Debate - Do modern engines need a bed/break in period?

[Craig.]

Hi all,

Seeing as I'll be imminently having a zero mile engine fitted by Seat in the Cupra, there has been some hot debate amongst my friends on if the new engine will need a bed in period before unleashing the beast.

Seeing as it's a factory fresh build, the manufacturers say that it's not needed on modern engines due to tolerances being much better etc.

So, what do we all think?

Also, I've changed my username - ViperSlider

 

[SRGTD]

With any new car I’ve owned, I tend to just drive it normally, but take a few sensible precautions during the first 1,000 miles or so (IMHO mechanical sympathy - together with regular servicing - is key to good long term engine health);

• avoid using excessive engine rpm’s
• avoid labouring the engine, change gear frequently to vary the engine speed
• avoid driving at the same speed for prolonged periods in the same gear
• always wait for the engine to get up to the optimum operating temperature before driving a little more enthusiastically - not just during the initial 1,000 miles, but always
• keep an eye on the engine oil level - some engines can use a little oil during their early life before settling down (only one of the VW’s I’ve owned did this, but after a few thousand miles it never used a drop between services). It might be worth considering getting a 1 litre top up bottle of oil of the correct VAG spec and keeping it in the car, rather than wait for the low engine oil warning light to illuminate and you’re miles from anywhere with nowhere to buy any of the correct oil to top up

 

[tracktoy]

Personally I dont think you need to take it slow but as @SRGTD said sensible driving to start with and then gradually increase power usage.

More important in your case what does the warranty say

 

[Craig.]

More important in your case what does the warranty say

I will be asking the question when I collect the car and getting it in writing too... Verbal confirmation won't do, for want of a better reason: I won't remember what they say immediately after leaving the dealership

Seeing as the engine and all parts that come with it will have full fat 2 year warranty then I want to ensure I stick within the rules.

There will naturally be an adjusted service schedule too I'd imagine.

I do hope that the car having a brand new engine won't impact resale value or put people off when the time comes later.

 

[SRGTD]

I will be asking the question when I collect the car and getting it in writing too... Verbal confirmation won't do, for want of a better reason: I won't remember what they say immediately after leaving the dealership

Seeing as the engine and all parts that come with it will have full fat 2 year warranty then I want to ensure I stick within the rules.

There will naturally be an adjusted service schedule too I'd imagine.

I do hope that the car having a brand new engine won't impact resale value or put people off when the time comes later.

I think some (many?) potential future buyers of your car would see a brand new engine as a positive rather than a negative.

 

[SuperV8]

On most modern engines the main part you are 'breaking in' is the piston rings, as you have roller bearings for your cam and not flat tappets (which need different breaking in procedure).

Piston rings seal better with more cylinder pressure - this cylinder pressure gets behind the rings and expands them against the bore - so as above don't nanny the engine, use some boost/torque. Avoid laboring (as you should anyway) and avoid long cruises at constant RPM.
I would change the oil after the first 1000 miles.

 

[adamski310]

I’ve always driven my new cars gently for the first 500 or so miles and then slowly opened them up to higher revs till 1000. No idea if it benefits them lol but I’ve not had many issues either.

 

[GlekkeMatrak]

My golden rule is getting heat in the motor gently, then let it get used to THE WHOLE RPM RANGE under PARTIAL LOAD in multiple gears for at least 60 miles, and just go ahead an floor it afterwards.