Poor Break-In Period: Primary Reason Behind Your Car’s Low Mileage

Welcome to this blog. I know that you are here to get the most out of your car, as far as the mileage is concerned. Plus, it’s tacit that the majority of our readers have not touched their car’s owner’s manual. Well, not everyone has time to go through but there is one thing that everyone should know, the engine break-in period.  

Many people tend to take this popular phrase “drive it like you stole it” seriously. Yes, putting down the right foot at every opportunity is exciting, especially in a brand new car but it can lighten your pockets like your car’s fuel tank, thereby reducing the mileage. And that too, when fuel prices are skyrocketing, across the globe.

Therefore, it’s important to go light on the premature engine of your car properly so that it gets conditioned to become more efficient in the long run. Consider your new car like a newborn baby and yourself, a parent. And it's on you how you condition the child's brain.

Whether it's a modern or an old car (not advanced), every brand-new vehicle requires a proper break-in period. Many argue that some vehicles don’t require that procedure, as some cars continuously adapt to the driving style. Sure, it may vary from brand to brand and car to car, but a brief patience for a couple of kilometres for any vehicle won’t be a downside, hence “patience is the key to mileage.” (pun intended)

In other words, a properly done break-in period makes the engine wear smoothly and evenly with optimised operating temperature, consistent pressure, and smooth-flowing oil. 

Engine Conditioning Tips 

As mentioned above, irrespective of the car type or brand you purchase with your hard-earned money, a properly executed break-in period will help you and your pockets in the long run. Further, advancements in manufacturing processes have reduced the average conditioning period, and modern engines are made with more precision and have high-quality synthetic oils. 

So, below are a few tips to efficiently condition your vehicle’s engine for the first 1600 kilometres (approx 1000 miles): 

[Note: The recommended minimum distance covered for the break-in period is 800 kilometres (497 miles).] 

- Avoid practising pedal to the metal from a standstill.

- Irrespective of transmission type, don’t push the vehicle to the red line. 

- As generally recommended, don’t allow the engine to exceed 4000rpm, unless there is an emergency.  

- Avoid using cruise control because it’s essential for the engine to go through different RPMs. 

- Try to cover long trips instead of short trips because the former trip type can allow the car’s engine to warm up to normal operating temperature. 

- Avoid sudden braking, so that the brake settles in easily. 

- Avoid towing as it can put an immense load on the engine. 

Conclusion 

Modern cars may require a “modern solution” but sometimes conventional methods have to be implemented for a better long-term engine output, as far as the mileage is concerned. Hence, it would be wise to properly execute the break-in period, irrespective of the car type and brand you own.