How hard should I drive brand new Mustang GT over first 1,000 miles?

[BuckeyeBOSS]

I was talking to Dom Toretto this afternoon after I saw your OP. He said drive it like you're being chased by a heavily armed band of international crime lord henchmen!

PS: Get video and post it!

Dom's cars don't tend to last long though, LOL.

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[RJW]

Go easy on it for the first 1k, vary the RPMs, don't use cruise control. Check your oil level. Don't count on PDI.

Change your oil after the first 1,000 - 1,500.

After 1k you can step on it.

Is that thousand-mile oil change really still important? I would think that Ford would recommend it in the manual, if it were a useful practice.

 

[robvas]

Is that thousand-mile oil change really still important?

Is it important?

It's very rarely done. So in a way, no.

But if a large amount of engine wear happens during the first X miles (compared to the same 1,000 miles from say, 20,000 to 21,000 miles), it's not a bad idea to get fresh oil in there.

I would think that Ford would recommend it in the manual, if it were a useful practice.

The manufacturer's recommendations and manual are a joke. They never tell you to change the automatic transmission fluid, for example.

 

[DarkHorsePremium]

Is it important?

It's very rarely done. So in a way, no.

But if a large amount of engine wear happens during the first X miles (compared to the same 1,000 miles from say, 20,000 to 21,000 miles), it's not a bad idea to get fresh oil in there.



The manufacturer's recommendations and manual are a joke. They never tell you to change the automatic transmission fluid, for example.

Exactly. I've had very few used vehicles. I only buy new. I've changed the oil on every new car at around 1k miles. No long-term issues, no surprises and all of these cars have lasted 10-15, 19 years before I sold them. I tell people they can do whatever they want but this has always worked for me. I also advocate changing oil more frequently, which I'm sure has contributed to the longevity of my vehicles.

I do a drain and fill on my auto tranny's too, Every 30 -40k miles. Never had to have a transmission rebuilt either. Diff's usually 50 to.80k. Ford recommends changing the tranny fluid at 150,000. Ya right... I think they recommend changing radiator fluid at 100 or 15Ok to... ok Ford. Can iridium spark plugs last 100K absolutely! Would I let mine go that long? No way.

I tell people to do whatever they want but basic maintenance is cheap insurance. It's definitely done right by me over many decades. Do whatever you're comfortable with YMMV. Everyone has different feelings about what's necessary or best.

 

[Hack]

Is that thousand-mile oil change really still important? I would think that Ford would recommend it in the manual, if it were a useful practice.

I do it on any new cars I buy. I'm not sure why, because I don't ever hang onto something long enough to wear it out. If you are the type to keep a car forever, it's not the worst idea.

But most of the debris will get caught in the filter.

 

[MegaMan]

If you are keeping your car for a long time 7+ years, I would lean on changing the oil and fluids more frequently if you want the car to last long. No car is bulletproof. I also wouldn’t drive it like a race car if you’re trying to have it last a long time lol. Have fun of course but use common sense and don’t redline it every time you drive it lol.

If you’re gonna keep your car for a few years…it’ll hurt you less if you don’t change the oil on time and if you’re driving it like a NASCAR driver. Odds are you’ll sell the car in a few years without issue and it’ll likely still be under warranty.

I’d say use common sense. Change fluids on time or early (it’s cheap enough), but most of all have fun without destroying it. Life is too short!

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