Questions and Answers
Acura Break In Period
Q. Hi Vince, My dad has just purchased a 2002 Acura RSX Type S. It's a great car, but I'm already worried about the break in period. The salesman said that there is no break in period on the car, just avoid driving it hard when the engine is cold.
The manual says avoid hard acceleration for 1000 kms. The car only has around 500 kms on it, and it's already been raced once or twice, with the engine briefly up to 5000 - 6000 rpm.
The question I have for you is what is the proper method to break in this car, and by briefly racing that engine, have we damaged it in any way? We want this car to last for at least 10 years, but it's killing us not being able to have a little fun with it!
Thanks for your response,
NeilA. The general rule of thumb is to go nice and easy for the first 1,500 miles. This gives the internal engine components to settle in and blend together. Some car makers still recommend a 1,000 mile service just to check it over and make sure things are all right.
There was a song that said "Money for nothing and kicks for free." Well, sad as it is, it's not true. Racing a car does have it's cost, if not in the short term, then definitely in the long term. Racing is hard on a car and will wear it out much quicker. Look at how NASCAR cars are built. They only have to go 500 miles and some of them don't even last that long.
You want the car to last at least ten years, take care and baby it. Don't race it.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
