A3 Break In Period

[dustind]

So far I've got 340mi on my new A3 but I wanted to check and see if anyone had comments on breaking in a new engine.

I'm waiting until I hit 500 to use my cruise control. and I was going to do my first oil change at 5000 then 10,000. Also I was holding off on using my DSG until i hit almost 1000. These numbers are based on what I think I know.... which I'll admit is minimal.

Please toss out your suggestions. Thanks!

[TechnikSLR]

i was told that i should not go over 6000 until 600 miles. only 530 to go...

[dustind]

I've been under 6000RPM, so far, though its hard with my 3yro in the back screaming "Go faster!"

[SoFresh]

Its BS, was told the same thing about my WRX when I bought that new, and same for the A3... its nonsense.

One may argue.... its fine, you do need a break-in period, couple hundred miles, mainly just to check seals, etc etc. But 6k miles, not necessary.

[UberA3]

Its BS, was told the same thing about my WRX when I bought that new, and same for the A3... its nonsense.

One may argue.... its fine, you do need a break-in period, couple hundred miles, mainly just to check seals, etc etc. But 6k miles, not necessary.

No kidding! Do you not think that every car on the lot has been floored during a test drive. I wouldn't drive it to Vegas to break it in but flooring it or bringing it above 6k or using the dsg is total nonsense. Also read the manual you are supposed to change the oil at 5k miles.

[SoFresh]

^^ exactly ;)

[emsbyday]

Gay,

Drive it like you stole it.

[dustind]

Don't know if I want to "drive it like I stole it" with the kids in the back... my daughter was getting sick on some hill turns last night and I'd rather go slow than have puke in the backseat of my new car!

[SoFresh]

I kinda laugh when people say drive it like you stole it... cause if you really stole it, you'd be driving it probably 5mph under the speed limit and stopping at yellow lights, and driving like a 16 year old taking their driver's license exam, lol

[SoCalRS4]

Drive it very conservatively till 1200 miles id say. I would also recommend doing an early oil change to clean all the garbage that comes out during break in. I also WOULD NOT USE cruise control till around 1200 as well. 500-600 miles is not that much nor is 1200 so I would wait it out as you will be happy you did.

[SoCalRS4]

i might add that these engines don't fully break in till about 30-35k miles

[m5racer]

My 328xi had a break in period of 5,000km!

[k20actr]

I'm sure they have to dyno the vehicle to ensure that you're getting the power as stated by the manufacturer. Not to mention a bunch of preliminary "tests" to make sure you have a car that doesn't have problems from the get-go. Like others have stated, 4-500 miles seem reasonable, even 1000 for the anal, but any more than that and you are wasting all that time for enjoyment.

[cshecks]

My dealer told me to not redline until after 5000 miles, otherwise, drive as you normally would. I have had no problems, yet......... I am almost at 7000 miles

[dustind]

Just passed 1200mi today and I'm heading for a weekend trip to San Francisco so I think it will be time to start playing with the cruise control and DSG.

And just because I'm anal, I think I am going to go for an early oil change when i get back.

[Coderedpl]

Why can't you use cruise control until the car breaks in?

Curious as i dont know this.

[dustind]

I've gotten mixed messages over the years about using cruise control off the lot versus waiting awhile before you use it. I have yet to hear the difinative word on the subject but as a precaution I've waited at least 1000mi on new cars.