When should you hit the trails?

[Jdiditz]

I was just curious, still kind of new to the game. I did have 22 BS outerbanks. I loved it, great vehicle had since new. Had for like a year and a half before I got introduced to the trails thanks to Bronco Nation. Had a bunch of fun. So just like a week ago I traded my outerbanks in for a BS badlands sasquatch. How long should I wait before hitting the trails? Don't want mess anything up. Thanks everyone

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[Bill G]

I was just curious, still kind of new to the game. I did have 22 BS outerbanks. I loved it, great vehicle had since new. Had for like a year and a half before I got introduced to the trails thanks to Bronco Nation. Had a bunch of fun. So just like a week ago I traded my outerbanks in for a BS badlands sasquatch. How long should I wait before hitting the trails? Don't want mess anything up. Thanks everyone

To my mind, as soon as you can/want to go. Try everything out. If something‘s going to fail/break now is the time to break it, while it’s under full warranty. You don’t need to push the limits, but it never hurts to test the features. Good luck.

 

[jkernitzki]

My personal preference only, obviously you should go with what you’re comfortable with.

I hold off until I pass the break in period (1000 miles). Just a few points behind my reasoning:
- The suspension has to settle in (and I definitely feel a difference after the first 350 miles),
- the brakes need proper mating with new pads & rotors (super grabby the first 250 miles or so),
- I want to get a good personal feel for handling and response to road conditions and driver input (every new car behaves differently than another),
- and if there’s any “early fail” component I’d rather discover it where I can more easily get recovery and repair.

At the 1K mile mark, oil change and a once over of the obvious stuff like proper torque on the lug nuts, check belts & hoses for odd wear or leaks, etc. Just a good inspection.

Overly cautious? Maybe, but this is how I was conditioned to manage a new vehicle since the ‘60’s. It’s always worked out for me and resulted in a reliable ride for years, don’t see any reason to not continue with that regimen.

 

[TheDude]

There was a good video from a Toyota rep who says proper break in is crucial for an engine to last long. The whole you dont need to break it in, its already broken in or drive it like you stole it is not true. Across the board its take it easy for the first 600-1000 miles. Toyota even says 1200. I think the Lexus I had said 1200.
I had a neighbor who bought a new Silverado and started towing his food service trailers with it. Sure enough 1200 miles later blew his engine driving on the highway. Let those rings do what they need to do. Better safe then sorry. I don't plan on doing any kind off off roading until I get my miles up myself. Really the whole thing is just keep your rpms in a good place during break in. As long as you're not stressing the engine I dont see how light trails would do anything.

 

[Jdiditz]

Just wanted to thank all of you for the insight much appreciated

 

[Brent@ANParts]

Right away! I did the Ford Off-Roadeo after I had already sold my Bronco, and I felt a huge amount of regret and missed opportunity. These things are more capable than you might think, so have some fun but take it easy to start!

 

[Dannyp56]

I've broken in a lot of airplane engines but never an automotive engine.

 

[thegadgetfish]

My 1.5L engine was just replaced and the tech said to drive it below 3000rpm for the first 500 miles to break it in. I definitely didn’t do that when I first received my car. It’s bit challenging to go so slow.

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