A majority of gas powered cars still show an engine break-in period in the manual, essentially taking it easy the first 1K miles or so.
I only do about 15-20K miles on my leases but have always followed the process and taken the car easy for the first 750-1K miles.
I’ve come to realize that my precautions likely will make zero difference during my “ownership” period of the car, but I still seem to do it to ensure the car is reliable and has longevity ahead. I also like the idea of potentially buying out the car, although have never done (other than having dealer buy out lease).
I know it’s a debatable topic to begin with, but assuming it does help, do you follow it for your leases or just drive normal / how ever you want from the second you get the car?
I also follow the break-in recommendations even tho I have never leased a car I expect to buy out. I think it is good karma to treat the vehicle with reasonable care for the next owner. I do the same with rental cars when they are <1000 miles. Why thrash any vehicle “just because I can”?
I think this is the perfect mindset. It’s ideally to avoid initial abuse while everything is still being set in place. Normal casual driving from the start is ideal.
Same. I agree completely. Just like to keep the car as great as I can for the next person, and have the same mindset for maintenance as well (especially since most brands are now covering initial oil changes). Karma ftw
Yup, will do. Looking it up now. It’s more about if people do it, who only have the car for the honeymoon years of the car, vs those who buy or intend to keep a car for decades ahead. For me, I treat it all the same.
You’re speaking to a group where average vehicle ownership ranges from 1 day to a decade ha.
Having said that, I will drive somewhat conservatively with vehicles that I have any intention of keeping long(er) term. I have a spirited driving style, in general, but I do not intentionally “beat on” anything that I own.
No. Only when I need 100%, start of a road trip the following morning or something, but I never charge to 100% without starting to use it within a few hours, and I’d never charge to 100% and just have it sit there.
Yep, my usual limit is 80%. If I need 100% for trip, I usually change the limit to 90% and charge the 10% closer to my departure time. I do not let it stand on 100% for hours.
Not really an issue here on LI since the average travel speed is less than 30 mph on any highway. But yes I treat my leased cars the same as my purchased cars, following factory reco’s, etc.
