Subaru recommends owners of its new cars keep it below 4,000 RPM for the first 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers), regardless of the car model. Subaru of America Advertisement "Drive it like you stole it" is a common and arguably overused phrase to describe the way "real" car enthusiasts think everyone should behave behind the wheel: pushing a car to its limit at every opportunity. And it's tempting, to say the least, to really explore the potential of a brand new car. After all, you've probably been waiting a long time for the chance to call it your own. But cars actually need a "break-in" period before you test them to the max. Here's why. Breaking in a new vehicle is really about the engine. The break-in — or mechanical run-in — period is designed to begin to wear the engine evenly and smoothly with low, consistent pressure, normal operating temperature and smoothly flowing oil. The goal is to get the engine's piston rings, which expand, contract and flex, to seat … [Read more...] about Do You Have to ‘Break In’ a New Car?