Picked up my new Fabia 3 yesterday

Anyone know if modern engines need to be run in anymore?

The handbook doesn't mention it and my dealer was unclear on the matter

Any advice from you guys?

 

regards

Adrian

Enjoy your car.

 

Are you sure there in nothing in the Owners Manual.

Dealership Salespeople seldom know because they just drive Demonstrators like Hire Cars from Brand New.

 

Best to run in the Tyres, Brakes, Bearings, Suspension etc. which also helps the Engine & Gearbox get an easy start in life.

Set your own tyre pressures.

Page 113 of Manual -- They call it "Driving in" 

 

Driving in

 

Driving in the engine

 

The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres. During this period, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.

 

During the first 1,000 km ,we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use a trailer.

 

In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up to the maximum permitted engine speed.

 

New tyres

New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.

Drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

 

New brake pads

New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the best possible braking effect.

Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

 

 

When I picked mine up, I asked the dealer, he said "they are already run in"  :no:  

Probably mostly compression rings needed to be run in. Guess they are still cast iron.

Tolerances, materials, casting, oils, bearings - you name it - are a bit better today than back in the roaring 60s.

Indeed, but they still need that initial running in or 'driving in' as the book now says. It's not as critical as it used to be but best to follow the book. Vary the throttle and load a lot during the first 1000 miles to help the bed in process. It takes around 10k miles for the full conforming of the engine to take place (the point at which the engine gives full power and best economy) but this can vary a bit depending on the type of driving the car has been put to.  The main thing is not to go too gently as that does no good to the engine and will prevent the running in process from happening properly. 

Indeed, but they still need that initial running in or 'driving in' as the book now says. It's not as critical as it used to be but best to follow the book. Vary the throttle and load a lot during the first 1000 miles to help the bed in process. It takes around 10k miles for the full conforming of the engine to take place (the point at which the engine gives full power and best economy) but this can vary a bit depending on the type of driving the car has been put to.  The main thing is not to go too gently as that does no good to the engine and will prevent the running in process from happening properly.

Oh, agreed.

I also will have an early oil and filter change right after the running in period to drain whatever debris left from the running in.

Old bad habit, probably, but thats me.

I have old habits as well and learned my trade when engines had the first Oil change at 1,000 miles.

Diesels had 3,000 mile Oil & Filter Changes, Petrols 6,000.  Multigade oils.

 

Now for modern engines & Oils at least 8,000 miles on the Original Engine Oil from the factory is good practice IMO.

Helps run the Engine in.

Then after that, changing filters between Service Schedules for Oil is more important than Oil Changes.

Use, annual mileages & Climates obviously matter with this.

Should be fully run in by 1800 miles (3000km).

My car seems to work really well now. Mpg and power :-)

Thanks all for the advice.

I've found the three paragraphs in the owner's manual now! (thanks Dithane)

I'm always gentle with my new cars, loving it so far!

Thanks again guys

Edited 29 April, 201511 yr by river27

New version of Manual (05-2015) is on-line - now has heading "Running-in", and it's on Page 111 now.

 

However, the text in the paragraph is the same - and the phrase "Driving in" in still there.

Broken in, maybe?

May be americun. But the fabFab for sure is broken/run/drivven; pick after gusto, in by now, according to the manual. Was in Stockholm over the last few days, meaning 1400 kms in two days. Plus 200 done the days before.

So, impressions: mostly driving using the CC- motorway all time- at 120, occasionally 130 kmh. As usual here, sparse traffic outside cities. At 120 the revmeter will show 2500 rpm - and the GPS 117 kmh. (legal speeds are 110 and 120 kmh) in 6th. Milage 6,5 liters/100 kms average.

Cabin noise okay, mayby a touch noisier than the Merc, but definetely bearable. At city speeds very quiet. Actually Im often in doubt whether its idling or in eco-mode... Have to check the revmeter. (but I also need hearing aids )Gearbox feels different (compared to the Merc) but very precise, easier to shift and smooth. I just have to get used to the feeling when the gears grips.

Powerwise the comparison to a 2.2 ltr CDI 170hp/400 Nm is unfair even though the Fab is 500 kilos lighter. Works well, but acceleration beyond 120-130 kmh lacks some punch to my expectations. Luckily 90% of driving normally would be in the city where the car works better than just fine. Getting used and adapt are probably the key words.

Bolero gadgets an dooh-dahs are too many for my needs, but the ones I need -cellphone and radio - works very satisfying and are clear and easy to operate. I highly appreciate to have the phone right in front of me, at the maxidot display.

In all, Im satisfied. In fact, very.

As I can see, the motor didn't consume any oil at all.

Edit; The car seems to be a bit sensitive to sidewinds. Ive got the 16" wheels, not 17" which may be better on motorways, but most probably noisier and less comfortable on the worn roads we have to deal with. Shamefully I must admit that I have absolutely no idea with what rubber the car is equipped, but I know the next ones will ge Michelins. Which also may make a difference.

Edited 16 May, 201511 yr by pfaff

Thanks for that pfaff - great to hear an "in-use" report. Appreciated hearing about wind noise, gearing, tyres etc. Great report, thanks. I'll be re-adjusting from a '99 Passat Tdi . Biggest thing I imagine is getting used to lightness of car. Anyway, really looking forward to my new arrival - in about 3 weeks.

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Thanks for the update pfaff much appreciated!

I'm loving my new Fabia 3 at the moment so glad I went for the DSG

By the way the tyres on mine are KUMHO

A slightly unfortunate name but seem ok haha

 

Take care and drive well my friend

Just checked, tires are Bridgestone Turanzas. Bridgestone usuable are of very good quality but that doesnt necessarely mean its the tire best suited for this specific vehicle, only that its tested and found ok. And a good deal for the manufacturer.

I am still finding my diesel a little noisy to be honest, even on idle. 

 BTW My tyres are Dunlop 

I am still finding my diesel a little noisy to be honest, even on idle. 

 BTW My tyres are Dunlop 

I don't think that will improve with age. It is something you learn to blot out like living near a railway line and you don't notice the noise from the trains anymore.

My car also has the Bridgestone Turanzas. Of all the cars I have owned in the last 35 years, this is the first time I have had Bridgestones fitted. I find them quite noisy and when required to replace them will either fit Michelin Energy or Goodyear Efficient Grip.

The Kumho tyres on my Fabia 3 seem to be pretty quiet

Grip level is good but we haven't had much rain lately