Thread: Running in time of a new D4

Originally Posted by wbowner

Hi, I picked up my new D4 yesterday, actually it is not called a D4 now just called Discovery. It is a TDV6. I was told by the sales guy that there was no need to run the car in as the engine is pre run in, not his exact words. Well I was reading the manual tonight and on page 183 there is a section on running in the car. So does any one know which is the right answer, do I need to run it in or not. I am planning a bit of trip from Canberra to Melbourne next week and one of the conditions of running in is to not run for long periods at a constant speed which would be the case on this trip. Thanks in advance, Richard

Definitely not pre run in.

Don't redline it, don't thrash it, don't keep it a the same speed for a long period.

But diesels do need to be worked, and more so during run in.

Just common sense with how you drive, but don't baby it.

Brett.....

I got my D4 new from Melbourne and drove it straight home for 12 hours.

During that time I just used the gearbox to shift gears whilst cruising to change engine speed...
So top gear for a while, then shifted down a gear or 2 for a while, back into top, and on hills I shifted and loaded it up a bit.

Only thing I did not do was tow for a couple of thousand km

Most people assume that when they are refering to 'running in' a new vehicle, they are referring to the engine.

It is also important to treat the brakes, and tyres to the same 'thought' process. Excessively hard braking and 'loading up' the tyres due to excessive cornering, acceleration and braking can also have an adverse effect.

It is important to take it gently when starting off with a cold engine, although you do not need to sit idling whilst the engine warms up. You will find that most modern vehicle will limit the gear selection to only a few gears, until the engine is sufficiently warm.

As has been stated earlier, do not run at 'constant revs' for too long, although if you can find a route that has a variety of terrain, such as some hills etc, this can be beneficial.

Do not forget to also use the vehicle 'off-road' and to select the high and low range, not only to make sure that everything works, this also allows the vehicle to work a liitle harder and can aid in the 'bedding in' process.

Towing large loads should be avoided in this initial period.

Don't baby it but by the same token, do not 'drive it like you stole it' either. A sensible approach should see you enjoying your vehicle for a very long time.

Good advice above..

I personally prefer to work my engines in relatively hard (but not thrashing it) as this beds them in better...

More importantly... PICS

Originally Posted by Tombie

Good advice above..

I personally prefer to work my engines in relatively hard (but not thrashing it) as this beds them in better...

I'll have to agree there do it with all my new cars and did the same with my new disco 4 the other week I must admit using no cruise for a 1000kms is hard haha but all worth it.

I'd be following what the manual says, not the salesman.

Ha, this is too funny.....

I too just bought a new Discovery and when it was a week old drove it from Canberra to Melbourne and back.

I also did the change gears every now and then and did not use the cruise some of the time.