Need to know- "Break in" issues

[giffSCPA]

I expect to be picking up my smart car over 140 miles (approx.3 hr drive) from where I live**so who knows what is the recommended initial "break-in" max. speed? for how many miles?

Thanks** Is this info available anywhere else? I couldn't find it.

giffSCPA State College, PA

[Karl Roth]

Try and vary your speed a bit. Don't drone along at the same engine speed the entire time or spend prolonged periods of time at high RPM. Take it easy on the breaks as well they need to bed in. try not to use the kick down function for a while 1k miles or so. Just take it easy it will be fun you can run 70 without going over 4K RPM. Enjoy the ride, beware of rubberneckers.
karl

[tivoboy]

I have found with all my new cars, varying the speed over 1000 miles is the best thing to do.

Except the p-car. Factory said at pickup "get out there and HAVE SOME FUN!"

[Evilution]

It's nothing to do with your vehicle speed, the gearbox doesn't need running in. It's the engine speed you want to be mindful of.
Keep the revs below 3000rpm but don't be scared if you stray over that for a little while.
1000 miles is a good figure to aim for.
Always drive calmly until the car is at full operational temperature before giving it some power, if you have a turbo smart, drive calmly for 2 minutes before you pull up and turn the car off to allow the turbo to cool.

To be honest, I doubt it will make much difference, fully synthetic oil is terrible for breaking in an engine.

[mfoster]

If you're picking up in Pittsburgh just plan on twice as long as usual and take the back way home. I just pick mine up near King of Prussia and took all two lane roads and took my time. Really enjoyed the ride.