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break in period -- driving cross-country.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by silversyren, May 28, 2007.

  1. silversyren

    silversyren New Member

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    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!
     
    #1 silversyren, May 28, 2007
  2. auricchio

    auricchio Member

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    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.
     
    #2 auricchio, May 28, 2007
  3. Wayne

    Wayne Active Member

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    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! :)
     
    #3 Wayne, May 28, 2007
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    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.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, May 29, 2007
  5. lupin..the..3rd

    lupin..the..3rd New Member

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    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??
     
    #5 lupin..the..3rd, May 29, 2007
  6. emtownsend

    emtownsend New Member

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    <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!
     
    #6 emtownsend, May 29, 2007
  7. auricchio

    auricchio Member

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    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.

    ;)
     
    #7 auricchio, May 29, 2007
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