New vehicle break-in....

[MGPD03]

Anyone have any insight into this? This is my first new vehicle, '05 Silverado 4x4 4.8L.

One of the nameless minions at the dealership just told me to drive it, but vary my speed for the first 500 miles. After that he said "better motors and better lubricants than in the past."

So is my first oil change, my first oil change? No sooner? The manual is pretty damn vague too.

Any problem with switching to synthetic on the first change? I know some cars...I think the Vettes come with it form the factory....don't quote me on that. I've ran synthetic on all my previous vehicles but the lowest mileage I switched it at was 50k. Surely nothing could/would happen...

Any info would be greatly appreciated, I've always been really particular about my vehicles and I'd hate to start screwin' up especially with the mountain of debt this one comes with.

[jtfrog]

I would take it easy for the first 500 miles but no need to baby it. As for the synthetic I would wait until 10,000 miles to give the rings time to seat

[Rollingbones]

I kept mine below 55 the first 500 miles and went directly to Mobil 1 after that. I now have 30,000 and she runs great. I change the oil and filter every 3800 miles and have never used more than a half quart between changes. Synthetic is more expensive (I get it at Costco for $24 for a 6 pack) but a cheap investment to protect an engine. This is the stuff NASCAR uses. The rings should be well seated if you take it easy the first 500. Just my two cents worth.

[chris023]

Originally Posted by Rollingbones

I now have 30,000 and she runs great. I change the oil and filter every 3800 miles and have never used more than a half quart between changes. Just my two cents worth.

Your truck uses half a quart of oil between 3800 mile oil changes after only 30k miles? I've heard trucks that use oil before, but only after 120k miles.

[Rollingbones]

Oooooo... that sounds like a good subject for a new poll!!!

[White Lightening]

Originally Posted by MGPD03

Anyone have any insight into this? This is my first new vehicle, '05 Silverado 4x4 4.8L.

One of the nameless minions at the dealership just told me to drive it, but vary my speed for the first 500 miles. After that he said "better motors and better lubricants than in the past."

So is my first oil change, my first oil change? No sooner? The manual is pretty damn vague too.

Greetings MGPD03,

Well each of us have different viewpoints. With my new 2004 Silverado - I did the same procedure I've done with every new motorcycle and car I've owned.

1. Don't believe everything the dealer tells you.

2. From 0 miles to 750 miles vary your speeds from low speeds to 65 mph. Don't use "the plunger" or hit the accelerator hard during this period - don't pull heavy during this period. A few hills and steeper grades isn't bad at all - just don't go hard-at-it.

3. At 750 miles - change your oil and filter. Reason - you'll never have dirtier oil or more contaminates in it - than you will the first 500 to 750 miles. Look at the refuse oil - look for shavings, pieces, but do expect to see "sparkle" in the first oil change.

4. Drive truck similar to #2 for the next 1000 to 1250 miles but a bit harder - still varying speeds. Use the accelerator more in hill climbing conditions to push the motor "a little" more than you did in #2.

5. Truck now has somewhere between 1700 and 2000 miles on it - change oil and filter again. Look to see - expect to see - the oil is better looking than it was at #3. Should be less "sparkle" too.

6. At this point I put in Slick 50 - some will disagree some won't. My theory - Slick 50 early in engine life - but after breakin - is a better choice with a good quality consistent natural oil. Personal preference - I NEVER use an East coast/Pennsylvania oil - no Quaker State - no Pennzoil. I like Havoline - I bought 4 cases when I bought the truck - its all I use - and I use Purolator oil filters (I don't use Fram or Fram generics). Theory - my engine doesn't overheat - so a good natural oil is what the engine was designed for. I then change oil and filter every 2500 to 4000 miles (depending on time of year and driving conditions). To me - reusing synthetic or letting it "sit" in the engine for long periods of time and extended mileage - is NOT what the engine was built for. Too much "futzing" around with 5K to 10K duration changes. Filters and a good quality natural oil are like a vacuum cleaner for your home - get the dirt and contaminants "outa there" - Winter cold and hot summer conditions - get the "stuff" "outa there". See #7

7. For me - it works out to 1 quart of Slick 50 every year and about 4 oil and filter changes each year. In all my years of driving - I've broken in (from new) 3 motorcycles, 1 van, 2 trucks, and 1 car - plus lots of used cars and vans. Never had a vehicle use more than 1/2 quart of oil per change - regardless of mileages - and I've always had superior miles per gallon compared to averages for each vehicle.

Just my pattern - works for me. I'm fussy about engine break-ins. Regardless what the books or dealers say - I see the first 10,000 miles as a gradual improvement timeframe. At 10,000 miles on the odometer - you'll know what you'll have for most of the next 100,000 miles thereafter.