How to Properly Break In a Subaru Engine: A Comprehensive Guide
Properly breaking in a Subaru engine is crucial for ensuring it runs smoothly and lasts for many years. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take care of your Subaru engine, drawing from personal experience and expert advice. Whether you're a long-time Subaru owner or a new car purchaser, understanding the best practices for engine break-in is essential.
Why Breaking In an Engine is Necessary
Before we dive into the specifics of breaking in a Subaru engine, it's important to understand why it's necessary. Unlike other internal combustion engines, the break-in period ensures that all the moving parts get accustomed to each other and perform optimally.
Subaru engines, like most modern engines, are precision machines. They are designed to perform at their best with a specific set of conditions. To achieve this, the engine needs to be treated with care during the initial days of use. Just like any other part of your vehicle, the engine can be damaged by incorrect use, leading to costly repairs or even complete engine failure.
Common Mistakes When Breaking In an Engine
Many people have questions about breaking in their Subaru engine. Some of the most common pitfalls include:
Ignoring the Manual: Not following the instructions provided in the owner's manual or by the engine re-builder can result in premature wear and tear.
Running the Engine at One Speed: Using the transmission to cruise at a single speed prevents the engine from getting the varied workload it needs to function at its best.
Lugging the Engine: Overworking or underworking the engine by using it to tow heavy loads or driving in high gears for extended periods can cause damage.
The Importance of Oil and Coolant
Two critical elements that directly impact the break-in process are lubrication and cooling. Without the proper amount of oil and coolant, an engine is at risk of severe damage.
No Oil, No Go
One of the most significant risks when breaking in an engine is a lack of oil. Oil is essential for lubricating the engine's moving parts, reducing friction, and preventing wear. Running an engine without sufficient oil can lead to:
Seizure: The engine parts will scratch and wear against one another, leading to a complete failure. Increased Maintenance Costs: Frequent replacement of worn-out parts can be expensive and time-consuming.No Coolant, No Cool
Heat is another critical factor in engine operation. Without the proper circulation of coolant, an engine can overheat, causing various issues such as:
Engines seizure: If the engine gets too hot, the metal can expand and seize, leading to catastrophic failure. Internal damage: Overheating can cause internal parts to melt or warp, affecting engine performance and lifespan.How to Properly Break In a Subaru Engine
Now that we've covered the importance and common mistakes, let's look at how to properly break in a Subaru engine.
Read the Owner's Manual
The first and most important step is to read your Subaru's owner's manual. It contains specific guidelines for engine break-in, including recommended oil and coolant types, start-up procedures, and driving instructions.
Follow the Recommendations of the Engine Re-Builders
Engine re-builders often provide detailed instructions to ensure the engine is properly reconditioned. Follow their advice as well.
Use the Gears Correctly
Using different gears and speeds during the break-in period helps the engine and transmission work together and get accustomed to each other. Avoid cruising at a single speed, as this does not provide the varied workload needed for proper conditioning.
Personal Experience with Subaru Engines
As a long-time Subaru owner, I have personally owned eight Subarus, many of which were pre-owned. Despite the challenges of maintaining and repairing these vehicles, I can confidently say that proper maintenance is key to a longer and more reliable ownership experience. Whether you are satisfied with a product or not, it's important to understand the proper care and maintenance required to avoid costly repairs.
Conclusion
Properly breaking in a Subaru engine is a critical step in ensuring its longevity and performance. By following the guidelines in this article and adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations, you can help your Subaru engine run smoothly and deliver years of reliable service.