Running In an engine (a.k.a. breaking in an engine)

[gas mark 1]

As I've just ordered my first new car in years (Cooper, can't wait...) what is the view on "running in" the engine?. If it's still necessary, what is the best way to do it?.

I'd like to thank all the contributers to this site for answering many of my questions before I even got to a dealer.

[Paul]

Personally I followed the run in procedure to the letter.

Some are even more cautious and change oil etc. early, and some say that runing the engine hard from new is just as good.

But I prefer to take it easy and let it all bed in nicely. It's not a strict run-in procedure anyway, 4,5000 rpm (I think) and 90 mph, not too tricky to stick to.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by obehave
....Do some searches here on recommended frequency of changes. Always good for a long thread.

When you do a search on this particular subject, it is helpful to seek both the UK term "running in" as well as the US/Canada term "break in" or "breaking in".