can I drive to Montreal? - MINI Cooper Forum

sketcher · #1 (**permalink**) Jun 23rd, 2003, 11:41 PM

I just got my Cooper last Tuesday and I might have to drive to Montreal (from Toronto, about 500 kms). But I'm not sure if this is a good idea. It's a brand spanking new car. Are there any negative reasons why I shouldn't drive my sexy new car?

Yank · #2 (**permalink**) Jun 23rd, 2003, 11:46 PM

Go for it...401 is an awfully flat, straight, boring road though...find some twistys along the way!

very mini · #3 (**permalink**) Jun 23rd, 2003, 11:52 PM

it's the perfect opportunity to break your car in perfectly well. Make sure you ALWAYS vary the rpms....it's going to be tedious and at times very tiring, but it's going to be worth it.

HarryHBMCC · #4 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 12:01 AM

Just vary your RPMs. Don't use cruise control if you have it and either drive at the same speed and change gears now and then or the same gear and change speeds. For the most part the 401 is annoying for keeping the same speed so you will probably be OK at least until you are well east of Kingston.

Oh, and try to keep it under 145km/h...

Harry

RedUn · #5 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 02:57 AM

Great opportunity to get the car broken in faster,
do it

MiniMan7 · #6 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 03:01 AM

Like everyone else said, just make sure you keep varying the RPMs, its very important not to just cruise at 3000 RPMs or something in 6th gear. Every now and again, slow down change a couple gears. You'll be fine otherwise.

Have fun!

Adam

Dave · #7 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 03:14 AM

Use the back roads . . .

are there any?

Dave

sketcher · #8 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 03:18 AM

Ok so it looks like it won't be a nasty thing. However, I'm drive an automatic

Should I use the steptronic thingy to break-in the engine?

MiniMan7 · #9 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sketcher
Ok so it looks like it won't be a nasty thing. However, I'm drive an automatic Should I use the steptronic thingy to break-in the engine?

Doesn't really matter, once you start varying your speeds, your RPMs will vary too.

Adam

MINIsota_Cuke · #10 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 10:01 AM

I thought I heard that it says in the manual not to use the steptronic mode until the car is past its break in point?

Does your CVT have the steering wheel paddle shifters?

sketcher · #11 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 09:04 PM

Uo oh. Already tried it. In fact, I used it and it went straight to the fifth gear! I quickly put it back to D.

HarryHBMCC · #12 (**permalink**) Jun 24th, 2003, 09:11 PM

I've always wondered how CVTs break in anyways but basically as long as you speed up and slow down once in a while it should shift from cruising engine speed to accelerating engine speed.

Don't worry too much about the break-in regulations anyways. There is much debate on their value with today's modern manufacturing techniques. I wouldn't sweat it.

Harry