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Old Apr 8th, 2002, 02:16 PM   #15
noahe
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Re: First drive is 500-mile trip home from dealer!

Quote:
Originally posted by Wynn
...the first time we drive it will be a 500-mile journey... Is this drive going to be harmful to our new cars? We'll be in 6th gear at 70mph for five hours at a time. Will that behavior have an adverse affect on the life or performance of our cars?!

Not really. Just follow the break-in proceedure. On your journey home, vary your speed, keeping the revs below 4500 rpm, and the speed below 95 mph. Do not use full-throttle or the 'kickdown' position at all.

For your first 200 miles, your tires will still have the mould release agent on them, and will be 'greasy'. Use caution, and allow extra stopping distance.

For the first 300 miles, avoid hard 'panic' braking. I mean, if you have to, you have to, but you could warp the rotors if you do before the pads seat themselves. Again, use caution and allow extra stopping distance. (And if you have to slam on the brakes, for god sakes do, because new rotors are cheaper than a front-end or a funeral).

Also for the first 300 miles, take it easy on your clutch. Allow the plates to seat themselves. Don't engage it hard, and don't ride it. (don't ride it anyways).

Overall, have a leasurely drive back, take it easy, don't bog the engine in any gear, and shift between 5th and 6th as you speed up and slow down every now and again.

Bruce also makes a good point. If you can slow your trip back a bit, and vary the type of driving, all the better. I'd say 'some' interstate isn't bad though. Best thing is to do a little of everything.

Chilli Red/White Cooper S, Sport Pack & Sunroof. Delivered June 12th, 2002!
Now with MCS Winter Tire Package.

Last edited by noahe : Apr 8th, 2002 at 02:19 PM.
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