Hello.. I know there's a break in period for any new car but my cousin told me I could damage the engine by driving it constantly on the highway if I didn't break the engine in first. I've got a month before I drive 2000 miles to California and I currently have about 400 miles on the car.. should I make an effort to drive more around town before I drive the 2000 miles? I actually don't like driving that much so I'll be taking a break every 4-5 hours and possibly overnighting somewhere so it'll take me two days to reach California. thanks!
The general rule of thumb for engine breakin is to vary RPMs periodically. Don't just set it on cruise for long periods. The Prius manual discusses breakin driving. If I recall, they recommend a 600-mile breakin period, so you're probably going to finish that before the drive.
The manual simply states "Drive gently and avoid high speeds. Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in." For the first 600 miles, avoid full-throttle acceleration, and avoid racing the engine. For the first 200 miles avoid hard stops. That's it!
Unless your trip is on a completely flat road with unvarying wind and *perfectly* constant road speed, the Prius' hybrid drive will vary the engine RPMs as a natural part of its operation. You'll be fine.
Just curious, but why are you driving 2000 miles to California? Wouldn't it be much easier to just buy a plane ticket and have the car delivered??
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lupin..the..3rd @ May 29 2007, 04:57 PM) [snapback]451688[/snapback]</div> I am in the same boat. My wife and I are flying to San Jose, CA to pick up our car. It is $177 one way each for last minute prices. Still, that $400 (after all the dang fees) ticket and two or three tanks of gas, beats the $1680 to $1800 delivery fee to have it shipped. Plus, it will be a nice drive!
Actually, the amusing mystery is that Christina's profile says she's from Los Angeles. I suppose with enough around-in-circles driving, she could get to California from Los Angeles.
