Is engine running-in necessary and how to get it right?

Earlier, when the classic VAZ Zhiguli were the main models of cars on the roads of the USSR, none of the drivers even doubted the need for running-in. And they did this not only after buying a new car, but also after performing a major overhaul of the engines.

Now, especially in the last few years, many owners are sowing such statements that, they say, running-in for modern VAZ engines is not needed at all and when leaving the car dealership, you can immediately give the engine maximum speed. But you should not listen to such owners, because their opinion is based on something incomprehensible at all and no one can bring real facts on which you should not run the engine in. But the downside is more than real.

It doesn't matter if you bought a new car or made a major overhaul of the internal combustion engine, it is imperative to operate the engine in gentle modes for several thousand kilometers. More detailed tips and recommendations on this matter will be given below.

Running-in of VAZ “classic” and “front-wheel drive” Lada cars

First, it is worth giving a table of maximum revolutions and speeds for each gear during the first thousand km of operation of your car. For classic Zhiguli models she is next:

As for machines with front-wheel drive from the VAZ family, such as 2110, 2114 and other models, the table is very similar, but it is still worth citing it separately:

In addition to speed modes and the maximum possible engine speed, the following recommendations should be borne in mind:

1. Try to avoid, if possible, sharp acceleration and braking, as the braking system is ineffective in the early days of using a new car. The pads should get used to the discs and drums properly, and only after a few hundred kilometers will the efficiency increase to a normal level.
2. Do not overload the vehicle or operate it with a trailer. Excess weight puts an excessive load on the engine, which can negatively affect the quality of the running-in and further operation of the power unit.
3. Avoid getting into situations where the wheels of your car are spinning. That is, no dirt and deep snow to avoid overheating of the motor.
4. All rubber and hinge parts must also be worn in, so try to drive as slowly as possible on uneven roads, avoiding getting into pits, etc.
5. It is worth noting that not only increased, but also too low rpm are harmful to the engine, so you should not move at a speed of 40 km / h, for example, in 4th gear.
6. Keep track of the general technical condition of your car, carry out regular checks of the threaded connections, especially the chassis and suspension. Also, check the tire pressure, it should be the same in each wheel and not deviate from the norm.

As for running-in after repairing the internal combustion engine, the basic recommendations are the same as for a new engine. Of course, it is better to spend the first few minutes of engine operation in a standing machine, letting the rings run in a little with the cylinders without unnecessary load.

If you follow all of the above recommendations, you can be sure that the service life of the car and the engine, in particular, will increase compared to the cars of those owners who squeeze all the juices out of the car in the first days of operation.