Engine Break In?

not sure on the gen 4, on the gen 3, you would use one of the trip meters and not reset it. i think it's called the ratio screen
the transaxle needs nothing, but some like to change the oil at 5,000 miles.

if you stay at or below the speed limit, varying the speed a little bit, you'll be fine.
keep in mind, you're not the first to break in a car, there's nothing to worry about.

 

It seems that only the engineering types like those who frequent this forum would be able to "properly" put the ICE in a Prime through the designated break-in process. Toyota really cannot expect the average owner to go to the appropriate MFD entry to accurately determine actual ICE usage and go though special steps to exercise the ICE at the appropriate RPM. The process for a conventional dumb ICE are reasonable to expect an average owner to do, but not for this computer system on wheels.

IMHO, anyway, speaking as one of those geek types.

 

The reality of break-in is:

1. For the engine: avoid going on long road trips, abide by speed limits, avoid hard acceleration.
2. For the brakes: keep a generous following distance, drive cautiously, brake early/gently.

With a plug-in, extend the the engine brake interval relative to your EV portion.

Not that tough.

 

Sorry didn't quite understand point about plugin.

"extend the the engine brake interval relative to your EV portion."

. Could you say that a different way? Thanks.

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Well, if you're running EV 50% of the time, double the break-in period.

Still, with any new vehicle we've had, it's always been very informal, any concerns or considerations regarding the break-in period. Again, take it easy, you're fine.

 

some say the discs get used a bit quite often, if you watch with a scan gauge.

 

Whenever our rotors are a bit rusty, say after a wash and a day or two sitting, I can hear them, each time I touch the pedal, for the first block or two.

 

My rear rotors, or "discs" in UK English, are only about 2 years old and are quite rusty, especially the part that the parking brake pads press on to. ( Actually just thinking that u.s. Gen2s have drums on the rear not discs so you may not have seen these).

But I agree that there does seem to be contact between the pads and the discs when braking normally.

Off topic but I still wonder why Prius discs corrode so much when I see other cars showing no signs of disc corrosion.

Maybe it's our weather, but my Gen2 is on its third set of discs in 94000 miles and 10 years, due to corrosion.

I know that Prius discs are used less by the car than by other cars of course, but the parts of the disc that are not cleaned by the pads rust on Priuses and not on some other cars that I see about. Are these other cars using very expensive non ferrous discs?

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The rotors (aka discs) are not stainless, a few days idle and the contact surfaces will get rust bloom. Especially if they were wet to begin with. Protracted idle time can be problematic. And beyond the contact area it's heavy rust of course.

 

Just try to use a 2 times a week harder breaking to activate breaks and you will not have issues.....only Hyper Sport cars with Ceramic or carbon breaks will not have this issue any other will have same issue..where hybrid will have biggest problems if not used this practice.....

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Good morning! I am planning to take delivery of a new Prius Prime Premium on Friday. Due to limited inventory in my region, the best option for me was to purchase out of state. While I am excited about my purchase, I am all of a sudden feeling stressed out about engine break-in, as I will need to drive 577 miles from the dealer (western New York) to my home (Chicago area).

There are two options for my trip:

1. I-90 tollway with speed limit of 70
2. Old U.S. Route 20, which parallels I-90, and meanders through cities and towns.

If you were in my situation, which route would you take? There is obviously a significant tradeoff in trip time, but I'm willing to take Route 20 if beneficial.

I understand the general guidance about avoiding jackrabbit starts, applying gradual braking and attempting to drive at varying speeds. I thought I would reach out to the folks here who are more knowledgeable about engines.

Would really appreciate your thoughts a.s.a.p.!

 

i would take the back roads, take my time, learn about the prius controls and screens while doing so, and enjoy the ride.
if you do take the highway, no worries. stay to the right, and slowly vary your speed by 5-10 mph. people in the right lane should not have a problem with that.

check the oil level and tyres pressure before leaving the dealership.

 

Thank you, bisco! I am glad to be on this forum with knowledgeable people like yourself. I am conscientious about following manufacturer recommendations, but they are slightly vague with regard to break-in.

Moments ago I received an e-mail from the dealer confirming delivery Friday morning!

 

Rt 20 is peppered with stop lights through those towns. Also, peps cannot pass most the time, and will tailgate if your speed is not to their standards.

Rt 90, you'll have three lanes.

Enjoy the Berkshires

 

You might email your dealer and ask that the car not only have a full tank of gas but a full charge as well. The drive back should be fun and a good learning curve for driving the car. I bet you can't wait for Friday to roll around. Share your experience with us when you get back. CONGRATS !!!!!!!!

Oh, also check to make sure the charge cord is with the car.

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! I definitely will check those things before leaving the dealership Friday morning. Right now my plan is to take the U.S. 20, and I found I can switch to U.S. 30 to bypass Cleveland.

I'll plan to post driving impressions after my trip. Coming from a Gen 3, i think the whole Prime interface will be exciting. I just want to take care of my new baby with what I learn on this site!

 

Less than 600 miles is a nice ride. Take your time, stop and take pictures, let someone take a pic of you and your car, it will be a fun adventure to remember.

If my car was not bought from a dealer nearly 1900 miles away, I would have loved to drive it home as well!

 

Modern machining techniques in the manufacture of the engine and gear boxes, modern excellent oils, and modern clean low sulfur gasoline have greatly reduced the need for a special break in procedure. Basically avoiding abusing the car at first is the best idea. Yes, variable speeds and loads are always a good idea.

 

Treat every cold-start like a mini-break-in too, is good: engines are most vulnerable then.