How long before taking a road trip.

GN2018 · March 29, 2021

I’m going to get a new truck this week. I also want to go see a family member. The trip is 700 miles (1400 round trip). How long would you wait until you take a trip like that with a new car? I recall engine break in requires that you not hold a steady speed for extended periods for the first 500 miles, if I recall correctly. I could make sure I vary the speed by taking some back roads or just varying my speed on the expressway.

The other concern would be taking a trip in a untested vehicle.

Wondering what others think. I don’t want to wait but seems like 500 miles would be prudent to have on it before I take a trip.

CamGTP · March 29, 2021

The second I left the lot I would have zero issue driving it hundreds of miles.

Rob Mugs · March 29, 2021

4 minutes ago, CamGTP said:

The second I left the lot I would have zero issue driving it hundreds of miles.

+1

Let'r rip. With it being this new, you'll be all set if things go sideways (highly unlikely)

Edited March 29, 2021 by Rob Mugs

March 29, 2021

I’m going to get a new truck this week. I also want to go see a family member. The trip is 700 miles (1400 round trip). How long would you wait until you take a trip like that with a new car? I recall engine break in requires that you not hold a steady speed for extended periods for the first 500 miles, if I recall correctly. I could make sure I vary the speed by taking some back roads or just varying my speed on the expressway.

The other concern would be taking a trip in a untested vehicle.

Wondering what others think. I don’t want to wait but seems like 500 miles would be prudent to have on it before I take a trip.

I can't say I did it the right way, but mine had 29 miles on it when I took it to work my first week with it. I've had it 3 weeks now and 2700 miles. So.....

JimCost2014 · March 29, 2021

43 minutes ago, GN2018 said:

I could make sure I vary the speed by taking some back roads or just varying my speed on the expressway.

This, not 100% necessary, but it will put your mind at ease, and give you a chance to see how truck drives in different conditions.

Think of it as a really long first date

Edited March 29, 2021 by JimCost2014

KARNUT · March 29, 2021

Most people buy a new car just before a road trip. That’s usually the excuse. I usually broke them on the test drive. Pedal to the metal.

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JohnH4260 · March 29, 2021

Gangly · March 29, 2021

I was very easy on the vehicle the first 500 miles, then I drove it like a normal vehicle after that and put 7K miles on it in the first three months. I usually wouldn't take a new vehicle on a long trip until I've had at least 1,000 miles on it, not because of drivetrain worries, but because of electrical gremlins that always seem to pop up in the first 1K miles. This truck had a bad battery that decided to give up the ghost within a week of owning it, and if I had been on a road trip I would have been screwed.

econometrics · March 29, 2021

My truck had half the "break in" mileage on it by the time I got it home from the dealer. 150 miles for the dealer to get it over to them from a different dealer in TX, then 150 miles home for me.

I wouldn't worry about it one bit, OP. Just get it and drive it and enjoy it!

Grumpy Bear · March 29, 2021

13 hours ago, GN2018 said:

I recall engine break in requires that you not hold a steady speed for extended periods for the first 500 miles, if I recall correctly. I could make sure I vary the speed by taking some back roads or just varying my speed on the expressway.

If you read that procedure is says "no need for and elaborate break in" like we did in the 50-60's but it does not say that a break in is not required; it is. It further states it "will run better in the long run." Then it goes on to give you an outline of a much simplified break in for you to follow.

With that now clear and given your wilingness to comply (quoted above) the remaining part of your question lays in the trust you have to execute the break in and your trust in GM and the guy that drove it the first 150 miles

13 hours ago, GN2018 said:

Wondering what others think.

That's what I think.

Edited March 29, 2021 by Grumpy Bear

OnTheReel · March 29, 2021

Just run it. My truck was a dealer transfer that had over 100 miles on it when I got it. I’m sure the people who drove it there on the highway didn’t exactly take it easy or vary speeds. They probably beat on it like I do.

And I would hope you can trust your brand new vehicle to make a 700 mile trip without issue.

TNTSierra · March 29, 2021

Every vehicle I have owned on first test drive. I drove it like a stole it. Told salesman to hang on and I have floored every single vehicle. On way home after buying them I always check out the governor limit in them too. The new Acadia ****** down at 132. Man it’s fun! Good luck and have a great time in your trip. No worries, just fun!!

GN2018 · March 29, 2021

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll do it half a$$, which is typical for me at times. I have a shorter trip that I can take back roads to see my daughter. With that trip, I'll put about 200 miles on it and just take it easy. Give me a chance to get use to everything and it to me. Then, I'll go on my trip. Going in about an hour to pick it up. Just a little excited.

Minnvmax · March 29, 2021

Why would someone pay the price they are asking for these new trucks and not follow the instructions in the manual for break in?!?! I try to follow the break in procedure in the owners manual and that doesn't include hitting the expressway especially for an extended trip. I hear the same thing in recreational forums. "Drive it like you stole it" . Whatever. I've always gone with mfg recommendation on every engine I have owned and I have never had problems. Autos, ATV's, Sleds. This is exactly why I don't buy used equipment. You cant trust anybody to follow directions.

Edited March 29, 2021 by Minnvmax

TNTSierra · March 29, 2021

1 hour ago, Minnvmax said:

Why would someone pay the price they are asking for these new trucks and not follow the instructions in the manual for break in?!?! I try to follow the break in procedure in the owners manual and that doesn't include hitting the expressway especially for an extended trip. I hear the same thing in recreational forums. "Drive it like you stole it" . Whatever. I've always gone with mfg recommendation on every engine I have owned and I have never had problems. Autos, ATV's, Sleds. This is exactly why I don't buy used equipment. You cant trust anybody to follow directions.

To each their own. I’ve never followed a break in period. I do required maintenance on my vehicles with my father, but the break in cycle to me is bogus. It’s a way for manufacturers to cover their @sse$$ when “someone “ redlines there vehicle out of control and blows the vehicle up.

I have 2 Kawasaki jet skis that have been driven full speed since hour number 1. They are 10 years old now and all I’ve replaced are the batteries.
I have a 4 year old Stingray boat and I’ve driven that full throttle as well. Haven’t had issue with it.
I live in Iowa and bought a MTD snowblower and first day used it had 6 foot drift in driveway and that baby got work out. Took in for small motor service recently and the older gentlemen stated “wow, can’t believe how clean it is and how well it runs for a 2009.

Never had I had an issue with any of my vehicles when it comes to engines. The only issue I’ve had was my 2006 SS Trailblazer with transmission issues but I bought that used and they were known to go out. Once a beefed it up. Nothing happened again and I put 70k HARD running miles on that and motor was still strong.

ai am closing on my new house in 2 weeks, I picked up a 42 zero turn cub cadet and you best believe that baby will be getting a workout on my acre of land!!