Engine break in question.

[hapistinger]

Hello all,

I’m still going through the break in period on my new GT1 and had a question regarding speed limit during break in period.

I read what Kia recommends regarding the RPMs limits and not keeping it at one constant RPM, but I didn’t see anything regarding keeping it to a particular speed limit.

It’s been awhile since I owned a brand new car and off handedly I had been told in the past to keep the RPMs low and the speed under 50 mph. Is there a speed limit requirement or does it not matter (within legal limits) as long as you keep the RPMs within the range.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MerlintheMad]

Howdy. Fun(ny) question. Because (as you probably also know) the manual only mentions taking it easy on the brakes during the "break in" period: nothing whatsoever about MPH. I just watched my RPM to keep it between 2K and 4K; and I used the paddle shifters in Sport mode to make that easier. The injunction to take it easy on the brakes was unnecessary personally, since that is how I drive 99% of the time anyway. As for speed, I take the dictum, "Nine you're fine, ten you're mine" as my guide.

 

[Vermillion]

Performance cars are a little tricky, the obvious point is to seal your piston rings and smooth out the rough edges for the purposes of extending longevity. However due to manufacturing tolerances and advanced gearbox design allowing somewhat innate engine rotation when cruising at motorway (or highway) speeds the limit requirement isn't all that necessary.

It's more important to variate the amount of RPM's and then the whole process is really just common sense. Don't tow a half a tonne trailer, don't drag race, don't bounce off the rev limiter and avoid launch control. Although, I followed the 1,000 mile rule squarely on a Focus ST and the engine warning systems flashed up like an Xmas tree due to carbon build up, it became very apparent treating performance cars like a 1L econobox isn't that great either.

Also it's impractical (if not impossible some times) to avoid all highways for the first 1,000 miles so I tend to take a few more breaks with a new car or mix it up a little. Holistically from my experience it's a matter of mixing up your driving style without overdoing it at any point, I've never suffered from loss of oil in a performance car and ironically my old DD Vauxhall Astra used to drink and leak oil even though I never exceeded 4K RPM in it over 50,000 miles..

 

[Silvermanor]

Speeds are irrelevant. You're breaking in the engine. RPMs matter.

 

[hapistinger]

Thanks for all the replies/info everyone, it was really helpful.

 

[GenesisG70]

I did put the car on sports engine and comfort suspension and was able to keep the RMP exactly what the manual says