Running-in

[SteveR.]

It's over 20 years since I bought a brand new car, and I've never owned a diesel before. What's the recommended approach to running-in a D4-D (standard, not the T-180)?

I heard some while back that "modern engines don't really need running-in", but I don't know if that applied to diesels, or whether it was sound advice anyway...

[Steve@Aberdeen]

It's over 20 years since I bought a brand new car, and I've never owned a diesel before. What's the recommended approach to running-in a D4-D (standard, not the T-180)?

I heard some while back that "modern engines don't really need running-in", but I don't know if that applied to diesels, or whether it was sound advice anyway...

When I asked about my Rav4 and wife's Yaris (both D4-D) the dealer said no special running in period, nor any interim checks (some previous cars, all diesel, have had a dealer check at 1000 miles - some with an oil change at that point). However, no running-in period doesn't mean it's recommended to thrash it straight from the forecourt; besides, it's not just the engine to consider. My personal recommendation is to drive sensibly, gradually increasing max engine load and revs and speed over the first 500-1000 miles - don't take it up to the rev limit or let it labour at low revs until the engine has had a few hundred miles to bed in.

You're also bedding in other items like brakes and tyres, both of which can benefit in overall life and performance. [That means, of course, considering them after a change - new tyres or pads/disks).

It's unlikely you'll notice any problems by not running in - just gives a better chance of better life and reliability. It's similar to the rule that you should never rev a diesel immediately after starting, or switch off immediately after stopping - giving the turbo time to run up or run down will give you a better chance of not needing a replacement in the years to come.

My $0.02 worth based on buying diesels new (Ford, Rover, Citroen, Land Rover/BMW and Toyota) for the past 20 years.

[SteveR.]

Thanks Steve, that all sounds sensible. The dealer is down in the south of England and I'm taking the opportunity to visit freinds & relatives down there and collect the car myself. It will have had a good run by the time I get it home.

[chris.d]

modern cars dont need runnin in.just take care of em and if ya love ya car you will treat it gently anyway