How long before I can push the car to the max?

I bought a petrol 1.6 GLSx + ABS recently (10 days back).

Have done some 1100 KM on it so far. And have kept the engine below 3000rpm at all times (as advised by the service center guy and the manual).

Now, the manual says that you can drive normally after you have covered 1000 KM. What does this "normal" mean? Can I just step on it and take to 140-150km/h on highways?

I have not taken it above 100km/h yet.

I have a few long drives coming up and some advise would great.

*bump*

Really eager to get some info.

It is my opinion that you should cover atleast 3000kms before you push it above 100kms/hr. Change gears between 2000rpm-2500rpm. Also do not maintain a constant speed on the highway for more than 7 minutes to 10 minutes. Before you undertake a long trip go to the service center and inform them about the same and have them checkup all the fluid levels and other things.

i have the diesel one and i was told to maintain 2000rpm upto 2000 kms till my first service..

so u can go above 100kmph after that

and @RajeshNamb.......why not to maintain constant speed on highways.....any particular reasons???

An engine is made up of different types of metals and alloys. Piston-Alloy, Sleeve(Iron), Gudgeon pin-Steel and so on and so forth. Some manufacturers may use different materials though. These expand at different rates with the increase in engine temperature. After an engine is run-in well the clearances between these parts allows for a thin unbroken layer of oil film between them. In the initial stages opening up the throttle by 3/4th and more and holding it that way may cause excessive wear out of parts. It is always good to push the speed limit gradually. Take it to 100kms/hr and then bring it down and later get it to 100kms/hr again and maintain that way for a few seconds. Then may be later during another drive you could push it above 100kms/hr.
I own a DLX and its covered 4000Kms. Earlier I noticed that if after braking and bringing the speed down really low it would need the first gear to get it going smoothly. If I used the second gear it would stall. After roughly about 2000kms or so I noticed that it could move on in the second gear. I felt the vehicle tolerances were getting better.. Also I have not taken my vehicle above 90kms-95kms. At that speed and above I feel some vibration from the engine. I'll wait for the vehicle to cover some more kms and then I'll push it further. After an engine is run-in well one can maintain a constant speed of say 80kms or so for good mileage. But during the initial stages keep varying the speed.

mine has done 18000 kms


i think now my engine can bear everything


but still thanx for such elaborate advice..

You are welcome.

Thanks for the info..

One question though, if it is so important to do this, then why is nothing mentioned about this in the manual? I'm talking about varying the speeds on the highway.

I don't think the normal car buyer will be aware of these things. So most people will end up straining their engines too much right?

dunno why all this is required though.. in today's auto industry.. running in an engine is done in the prefab stage in the factory..

however, from practical experience i agree with rajesh on all counts.. my car has recently crossed the 5k mark and it is handling beautifully well now.. but i still think the pickup on 3/4/5 gears leave a lot to be desired... with a 1.6lit engine i expected more.. a Swift with an 1.3lit engine takes you to 140 with ease.. Logan is sluggish and noisy

I have just returned from My 2400 km round trip from Germany across Europe to Grimsby in England
I drove at speeds (as we can here) of mostly 135KMH (GPS) 135 KMH on the tacho is 145
Now lets talk guys oh MY LOGAN HAS NOW 2000KMS
You do NOT use second gear to pull away !!!!!! If you do you will be visiting your friendly garage who will gladly fit a new clutch for you !
He will be happy with your money .cars like Mercedes Rolls BMW are as we call them Bench run in .But most low cost cars are not .just treat the car nice for the first 3000 km (Rule of the 3000) dont go above 3000rpm after that its all yours but NEVER drive full gas
its just not worth it to your pocket and you will have your car for many years
I used this journy 7 ltrs per 100 kms and am very pleased with this
................................................
and as i said DO NOT PULL AWAY IN 2ND GEAR

sTU

Thanks for all the comments.. 3000 it is then..

Stu, are you saying that when you are in 3rd gear and at a decent speed do not downshift to pull away or is it something else?

Dowshifting will red-line or get the RPM to very high numbers and that is definitely not recommended. Is that what you meant?

I am saying Never pull away from a set of traffic lights or such in 2nd gear ! Always use first
as for changing down always change down a gear below 2000 Rpm .
(If you need the car to respond fast ie accelerate )
if you are just plodding along at 55kmh you can do this in 5th gear but dont expect decent acceleration .if need be just go from 5th to 3rd and you will be in the correct gear again and can accelerate fast
Stu

Yes, I agree.

Well i have always driven my car around the 60 -70 km /hr mark, had covered around 7500 kms, just went on my first trip drove at a constant speed of 120km/hr was happy with the performance, i feel at 120 the car is stable and sturdy