[JimRam]

What kind of break-in is required for a new Challenger?

 

[Challenger79]

Go no faster than 55 mph for the first 300-500 miles.

 

[Slidd]

Take it easy. Avoid bumper to bumper traffic if possible. No long trips as the rear axle gets very hot. Allow to cool for several hours between drives. No full throttle until about 300 miles then full throttle in higher gears only is good for the engine. No hard braking either unless you are doing the bedding procedure. Check the oil and fluids frequently during break in. After 500 or 600 miles change engine oil and you are good to go.

 

[docholiday]

That's a long time to drive that slow.

 

[Dales 2016 Challenger]

It was painful to do lol

 

[docholiday]

It's going to be a long drive down the highway at 55MPH. I'm used to doing the passing.

 

[UnoZeus]

You will find people that say, "I drove mine like I stole it and it turned out fine, no problems at all." It is entirely possible. However, the engineers that suggested the break in procedures live, eat, and breathe this kind of stuff. If they suggest it I trust that it is with good reason.

It might suck and it might be an inconvenience but I don't regret it a single bit.

I am not 100% sure where I read it but you can find the exact break in procedures. Google the Challenger manual. I believe that the previous posts have it half right. There is also some wording that suggest aggressive acceleration after you are at a certain speed but only up to 55 mph. I would look into it.

 

[Hemi_SRT8]

IMO...the only thing you really need to avoid is prolonged time at constant speed. So...my break in procedure is no long trips for the first 500 miles and not using the cruise. Short bursts of acceleration encouraged.

 

[GeneJockey]

From the Users Guide:

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and
axle) in your vehicle.
• Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
• While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws
contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle.”​

 

[docholiday]

You will find people that say, "I drove mine like I stole it and it turned out fine, no problems at all." It is entirely possible. However, the engineers that suggested the break in procedures live, eat, and breathe this kind of stuff. If they suggest it I trust that it is with good reason.

It might suck and it might be an inconvenience but I don't regret it a single bit.

I am not 100% sure where I read it but you can find the exact break in procedures. Google the Challenger manual. I believe that the previous posts have it half right. There is also some wording that suggest aggressive acceleration after you are at a certain speed but only up to 55 mph. I would look into it.

No doubt they know better. Just going to be difficult.

 

[Dave_Just_Dave]

I was always told to break it in like you are going to drive it. This advise has worked for me in the past, so I will continue this with my new R/T.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[JimRam]

Ok. That's the same info that came with my Pentastar V6 truck. It will probably take me a week to get 300 miles in it.

 

[R/T Bee]

55 mph? ... "l feel as if we are back in 1977"

 

[Czechman]

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. NOBODY knows more about your car than they do. This whole "drive the snot out of it and you'll be just fine" is the advice of a fool.

 

[Cuda340]

The break-in instructions are primarily for the transmission and axle. The engine is thoroughly tested at the factory in Mexico before it is shipped to the Brampton Assembly Plant.

See minute 33:14 of the following video link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiVMvV_d1eY

 

[CalBlacksmith]

Tested but not broken in. Bearings, rings, valve guides and more all need time to seat and "find their happy place" Hard driving only hurts this process. The break in period is short and you will have the car for many years. You can save trouble later by taking it by the book now. Sure there will always be those who did not and say they are fine. It is a gamble, you MIGHT be just fine, or you may be setting the car up for early failure most likely out of warranty and on your dime. The fact that so many people disregard the break in process and are OK is testament to how well designed the cars are!

 

[Slidd]

The one thing I remember with my new truck was to take it easy to let the rear axle gears break in properly as initially they can get extremely hot. One magazine article said they measured over 300 degrees on a new rear end. Just remember the whole car needs to break in, not just the engine.

 

[mizao]

From the Users Guide:

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
”​

So how fast are we supposed to go during the initial 60 miles?

 

[Slidd]

Slower the better mainly for the ring and pinion gears...A lot of heat in the first few miles.