How to run in new car?

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Harrihealey02
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How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

I will be picking up the new Polo on Monday! Can’t wait :)

I read the self study program 539 which states that the 1.0 engine has a run in procedure built in;

“During the first 1,000 km, the vane-type oil pump delivers the maximum oil pressure of 3.3 bar (relative). This balances out the increased thermal loading of the components when the engine is run in.”

Are there any recommendations for running in the engine? I know that driving carefully in the first 1000km is recommended and not to exceed a certain amount of revs. I do not want excessive oil consumption in the long run so would prefer the best way to ensure it will be a long lasting engine, and apparently depending on how it is run in can affect the long lasting oil consumption of the engine.
SRGTD
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by SRGTD »

Just drive normally - for the first 1000km / 600 miles;
  • Change gear frequently to vary the engine rpm’s
  • Don’t labour the engine in any gear and don’t over-rev the engine or red line it either.
  • Always let the engine oil get up to optimum temperature before driving enthusiastically; not just during the first 600 miles but always.
  • Tyres may still have some of the mould release agent on the treads from the manufacturing process and that may compromise grip during the first few miles of driving as it takes a few miles for this to scrub off, so avoid any sudden or extreme manoeuvres, unless necessary in an emergency.
  • Brakes take a few miles use to bed in, so be aware they may not be operating at optimum efficiency during the first few miles.
Be sure to post up some pictures when you’ve got your car. Enjoy! 🙂
Harrihealey02
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely post some pictures of it :)
Boxerboy
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Boxerboy »

Drive it like you stole it :D

Almost ….

No need to pussy foot modern vehicles as much as we used to long ago.

Not that I ever had a new vehicle when I was young.

Some folk have a view that a good thrashing does the bores a favour. Not sure it’s scientifically proven.

The bottom line is as above - not too hard but not too gentle.

If it’s an auto you can’t run it to the Rev limit anyway.
LEEA123
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by LEEA123 »

Boxerboy wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:37 pm Drive it like you stole it :D

Almost ….

No need to pussy foot modern vehicles as much as we used to long ago.

Not that I ever had a new vehicle when I was young.

Some folk have a view that a good thrashing does the bores a favour. Not sure it’s scientifically proven.

The bottom line is as above - not too hard but not too gentle.

If it’s an auto you can’t run it to the Rev limit anyway.
basically agree with this. The engines are bench run anyway before they go in car. I did take it easy for a bit just to let other things settle in , but engine wise , it's not really needed these days . In 2005 i purchased a new type r and was told to drive it like i stole it from honda techs , so i did :)
Dark_cze
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Dark_cze »

This one was a bit heated discussion last time here. So will limit myself only to this:

I agree SRGTD and you should do as manufacturer say so. If you plan to keep your car as long as it will last.
If you keep it only for next 5 years then I suppose it doesn't matter that much.
Harrihealey02
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

Thanks for your answers! The user manual for the 2023 model year Polo states this about running in a new engine:

“A new combustion engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 km (about 1,000 miles). All moving parts have to adapt themselves to each other. During the first few operating hours, the combustion engine has higher internal friction than it does later.

Up to 1,000 km (around 600 miles)
Do not depress the accelerator fully.
Do not load the combustion engine with more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
Do not drive with a trailer attached.

Between 1,000 and 1,500 km (around 600 to 1,000 miles)
Gradually increase speed and engine speed.

The style of driving during the first 1,500 km (about 1,000 miles) will also affect the quality of the combustion engine. Even after this time – and especially with a cold combustion engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.

Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down a gear if the combustion engine is not running “smoothly”.

If the new combustion engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Harrihealey02
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

Here are the photos! Going to have lots of happy miles with this new one 😀
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SRGTD
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by SRGTD »

Harrihealey02 wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:33 pm Here are the photos! Going to have lots of happy miles with this new one 😀
Looks great! 😎 Nice colour, and I really like the wheels, especially as they’re not diamond cut!
MikeDO
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by MikeDO »

The colour suits the car :)

Agree with SRGTD's comment about the wheels. I wish that manufacturers would get over their diamond cut fetish.
Harrihealey02
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

To be fair the diamond cut alloy wheels is an added cost which isn’t standard so for standard equipment it is a good choice. I prefer the look of these non diamond ones and the tires are thicker so it’s more comfortable driving 😀
VWPolo1_0
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by VWPolo1_0 »

Congrats, looks great! The color and the wheels do go perfect together!
Question though, it appears your key is hanging from the side of the steering column and I see no 'start engine' button. Does your polo not have push to start?
Boxerboy
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Boxerboy »

VWPolo1_0 wrote: Thu Feb 09, 2023 1:27 pm Congrats, looks great! The color and the wheels do go perfect together!
Question though, it appears your key is hanging from the side of the steering column and I see no 'start engine' button. Does your polo not have push to start?
Real paint and keyless are extras.

Hopefully added to our new Polo this past week Build Week 6
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VWPolo1_0
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by VWPolo1_0 »

Boxerboy wrote: Sat Feb 11, 2023 1:38 pm Real paint and keyless are extras.

Hopefully added to our new Polo this past week Build Week 6
Oh right, completely forgot about that..
It's a nice gimmick to have. Together with Keyless entry I often never take my key out of my pocket anymore. GF hates it though, as it often means she's waiting in the rain while I'm putting my stuff in the trunk hahah. Car won't unlock until I touch the driver side door handle.
Harrihealey02
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Re: How to run in new car?

Post by Harrihealey02 »

I’ve got the weconnect app and can unlock the car as long as I’m within 100m of it. If it’s raining out I can unlock it from the app and just hop into the car, then the usual key start. The cars got nearly 900 miles on the clock now, had its first wash and still looking brand new! I’ve changed a few things on VCDS to personalise it more to my liking.
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