Break in period importance?

How important is the break in period? I just bought an 06' Silverado LS Crew 4.8 w/ 3.23. I'm in sales and it just so happens the first 500 miles will all just about be driven on a flat 70 MPH highway. I don't mind turning the cruise off for now if needed, but @ 55 MPH, I'll get flattened.


Also, is there anything I can do in my trucks first days to help it's longevity?

In my opinion, the break-in period is very important. As you've read, vary the speed and stay below 55mph. If it were me, I would consider allowing more time on my routes and taking some backroads if you can?

Other than doing as recommended in the manual for the first 1,500 miles (or whatever is stated), I've just been meticulous with routine maintenance and not driven like a bad-ass. Definitely use a truck for what it's designed for, towing and hauling big/heavy items, but don't drive it like a sports car. As my signature says, I've gotten 422,000 miles from a '93 Silverado (original engine, 1 new tranny), and currently at 308,000 on my '98 Silverado (original engine and tranny). Both trucks had a life of towing trailers, and having at least 1000 lbs in the bed at all times, if not more. Once the engine is broken in, highway driving is the best thing you can do for your truck.

Well, that's my 2 cents. Best of luck with the new truck!

Thanks for the reply!

There's some back roads, but there is also a few (20/30) miles I have no choice but to be on the highway. The break in is 500 miles, so I'll just try to look out for the 18-wheelers behind me :grinyes:

My Mom is very careful to follow her truck by the book also. She has a 97 Silverado with 200K+ on the original motor (1 new tranny). She always said she'd drive it until it didn't go no more.... no she's wondering if she'll ever get a new truck :grinyes:

if your not going to be neer a place to change you oil at the first 500 miles get a filter. a good filter change at 500 miles is important. do not use one of the 5 min oil change places. thay will not get all the crud out. I have seen kids put the plug back in when there was still oil coming out.

you must drain all the oil and then replace it. what the first change is for is to get any thing out of the motor that was left in. you would be shocked to see some of the stuff i have come out of a motor. besides the prelube thay use in building one.

Would most Chevy/GM dealers do better than Quick Lube (types)?

Funny that a tractor, caterpillar or semi-truck gets put to work right away under full load and those engines seem to last forever, whether they are gas or diesel. I think that the break-in rules were more for engines built in the 60's

Funny that a tractor, caterpillar or semi-truck gets put to work right away under full load and those engines seem to last forever, whether they are gas or diesel. I think that the break-in rules were more for engines built in the 60's

My manual looks like it was printed in the 60's :iceslolan

I've tried to take it semi-easy being that I hit 500 in almost two days. My dealer gave me a 1000 mile check up certificate to check fluids and the drive train. I will probably have them go ahead and have the change the oil/filter as well. It may be a wasted $20, or it could be worth it.