How to Break in a New Toyota Car Engine

Avoid sudden stops in your new Toyota vehicle.

The Toyota Owners Online website states that breaking in your brand-new Toyota extends the life of the vehicle. Although it is rumored that vehicles no longer require a break-in period, this is at the sole discretion of the manufacturer. Toyota lists its break-in instructions right in the vehicle's owner's manual. Vehicle break-in procedures are the same for all Toyota vehicles with the exception of hybrid models, which differ slightly.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Hybrid Vehicles

   • 1

     Avoid sudden stops, such as slamming on the brakes for the first 200 miles of the break-in period.

   • 2

     Do not drive at extremely high speeds or at a constant speed for an extended period of time during the first 600 miles.

   • 3

     Do not suddenly accelerate during the first 600 miles. Drive your car at mid-speeds, such as around 45 mph around town.

   Non-Hybrid Toyota Vehicles

   • 1

     Avoid sudden stopping for the first 200 miles and sudden acceleration for the first 1,000 miles.

   • 2

     Do not tow at any time during the first 500 miles.

   • 3

     Drive your vehicle gently around town or around 45 mph for the first 1,000 miles. Do not drive the vehicle at a constant speed for long periods of time, such as on a highway. Gently brake and accelerate while breaking the car in.

   • 4

     Stay out of low gears for a continuous period of time during the first 1,000 miles. For example, do not drive in a snowstorm where low gears are necessary until after the break-in period.

Tips & Warnings

• The recommended Toyota break-in period is discussed in your owner's manual. If you do not have your owner's manual, go to the Toyota Owners Online website to view it for free. A sign-up and vehicle identification number (VIN) are required.