How to Break in a New Toyota Car Engine
by Shanan Miller
The Toyota Owners Online website states that breaking in your brand-new Toyota extends the life of the vehicle. Although it is rumored that vehicles no longer require a break-in period, this is at the sole discretion of the manufacturer. Toyota lists its break-in instructions right in the vehicle's owner's manual. Vehicle break-in procedures are the same for all Toyota vehicles with the exception of hybrid models, which differ slightly.
Hybrid Vehicles
Step 1
Avoid sudden stops, such as slamming on the brakes for the first 200 miles of the break-in period.
Step 2
Do not drive at extremely high speeds or at a constant speed for an extended period of time during the first 600 miles.
Step 3
Do not suddenly accelerate during the first 600 miles. Drive your car at mid-speeds, such as around 45 mph around town.
Non-Hybrid Toyota Vehicles
Step 1
Avoid sudden stopping for the first 200 miles and sudden acceleration for the first 1,000 miles.
Step 2
Do not tow at any time during the first 500 miles.
Step 3
Drive your vehicle gently around town or around 45 mph for the first 1,000 miles. Do not drive the vehicle at a constant speed for long periods of time, such as on a highway. Gently brake and accelerate while breaking the car in.
Step 4
Stay out of low gears for a continuous period of time during the first 1,000 miles. For example, do not drive in a snowstorm where low gears are necessary until after the break-in period.
Writer Bio
Shanan Miller covers automotive and insurance topics for various websites, blogs and dealerships. She has extensive automotive experience, including auction, insurance, finance, service and management positions. Miller has worked for dealer sales events around the United States and now stays local as a sales and leasing consultant for a dealership.
