A couple questions from a new owner

Dannybryce · 01-22-2005, 11:05 PM

Before I begin I did search the forums and could not find a thread on these questions, but then again maybe I gave up to early.

First off, what do I need to know about breaking in my new truck. I was lucky and I got it off the lot before anyone else got to test drive it.

Secondly, is there any thing I need to be especailly conscious of in regards to the care of the interior and exterior of the Truck? What should I do to keep it looking and feeling like it does today?

mtofell · 01-22-2005, 11:25 PM

It sounds like I am about 4 days ahead of you... I took delivery on Wednesday and just turned 300 miles tonight.... cool trucks, huh? As for the questions, there is a good section in the owner's manual about breaking it in... basically, for the first 1200 miles don't run the engine above 4,000RPM... I have to admit, I have slipped a bit past a couple times by mistake.... but I am really trying.... also, you want to avoid hard braking for the first 500 miles or so... just like they tell you after a new brake job... the Titan's brakes seem to be a bit of a problem for some so I am going especially easy on mine... I do a lot of down-shifting rather than braking to try and take the load off of them, especially at first.... as for the exterior/interior stuff.... my friend who runs a body shop looked the truck over and said it looked pretty good as far as new trucks for polish and finish, etc. - he said maybe a fresh wax after 6 months or so... on the inside, I have leather so no scotch guard there... you could do the carpets but mine are pretty dark and the floor mats cover most surfaces anyway.... I read through my entire owner's manual, quickly through most sections, in about an hour and got a lot of good out of it... I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to Starbuck's some afternoon with just the manual.... it's time well spent... I learned a lot of useful stuff about the radio, heat, keyless entry, shifting, etc, etc... have fun and congrats... these are great trucks

Steve V. · 01-22-2005, 11:41 PM

I just had to. I couldn't help myself. I'm going to fast trucks annonymous tomorrow and confess my sins.

Dannybryce · 01-22-2005, 11:50 PM

Well I suppose I have only been briefly though the manual. Having too much fun driving the truck

. By tommorrow I suppose I could go back over the manual better. If I can get out of the car. I know what you mean about the 4000 RPMs thing. I'm trying so hard to baby it, its my first new vehicle so it is my baby right now, but the sound of that engine is addicting. Oh well only a thousand more miles to go.

ciron28 · 01-22-2005, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve V.

I just had to. I couldn't help myself. I'm going to fast trucks annonymous tomorrow and confess my sins.

Beautiful Titan Steve V. Red Alert is my color. Now I just have to get a Titan.

I will soon. Sorry Dannybryce, just had to comment. You will enjoy your Titan.

falchulk · 01-23-2005, 12:26 AM

I would not worry about the 4000 rpms much, as long as you vary driving speed you are fine. I would not be dowshifting instead of braking unless you are going down hill at realitive low speeds (25mph and under). Remember, downshifting causes the engine rpms to go up. Gears 1 and 2 are the only ones good for engine braking really.

mtofell · 01-23-2005, 01:01 PM

Quote:

I would not worry about the 4000 rpms much

I am intrugued... it is pretty clear in the manual..... why would you not worry????

bestatchess · 01-23-2005, 01:06 PM

Check all of your fluid levels ASAP, including, but not limited to, differential fluid levels.

I am an exponent of early fluid changes (including differential fluid).

Potroast · 01-23-2005, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtofell

I am intrugued... it is pretty clear in the manual..... why would you not worry????

you should see what the dealership people put on these trucks. the engines are pre-worked in at the factory. Shouldn't be a problem going over 4k rpm. But I wouldn't be too hard on it because some things are still new... But it's not like you have to go "oh crap, I can't pass anyone on the highway for 1200 mi"

Besides, I'd never buy a vehicle without having taken it to WOT on a test drive.

abmobil · 01-23-2005, 05:00 PM

Short burst of wot is good on a new engine to ensure the rings seat well.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-23-2005, 09:09 PM

Other than not towing heavy loads during the first 500 miles as it says in the manual, drive it! This isn't 1985. There is no "break-in" period, per se, on these newer engines. Babying it for the first 1000 miles or so surely won't hurt it and may make you feel better in doing so. It's just not required.

mtofell · 01-23-2005, 09:32 PM

Am I missing something here??? it says clearly in the manual not to run the engine above 4000RPM for the first 1200 miles.... now if you choose to ignore that, more power to you (really, no pun intended) but to say there is no break-in period seems incorrect...

logicjunky · 01-23-2005, 09:43 PM

Let's be realistic here. Are you doing any major highway driving? If it is mostly city and a little highway, you are going to be hard pressed to jump over 4k rpms unless I pull up next to you to race or some jealous Big 3 owner thinks he can take you out in their under powered outmatched truck.

(No offense to any Big 3 owners on our site, just having some fun because our Titans are faster.

)

I would follow the break in guide that is in the manual as closely as you can. If you slip up once in awhile it is not going to destroy anything so don't be afraid to enjoy your truck.

From the sounds of things you have an '05 and most of they build issues should be a nonissue for you, but on the brake judder concern I would find the thread started by Squid on 'brake bedding' and what you can do to help break-in the brake system on your Titan. Here is the link: Brake Bedding a cure for Brake Judder?

Anyways, enjoy your new Titan and congratulations!!

HEMI-SMOKER · 01-24-2005, 08:02 AM

New theory on engine break-in?

Here is a link to a disscussion about break in.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-24-2005, 08:21 AM

Break-in is a thing of tha past. Drive it like you normally would. Rings and all will break in just fine (if not already broken in from the factory). Brakes are properly seated within the first 50 or so miles. The years of manufacturers using break-in oil and having far less exacting clearance tollerances are long gone. Most engines today are bench test broken in to begin with. I don't blame anyone for going easy forthe first 500-1000 miles because that was the thing to do. And it still won't hurt anything but, I'm all for driving it the way you're going to use it.