It's that simple.