# Take a trip in a new car

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [November 1, 2008, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522 "2008-11-01T21:31:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![abiesbaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@abiesbaby](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abiesbaby)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522/1 "2008-11-01T21:31:58Z")

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I just got a new car (Toyota Corolla). Back in the olden days, we were told that you should not take a trip in a new car until it was “broken in”.  
  
 I want to go visit some friends about 250 miles from here. Is that still a rule?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522/2 "2008-11-01T22:06:58Z")

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Is this mentioned in the owners manual?

Tester

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**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522/3 "2008-11-01T22:15:21Z")

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I also bought a new Toyota, and had to go 200 miles to a new assignment. Read the owner’s manual whcih says not to drive too fast the first 1000 miles, and also not drive at any one speed steadily; vary your speed, and accacsionally floor the gas pedal. My Corolla is now properly broken in and does not use any oil in 5000 miles.

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**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 11:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522/4 "2008-11-01T23:28:31Z")

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The most important thing to remember when driving a brand-new car is to NOT use the cruise control, as varying your speed is essential for proper break-in of the engine.

But, why take my opinion or anyone else’s opinion when you have the ultimate authority sitting in your glove compartment? I can assure you that the Owner’s Manual covers this topic in detail, and this would be a very good opportunity to begin familiarizing yourself with this valuable resource that was provided by the manufacturer.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-a-trip-in-a-new-car/21522/5 "2008-11-01T23:42:56Z")

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Just do what it says in the owner’s manual. It will give you instructions for the break-in if needed. Modern cars are a bit different than the old ones.

Just follow the instructions in the book, don’t try to out guess them, just do what it says. You will be fine.

```
I would suggest carrying a cell phone on any trip in an "new to you" car.
```