How to Break in a New Truck

by Ben ben@durabakcompany.com March 09, 2018

I can’t be the only one that loves the new truck smell. If you are like most people, owning a new truck can bring a sense of pride. It is enjoyable to start the customization process or run random errands just to enjoy the thrill of the open road. What most new truck owners aren’t aware of is the need to learn how to break in a new truck.

Here’s a listing of the rules to break in a new truck that you might not have known about:

1. Avoid High Speeds

Many major truck brands recommend that you don’t drive faster than 70mph during your first 500 miles. While this is just a guideline, make sure you read the manual for yourself to get an accurate number. For example, the new Ford F-150 guide recommends breaking in the engine for the first 1,000 miles. Driving at high speeds can hinder the ability for your automatic transmission to break-in properly. It addition it is important to allow the valves and rings to seat properly.

2. Vary your RPMs

Any new truck manual is going to tell you it is important that you don’t drive with a constant RPM for any sustained time period. This means you don’t want to head out on a cross-country journey during your first few thousand miles. Instead, aim for about 1,000 miles of city driving first. This will ensure that your RPMs are varied which helps the valves and rings to seat properly. If you choose not to do this, you could reduce the overall engine performance in the long-term.

3. Don’t Tow with the New Truck

I know you are ready to take the truck camping, but you should wait. Most manuals will agree that you shouldn’t tow a trailer until the truck has at least 500 miles on it. You may want to check your manual as some manufacturers would prefer 1,000 miles on the engine and transmission first. Towing is hard on the transmission as well as your driveline. Before putting the unnecessary strain on your trucks components, do yourself a favor and cruise around town for a while.

4. Take Time to Inspect the Truck Carefully

While most trucks will not encounter any issues, there is that chance that something has gone wrong. In fact, most issues will be caught at the dealer level before you ever take the truck out for a spin. If for some reason, there is a truck that escaped the quality control check, it is your job to figure it out sooner than later. Get under the hood and check carefully for any strange odors or leaks. This should be done within the first few weeks if possible. That way, if you do spot an issue, you will have a chance to have the truck replaced or fixed before the problem gets any worse.