Break in tips?

billder99 · 12-11-2012, 02:58 PM

My wife and I just bought a 2012 Rav4, 6cyl, 4x4, Base model. Started looking at this forum... GREAT information here, obviously high quality participants.

My first post & first question: Any tips for the initial break in period? I want to get the maximum possible service life with minimum maintenance out of this vehicle.

I look forward to participating here.

BD

pepepeter · 12-11-2012, 03:03 PM

I would say follow what the manual says.. typically no long trips, no towing, no hard acceleration..

If not already done, then probably have a paint sealant applied to the paint. Its been a pretty good topic lately under the exterior category.

Welcome to R4W.

rob west · 12-11-2012, 05:25 PM

Apply Zaino as soon as possible!

pepepeter · 12-11-2012, 05:39 PM

... or duragloss

ravenuer · 12-11-2012, 06:44 PM

As Pete said, don't do anything extreme, just drive it normally. Initially, keep an eye on all the fluid levels until you've got a handle on how it does. Best of luck on your new wheels!

djb383 · 12-11-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billder99

.......I want to get the maximum possible service life with minimum maintenance out of this vehicle......

I think the book pretty much describes minimum maintenance, but maximum possible maximum service is pretty much an unknown with a bunch of variables. One of those variables could be...with a tad more than minimum maintenance, the odds for longer service could increase, no?

RTexasF · 12-11-2012, 08:15 PM

Drive it like you stole it after 600 miles of not constantly driving at the same speed. Brake gently....honk on the pedal every once in a while......since it's a V-6 you'll find that hard to resist.

JTRAV · 12-12-2012, 12:57 AM

Don't drive at the same speed for an extended period of time and vary the RPMs. I'm pretty sure the owners manual addresses proper break in procedures.

Chris · 12-12-2012, 04:34 AM

I commute 45mins a day on long roads..is that bad for break in period lol.

dave_cl · 12-12-2012, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTRAV

Don't drive at the same speed for an extended period of time and vary the RPMs. I'm pretty sure the owners manual addresses proper break in procedures.

Does anyone know the rationale behind this? I'm not disputing the fact that Toyota recommends it, but is there an engineering explanation?
Do other car manufacturers recommend the same treatment?
Just askin'

12-11-2012, 02:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
billder99 Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Loreto, Baja Sur, Mexico Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Break in tips? My wife and I just bought a 2012 Rav4, 6cyl, 4x4, Base model. Started looking at this forum... GREAT information here, obviously high quality participants. My first post & first question: Any tips for the initial break in period? I want to get the maximum possible service life with minimum maintenance out of this vehicle. I look forward to participating here. BD

12-11-2012, 05:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
rob west Member Country: Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 126 Thanks: 24 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Apply Zaino as soon as possible! __________________ Rob West

12-11-2012, 08:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
RTexasF Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rio Grande Valley TX Posts: 5,384 Thanks: 31 Thanked 155 Times in 143 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Drive it like you stole it after 600 miles of not constantly driving at the same speed. Brake gently....honk on the pedal every once in a while......since it's a V-6 you'll find that hard to resist. __________________ Old Bird......sometimes wise 2008 Base V-6 front wheel drive 2008 Limited V-6 front wheel drive Both with Tow Prep Package

12-12-2012, 12:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
JTRAV Member Country: Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 163 Thanks: 3 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't drive at the same speed for an extended period of time and vary the RPMs. I'm pretty sure the owners manual addresses proper break in procedures. __________________ Jeff 2007 RAV4 Limited V6 4WD 7-Passenger

12-11-2012, 03:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
pepepeter Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Metro, AZ Posts: 380 Thanks: 29 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I would say follow what the manual says.. typically no long trips, no towing, no hard acceleration.. If not already done, then probably have a paint sealant applied to the paint. Its been a pretty good topic lately under the exterior category. Welcome to R4W.

12-11-2012, 05:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
pepepeter Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Metro, AZ Posts: 380 Thanks: 29 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	... or duragloss

12-11-2012, 06:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
ravenuer Senior Member Country: Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 360 Thanks: 2 Thanked 20 Times in 20 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	As Pete said, don't do anything extreme, just drive it normally. Initially, keep an eye on all the fluid levels until you've got a handle on how it does. Best of luck on your new wheels!

12-12-2012, 04:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
Chris Junior Member Country: Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 26 Thanks: 11 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I commute 45mins a day on long roads..is that bad for break in period lol.

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