Break in - drive it "hard" or "be gentle"?

kannibul · 06-06-2009, 01:27 AM

When I got my bike, iwas given the advice of "ride it like you stole it" - sometimes I've gunned it hard to the rev limiter in 1st and 2nd, and then shifted through the gears to 5th as I'm already up to highway speed by then...I've heard this is a good method as it helps the rings get "seated" while the cylinders still have their cross-hashing from when the engine was build. I still jump on it every once in a while, but not like I did for the first 200 or so miles....that throttle was treated like an on-off switch, until I dumped the oil out of it for the first change

The other, old school of thought is to be gentle, don't drive it hard and pamper it like a newborn child.

So, that being said, which method do you use for break in?

I just got my Z earlier tonight, and have been enjoying immensely the amount of power that car can put to the ground. It had 50 on the ODO when I test drove it, it's got about 100 on it now - and while I've been tame with it (using cruise to keep the red and blue out of my mirror) - I have had a few bits of "testing" it to admire the power/accelleration and to get used to the automatic...I'm curious which is the best method?

Side note: I was dead-set on getting a standard, but the dealer had only automatics in stock. I test drove one and decided it wasn't as big a factor any more...lol

Anyhow, thanks for any advice!

AK370Z · 06-06-2009, 01:39 AM

We have plenty of threads on this topic. Basically these threads start out fine and then end up with a lot of arguing between two methods. Just go with whichever one you think makes sense. This is what I followed

Break In Period?

Break-In a New Car

The infamous "break-in" period.

kannibul · 06-06-2009, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

We have plenty of threads on this topic. Basically these threads start out fine and then end up with a lot of arguing between two methods. Just go with whichever one you think makes sense. This is what I followed

Thanks, I used the search after I posted (sorry!)

If you want to lock this thread to prevent teh flamewar I saw in the others, please feel free!

AK370Z · 06-06-2009, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

Thanks, I used the search after I posted (sorry!)

If you want to lock this thread to prevent teh flamewar I saw in the others, please feel free!

Thanks for understanding. I think it'll be a good idea.

06-06-2009, 01:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
kannibul A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 2,281 Drives: 370z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 266	Break in - drive it "hard" or "be gentle"? When I got my bike, iwas given the advice of "ride it like you stole it" - sometimes I've gunned it hard to the rev limiter in 1st and 2nd, and then shifted through the gears to 5th as I'm already up to highway speed by then...I've heard this is a good method as it helps the rings get "seated" while the cylinders still have their cross-hashing from when the engine was build. I still jump on it every once in a while, but not like I did for the first 200 or so miles....that throttle was treated like an on-off switch, until I dumped the oil out of it for the first change The other, old school of thought is to be gentle, don't drive it hard and pamper it like a newborn child. So, that being said, which method do you use for break in? I just got my Z earlier tonight, and have been enjoying immensely the amount of power that car can put to the ground. It had 50 on the ODO when I test drove it, it's got about 100 on it now - and while I've been tame with it (using cruise to keep the red and blue out of my mirror) - I have had a few bits of "testing" it to admire the power/accelleration and to get used to the automatic...I'm curious which is the best method? Side note: I was dead-set on getting a standard, but the dealer had only automatics in stock. I test drove one and decided it wasn't as big a factor any more...lol Anyhow, thanks for any advice!

06-06-2009, 01:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	We have plenty of threads on this topic. Basically these threads start out fine and then end up with a lot of arguing between two methods. Just go with whichever one you think makes sense. This is what I followed Break In Period? Break-In a New Car The infamous "break-in" period. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

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