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Old 02-14-2012, 01:03 AM   #1
Arseezy
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Default 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Break-In Period

So I've put approx. 650 miles on my new 2012 Impreza in the past 7 days.

I understand that the manual says "Keep it under 4k RPM within the first 1000 miles", and I attempted to do so... But, after hitting 500 miles, I kind of drove in a "pedal to the medal" manner, not hitting rev limiter, but have probably gone up to 4.5-5k a couple times. I also accidentally down shifted from 5th Gear @ 2.5k rpm to 2nd gear, and it shot up to 6k ish. This is my first Subaru and I'm barely getting used to the way the shifting feels! Noob mistake.

Now, my main reason for this post is to ask: What could be the down sides of doing this?

I understand that it could possibly shorten engine life, but other than that, should I be drastically worried for any future problems?

Thanks.
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Old 02-14-2012, 01:15 AM   #2
sc00by4life
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arseezy
So I've put approx. 650 miles on my new 2012 Impreza in the past 7 days.

I understand that the manual says "Keep it under 4k RPM within the first 1000 miles", and I attempted to do so... But, after hitting 500 miles, I kind of drove in a "pedal to the medal" manner, not hitting rev limiter, but have probably gone up to 4.5-5k a couple times. I also accidentally down shifted from 5th Gear @ 2.5k rpm to 2nd gear, and it shot up to 6k ish. This is my first Subaru and I'm barely getting used to the way the shifting feels! Noob mistake.

Now, my main reason for this post is to ask: What could be the down sides of doing this?

I understand that it could possibly shorten engine life, but other than that, should I be drastically worried for any future problems?

Thanks.
Downsides? More than likely, none. In fact normal driving will help set the piston ring lands.
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Old 02-14-2012, 01:17 AM   #3
furiouswrx
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You'll be fine. The manual makes exceptions to that 4k rule for emergency situations, aka it's okay once in a while. And it's really just a guideline. You'll also find members on NASIOC who are of the opinion that you should drive a new car hard in order to break it in and get the seals to set. You're worrying too much.

What's more important is that you take care of your car (i.e. keep up on maintenance and don't abuse it). Practice 5th-to-4th shifts while the engine is off and parking brake on to get a feel for it.
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Old 02-14-2012, 02:09 AM   #4
boostdsuby8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by furiouswrx View Post
You'll be fine. The manual makes exceptions to that 4k rule for emergency situations, aka it's okay once in a while. And it's really just a guideline. You'll also find members on NASIOC who are of the opinion that you should drive a new car hard in order to break it in and get the seals to set. You're worrying too much.
This. I've never really seen a definite study one way or the other. Either way, what you did was just fine.
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Old 02-14-2012, 12:02 PM   #5
Arseezy
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Thanks for all the replies, it's appreciated.

Now as for the first oil change; people are saying, "Do your first oil change at 500 miles." and on other forums people are saying 1000 miles, and some just say wait until 3,500 miles.

From what I've heard, the factory oil is good to keep in the car for a longer mile frame I.e more than 1000 miles but less than 3500. This is my first new car, so I have yet to learn a lot.

Again, thanks for all the replies.
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Old 02-14-2012, 12:12 PM   #6
happs subi
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I know some people who change their oil every 100 miles... But I would do it once at 1000 miles and then continue the regular intervals. Supposedly there are a lot of heavy "break in" metals the first couple of miles. Good luck, and don't be afraid to drive it!
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Old 02-14-2012, 07:52 PM   #7
subiTWO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sc00by4life View Post
Downsides? More than likely, none. In fact normal driving will help set the piston ring lands.
Are you trying to say that the rings will 'seat'? Cause that's the interface with the cylinder wall...
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Old 02-14-2012, 08:28 PM   #8
Unabomber
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No one on the planet knows the answer to this as people have been breaking in their cars 900 different ways with the same results. So follow the owner's manual or make up your own or do redline clutch dumps....we don't know and we aren't going to waste time discussing something we don't know.
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