Break in Period

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Jul 14, 2008 | 05:33 PM

sbdblyss

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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Break in Period

Hey guys,

I searched the forum and could not find any info on what the proper break in period is for the SS T/C so I'm sorry if this question has already been asked. I just hit 500 miles on mine and I am wondering whether I still new to take it easy. What is the normal break in period? I have gotten on it pretty hard once and I am hoping that I have not hurt the car by doing that. What do you think?

Thanks,
Jake

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:39 PM

TrevMo

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From: Plainfield, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbdblyss

Read your owner's manual...

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:41 PM

sbdblyss

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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

My owners manual is vague and it will not tell me whether I possibly hurt my motor by driving it hard once. Thanks for your help TrevMo

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:47 PM

-Jayson-

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From: Michigan

break in periods are honestly a thing of the past. Usually break in periods were to allow the metals to form together better and improve tolerances. now and days with current technology and the ability to machine parts to much tighter tolerances break in periods really arent necesary for the engine. The clutch can use a break in period but the engine should be fine. Actually you should get on the engine atleast once each time you drive it. Driving an engine slow can actually slow it down and decrease performance, higher RPMS push the engine harder and work to clean out carbon deposites and free dirt that would normally stick around.

The best break in IMO is to break the car in like you plan to drive it. I drove my car hard from day one and 27K miles later its running just as strong as day 1.

So in short, no you didnt do any damage.

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:47 PM

TrevMo

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From: Plainfield, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbdblyss

My owners manual is vague and it will not tell me whether I possibly hurt my motor by driving it hard once. Thanks for your help TrevMo

We all have the same owner's manual and it clearly tells you what not to do for the first 500 miles.

These include: don't rev above 5,000 RPM, don't drive one constant speed for any length of time (fast or slow), don't brake hard for 200 miles, etc.

Take a look and you should know how to drive it until the break in period is over.

On top of this, it has been discussed at least 25 times on this site.

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:50 PM

Tomtwtwtw

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From: Chandler, AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008 Cobalt Owner's Manual

Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:

• Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed 5,000
engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.

• Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.

• Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing
a Trailer (Manual Transmission) on page 4-34
or Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transmission)
on page 4-34 for the trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.

Right from the owner's manual.

Jul 14, 2008 | 05:53 PM

bones

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From: San Antonio, Tx

I broke mine in like i drive it. Hard. In fact I'm just now hitting 2600 miles (one week) and finished a road trip from SA to Pensacola FL. She runs fine.

Jul 14, 2008 | 07:32 PM

sbdblyss

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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

I can't seem to find that in my manual so I am either an idiot or I am missing something. I am sorry and apologize for being rude to you TrevMo. Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it.

Jake

Jul 14, 2008 | 09:13 PM

Cobaltss/TC

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From: Portland, Oregon

the reason for following the break in is this the rings on the pistons loose metal during break-in and seat better and wear less with a gentle break in, the harder you are the more metal you break down and in the long run there will be more of a chance for engine problems

Jul 14, 2008 | 10:32 PM

#10

FutureEcotecOwner

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From: Clarksville

I dont see why they would put in there, to not break hard. I dont think anybody breaks hard unless some jackass pulls out in front of them, or cuts you off.

Jul 14, 2008 | 11:50 PM

#11

krispy

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Joined: 03-26-08

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From: Somewhere, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Jayson-

The best break in IMO is to break the car in like you plan to drive it. I drove my car hard from day one and 27K miles later its running just as strong as day 1.

but it will wear your piston rings in faster which statistically will make cars burn more oil/have more blow through

(basically the reason is you take the material off faster, kinda like using a heavier grit sand paper, it will end up similar, just not as smooth, your seal won't be as good)

Jul 15, 2008 | 01:45 AM

#12

BIGTAG

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From: Ashburn, Virginia

the break in peirod to me is the drive throught the parking lot at the dealer ship i hit 115 in my SS/TC on the way home from the dealer im only at 540 miles now but its been all hard been over 100 at least 6 times and the car is never out of boost i have done the same thing with every car i have ever bought drive it like you stole it is all i have to say