So, I found the perfect C for me (!)--red, 4, moonroof, 15" alloys-- but it is at a dealer 3 and 1/2 hours from where I live. Given how limited the supply has been in my area, I decided to grab it. Is there an issue with driving it at a steady speed on the freeway for three straight hours? I thought I read something about needing to vary the speed early on, but couldn't find the exact thread.
You will see in the manual (linked in the forum somewhere) that in the first 1000 miles, speed variation is recommended. However, given that you're in AR, you are likely to traverse many inclines and declines, so the RPM will fluctuate naturally without much effort on your part.
If you are in the Delta part of AR, Crowley's Ridge can be your friend Crowley's Ridge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
If you really want to, just go 5mph under limit for a bit, then speed limit. That will vary it a bit on any flat terrain. Otherwise, Congrats!
I agree w/Vinne97. Driving a flat route hour-out, hour-back my rpm varied (at 65 w/cruise control) from 1600 to 2800. Wind, hills, and passing traffic changed it tremendously. The rpm was tracked via a scangauge. For that few miles, plus the standard rpm deviation, you shouldn't have any worries. If you think there might be a problem, just don't use the cruise control and vary your speed. Happy Motoring!
I can't tell you how many cars I've had where the manual said vary speed etc. Truthfully I've never done that on any car that I have ever owned. One thing though, I never went anywhere near redline for the first couple of thousand miles and I never had an engine problem in any of my cars. Just sayin'...
I don't know what that engine's actual redline is but the scangauge tells me rpms never pass 4800 to 4823. You really have to mash the gas to get there. Redline on the eco-meter can be had at much lower rpms. I wouldn't think those rpms would be harmful...3500-ish.
