2004 Forester XS & Break-In Period

[Peter R. Livingston, Jr.]

Just purchased our wonderful Forester and we're wondering: have only a
coupla hundred miles on it and now arises the prospect of a leisurely
(aka 4-5 day) trip to Austin, Texas. Well folks, that's some 1700+
miles away from NYC and you don't generally get there via "back roads"
and "twisting, turning country lanes" that would allow for the kind of
driving that I gather we're supposed to be doing during the so-called
"break-in period." Still, given what's recommended by Subaru, speeds
and RPM are less of a concern. But constant 65-70 mph highway driving
is more so.

So should I just forget any trip like this until we've got more miles on
this XS? Any sage words of wisdom?

Thanks in advance,
PRL

 

[Dennis Maher]

Should always stay away from constant speed - best way to break in new car
is to take out on highway and vary speed - 40-50 down to 45 - 45- 55 down
and up constantly for at least couple hundred miles. I have always changed
oil first 500 miles, then 1000 miles and then every 3,000 after that. All my
cars go 200,000 miles and up and have never burned oil.....Very important to
stay away from setting cruise control on new car less than 1000 miles and
leaving there - rings will not seat properly..

 

[y_p_w]

Should always stay away from constant speed - best way to break in new car
is to take out on highway and vary speed - 40-50 down to 45 - 45- 55 down
and up constantly for at least couple hundred miles. I have always changed
oil first 500 miles, then 1000 miles and then every 3,000 after that. All my
cars go 200,000 miles and up and have never burned oil.....Very important to
stay away from setting cruise control on new car less than 1000 miles and
leaving there - rings will not seat properly..

However - Subaru claims to use a special break-in oil at the factory,
and recommend it be drain at exactly 3,000 miles regardless of driving
habits. As for the driving - I wouldn't stay in the same speed for
more than 10 seconds when I was breaking in my WRX last month. I
found the best way to do that was stay in the rightmost lane and slow
or speed as cars entered/exited ramps.

 

[Hal Whelply]

Varying every 10 seconds seems a bit beyond what's really necessary, though
I can't quibble with the results you've obtained. On a freeway trip during
"break in" I'd stay fairly constant for 2-3 minutes, then vary up or down a
few hundred RPM, with occasional acceleration to pass at speeds above what I
was doing for cruising. Despite best efforts and commitment, about five
times during break-in I (unintentionally) got into turbo territory and very
briefly exceeded 4K RPM--and I mean a matter of 5 seconds or less--but I
don't think that was harmful, given what I've read here.

HW

 

[Hal Whelply]

I should have added that at least 90% of my break-in was in around-town
driving, so RPMs were varied quite a bit during that time.

HW

 

[No Way]

However - Subaru claims to use a special break-in oil at the factory,
and recommend it be drain at exactly 3,000 miles regardless of driving
habits. As for the driving - I wouldn't stay in the same speed for
more than 10 seconds

That is extreme and not needed
Run in is the correct term not break in.

Vary the speeds with cruise control and enjoy your new car.

 

[nfisherman]

Should always stay away from constant speed - best way to break in new car
is to take out on highway and vary speed - 40-50 down to 45 - 45- 55 down
and up constantly for at least couple hundred miles. I have always changed
oil first 500 miles, then 1000 miles and then every 3,000 after that. All my
cars go 200,000 miles and up and have never burned oil.....Very important to
stay away from setting cruise control on new car less than 1000 miles and
leaving there - rings will not seat properly..

I agree with the early oil change strategy. I just changed oil at
1000 miles on my Outback with the H6. The oil was still fairly clear,
but it was a sunny day. When I pulled the pan from under the car, the
oil looked like metallic paint. I would have thought that the filter
would have trapped the metal particles, but they were definitely
there. I'm glad to have that oil out of the engine.

 

[Ken Gilbert]

However - Subaru claims to use a special break-in oil at the factory,

and recommend it be drain at exactly 3,000 miles regardless of driving
habits.

i guess i can sue my dealer when my engine stops, since they suggested
i come in at 1000 miles for a free oil change.



ken

 

[Edward Hayes]

Subaru recommends the first change at 3,000 miles and also states that: the
oil must not be changed before 1,000 miles. I opted for changing at 2,500
miles as a long interstate trip was coming up that would put me at ~3,800
miles. Very early oil changes are a waste of money and can hinder the
break-in progress. Ed Hayes

 

[Dennis Maher]

I don't believe they actually use a special break in oil on their new cars -
and it makes no sense not to change oil until 3,000 miles. I have always
changed them at 250, 500, 1,000 and then 3,000 after that and none of my
cars have ever had a problem with oil consumption or blow-bye. There have
been may articles on the benefits of getting rid of all the metal particles
inherent to new motors. By changing the oil and filter you get rid of any
chance of these specs getting into the engine during breakin... But whatever
works for you as long as you are consistent at about every 3 to 5 thousand
miles...

 

[Edward Hayes]

I agree with you Dennis on the change interval of 3-5,000 miles under most
driving conditions. However I need to see some data that even suggests that
the factory recommendation is not good for the average owner. The factory
suggestion is first change at 3,000 and NEVER before 1,000 leads me to
believe they have researched this and probability have some data to back up
their statements. I do remember manufactures recommending the first oil
change at 500 miles but that was back when my dad drove 1950 Plymouths. In
God I trust; All others bring and show data. Ed Hayes