How To Break In a New Car: 5 Tips from Capitol Chevrolet

February 10, 2020

There are conflicting opinions about how to treat a brand-new car. One oft-repeated bit of advice is that you should "drive it like you stole it"--that is, to push the car to its limits right out the gate. We don't recommend this method. For the first 500 miles (though it's best to check your owner's manual should have the exact number), it's better to take things slow. In particular, we recommend taking the steps below in order to get the most out of your Chevrolet vehicle. An engine that's properly broken in may last much longer than one that isn't.

5. Avoid Towing

If you've just driven away with a new Chevrolet Silverado or Suburban, you might want to start putting its towing skills to work right away. But it's best to avoid it during the break-in period. Towing puts a greater strain on the transmission and driveline, which can keep things from settling as they should. You may not notice any damage right away, but it could cause problems down the road.

4. Vary Your RPMs

During the break-in period, it's best to vary your RPMs across the middle range. Doing so will allow the valves and piston rings to seat properly, which they might not be able to do if you keep the RPMs constant for too long. This means that you shouldn't use cruise control until the break-in period is over.

3. Don't Open Up the Throttle

While you should vary the RPMs, it's best not to take things too far. During the break-in period, we recommend not putting the pedal to the metal. If you're driving a car with a manual transmission, be sure that you watch not only your upshifts, but also your downshifts. It can be easier to accidentally redline the engine when you're downshifting. In addition, it's best to keep to speeds of 55 mph or less, if possible, during the break-in period.

2. Avoid Hard Stops

This is a good idea at all times, since hard stops can prematurely wear down brake pads and even damage brake rotors. But it's especially important during the break-in period, while the brakes are still settling in. This isn't as much of an issue as it used to be, but it's still best practice to avoid early brake wear.

1. Take Extra Care with Performance Cars

So, you're about to reach that 500-mile mark in your new Chevy Camaro or Corvette Stingray. Time to open it up, right? Actually, performance cars will often have longer break-in times. For example: while most 2020 Chevrolet models have a recommended break-in period of 500 miles, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro has a recommended break-in period of 1,500 miles. It's not only the extra time, though; the break-in period is stricter for performance cars. With most 2020 Chevy models, it's recommended that you avoid things like open-throttle starts. But for the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, you're advised to avoid going above 4,000 engine rpm. Though you do have to take more care, there is an upside: it's recommended that you not drive above 80 mph during the break-in period, which is higher than the 55 mph recommended for most other vehicles!