Running in engine?

When I bought my previous Toyota (Corolla DX Wagon) back in 1993, I asked that very question and was told by the dealer that back in the day (1950s-60s) it was usual to take it easy for the first several thousand miles, taking care not to over-rev the engine, avoiding sudden starts and stops, and mixing the type of driving (some highway, some regular round-town). Also it was recommended to change the fluids regularly, particularly the engine oil after 1,000 miles or so the very first time, and thereabouts every 3,000 miles but, with the advent of more advanced technology used in the design of modern automobile engines, and the advances in the development of lubricants and fuels, the change interval can be increased to 5,000 miles or even more (10,000 or even more if synthetic oil is used) - however it's still important to change the oil-filter regularly. My 1993 Corolla had nearly 300,000 miles on the odometer when eventually it failed the NH state inspection (corroded rocker-panels) but the engine/transmission still functioned perfectly and the car started first time, every time come rain, come shine! I replaced the Corolla with my current 2009 Gen II Prius which had 88,000 miles on the odometer when I got it at the beginning of 2014 (a mere baby in terms of Toyota lifetime. I hope this answers your question! BTW Welcome to PriusChat!

…and bear in mind the ICE in your Prius isn't running nearly as much as it would be in a normaly powered autmobile, and if you're in a cold part of the country, you might find grille-blocking (use search to find out more) useful to get the ICE up to temperature quicker for better efficiency and less wear!

 

Nothing excessive just drive it normally, but don’t over rev the car for any length of time.

 

same here, followed the o/m instructions.

 

Easy at start up, let mine run for about 60 seconds before driving and drive gentle for the first 10 minutes. I have a scan gauge and try to stay below 3000 RPM.

 

Just drive easy, warm up the car and change the first oil at least by 5,000 miles.

 

Page 151 in the 2013 Prius c Owner's Manual, at least the pdf I've found:



There's two things. You want to baby the brakes (as much as practical) for the first while. And avoid hard acceleration, high revving and/or extended monotonous driving.

 

That's almost exactly how the dealer put it back in 1993 when I bought the Corolla Wagon, the only car I've ever bought brandy-spankin'-new! (…and I still tend to drive like that!)