Breaking in a new engine is essential to ensuring your Subaru performs at its best for years to come. At Young Subaru, we want to help you understand how to break in your new vehicle properly, so here are some tips to keep in mind:
DON'T Floor It
When your engine is new, the clean metal parts and fresh gaskets have only recently been assembled. Over time, the heat and friction of the engine will allow these parts to mate together and form perfect seals — but for the first 1,000 miles, those seals haven’t fully settled yet. Pushing the engine too hard prematurely can prevent this process, potentially leading to issues later on.
Avoid high RPMs, heavy loads, and wide-open throttle during this time. Subaru recommends keeping under 4,000 RPMs for the first 1,000 miles. Ease onto the throttle, avoid steep inclines, and take care when downshifting with a manual transmission.
DON'T Brake Hard
In addition to the engine, your brakes, steering, and suspension need a break-in period too. While you can't do much to baby the suspension, you can take it easy on the brakes. Give yourself extra following distance, come to gradual stops, and avoid hard braking unless absolutely necessary. Hard braking can stress the brake pads and cause premature wear before they have a chance to fully settle in.
DO Vary The Engine Load
You don’t want to overload the engine, but you shouldn’t baby it either. Driving in a limited area like your neighborhood for the first 1,000 miles won’t help your car break in properly. To help your Subaru adjust to normal driving conditions, take it on a variety of roads with different speeds and loads. This could mean mixing freeway driving with side streets, allowing the engine to experience a wide range of RPMs and conditions, helping it wear in correctly.
DO Get Your First Oil Change On Time, Or Even Early
Once the break-in period is complete, your Subaru’s engine will be ready for smooth, consistent operation for many miles to come — as long as you maintain it. It’s a good idea to schedule your first oil change as soon as the break-in period ends. Since the engine parts experience more friction during break-in, more metal filings can accumulate in the oil. Changing it early can help clear out any debris.
Once you've completed the break-in period and had your first oil change, you're free to enjoy all the power your Subaru has to offer — just remember to follow the rules of the road!
At Young Subaru, we’re always here to help you keep your Subaru running smoothly for years to come!
