Running In A New Rav4

[Winstanley]

In about 3 weeks time I'll be picking up my first RAV4.

It's also the first new car I've ever had.

The other day I was talking to someone who said that you still need to be careful when running in new engines.

Personally I thought this wasn't the case anymore but the last thing I want to do with my new car is get off to a bad start by doing something I shouldn't.

It was mentioned not to tow anything until the car has done 500 miles. (Not that I intend to tow anything anyway)

Keep the revs relatively low for the first 1000 miles.

And do not labour the car by changing up gears too soon.

The last one sounds realistic but not so sure about the other 'tips'.

Are there any particular don't do's that I should be aware of when I pick up my new RAV4?

Many Thanks

Dave

[Robert6920]

Hi there and welcome, I'm a new member myself having bought my better half a second hand Rav4.2 in january, and being so impressed I bought myself (a new) one last month! They are both superb vehicles, I'm sure you will enjoy yours

There's a section in the owner manual (on p305) called "Break in period" I won't quote it all, which would detract from your fum reading the manual, but basically they say yes, take it steady in the first 1200 miles and don't tow a trailer during the first 500 miles. The latter is probably to lull the Rav4 into a false sense of security before it starts having to work...

[Winstanley]

Thanks Robert.

The week I am due to pick the car up I will be travelling from Essex to Cumbria (350 miles).

I just hope taking it easy doesn't mean too long a journey.

Cheers

Dave

[anchorman]

I wouldn't worry about going up to 75-80ish but make sure that is in 5th. New hire cars get taken to rather more and don't seem to suffer much. However, it is your car and you want to get the best from it. Be sure to check the oil when you pick it up and when you get back from your journey. Some use quite a lot when brand new.

Same goes for any other new owners - just check that oil. They usually settle after the first 10k but we don't want to read any horror stories. Running the engine short of oil is not covered by warranty.

[Winstanley]

Be sure to check the oil when you pick it up and when you get back from your journey. Some use quite a lot when brand new.

Thanks for the advice anchorman.

[chatman]

Be sure to check the oil when you pick it up and when you get back from your journey. Some use quite a lot when brand new.

Thanks for the advice anchorman.

Also check the spare wheel is on the back as well :rolleyes:

[bothwell_buyer]

Like any car, the first few miles with new pads and discs are important - to help bed them in and avoid glazing the pads and warping the disc. Like avoiding too many emergency stops, and taking yer foot aff the footbrake at traffic lights to let heat build up dissipate rather than causing heatspots on the disc which could lead to warp if extreme (and I mean extreme)

If you think about it, the same goes for the clutch - its a friction device too.

Don't try out the wipers just to see if they work, without making sure you know how to squirt the water on!

Simple things like checking tyre pressure (its not unknown for garages not to calibrate their air pressure gauge) and water/oil as has been said just covers you as things settle down.

When parking, try to either straddle a parking space or use a space with some room in case some cretin dings the door when opening their own. If in doubt, borrow a couple of cones.

watch the area around the Lancaster slip roads as these can be accident spots due to the short slip road on.

The 5th to the 17th April is the Scottish Easter holiday so the roads will be a wee bit busier in Cumbria/The Lakes.

Have fun!!

[Robert6920]

I once read, longer ago than I care to think, that one of the best things you could do for your engine was change the oil frequently, and especially to change the oil after the first 1000 miles. Oil change intervals seem to stretch all the time, but I suppose with modern synthetics etc the oils will last longer. But there again, the engine's are no doubt working harder than in the "good old days". I still change the oil after the first 1000 in a new vehicle and every 5000 after that - I think the "proper" interval is double that. (On my lovely bike, the recommended interval is only 4000 miles :o , luckily it only does about 3000 miles a year so that gets changed every winter)

[Winstanley]

Like any car, the first few miles with new pads and discs are important - to help bed them in and avoid glazing the pads and warping the disc. Like avoiding too many emergency stops, and taking yer foot aff the footbrake at traffic lights to let heat build up dissipate rather than causing heatspots on the disc which could lead to warp if extreme (and I mean extreme)

If you think about it, the same goes for the clutch - its a friction device too.

Don't try out the wipers just to see if they work, without making sure you know how to squirt the water on!

Simple things like checking tyre pressure (its not unknown for garages not to calibrate their air pressure gauge) and water/oil as has been said just covers you as things settle down.

When parking, try to either straddle a parking space or use a space with some room in case some cretin dings the door when opening their own. If in doubt, borrow a couple of cones.

watch the area around the Lancaster slip roads as these can be accident spots due to the short slip road on.

The 5th to the 17th April is the Scottish Easter holiday so the roads will be a wee bit busier in Cumbria/The Lakes.

Have fun!!

Thanks for the tips.

I need to make a list of all the things mentioned in this thread so I don't forget anything.Can't wait to get my hands on the manual. Maybe the dealership will lend me one in advance of my RAV4 arriving.

I intend to take it easy going up to The Lakes, keeping plenty of space in front of me although that's not always easy with other drivers making unexpected and sudden changes of lane.

[Parts-King]

You can swerve by Queensferry on yer way up to collect a job lot of excellently priced accessories I can get for you ;)

Seriously, if you need any, let me know

Kingo

[Winstanley]

You can swerve by Queensferry on yer way up to collect a job lot of excellently priced accessories I can get for you ;)

Seriously, if you need any, let me know

Kingo

Thanks Kingo. If I need any extras I'll be in touch.

Cheers

Dave

[anchorman]

One hell of a swerve but nice marketing kingo!!!

[Parts-King]

One hell of a swerve but nice marketing kingo!!!

Wasssup?? only a little 50 mile or so detour off the M6......I dunno, when I was a lad...................................

Kingo

[Hoovie]

Not sure if this is old wives tale type stuff or not, but I have been told that when you are running in a new engine, you should avoid keeping it at the same RPM for an extended period of time - so say if you collect the car new from the dealer and then do a 300 mile journey, vary the cruising speed a little every so often

Like I said - not sure if it is applicable to new cars anymore - and it is quite a little while since I had a new car to worry about running it in

[bothwell_buyer]

Not sure if this is old wives tale type stuff or not, but I have been told that when you are running in a new engine, you should avoid keeping it at the same RPM for an extended period of time - so say if you collect the car new from the dealer and then do a 300 mile journey, vary the cruising speed a little every so often

Like I said - not sure if it is applicable to new cars anymore - and it is quite a little while since I had a new car to worry about running it in

Oh aye - keep it between 60mph and 120mph. Floor it on downhill and don't let the engine labour on the uphills so plan the route carefully

[Hoovie]

Oh aye - keep it between 60mph and 120mph.

until you get to the M25 - and then keep it between 0mph and oooohhh.... 5mph? :D

[anchorman]

Don't beat yourself up about it. For most people with the exception of bothy and Mrs duncs it means drive sensibly and normally.

Enjoy!

[Winstanley]

Well, I now have a delivery date of the 2nd April which I am pleased with as I was beginning to think I wouldn't have it before I went on holiday on the 3rd.

I'll post some pictures of it on the pictures thread when I return from holiday.

Cheers

Dave