Are you contemplating a pre-owned Toyota purchase? This is a great solution for acquiring a reliable vehicle on a budget. Once you make the purchase, there are steps you can take to maximize the vehicle’s performance and get the most out of the investment.
Car Break-in Period
Pre-owned vehicles need time to be “broken in.” It’s not unlike the way you need to break-in a new pair of shoes to let it conform to your feet. The break-in period enables the car’s components to get in sync with each other after haven’t being driven for a while. Most people think only new cars require a break-in period; however, this applies to pre-owned vehicles as well.
The break-in period is the first 500 to 1,000 miles you drive as the new owner. During this time, refrain from:
- Driving at high speeds (over 55 mph)
- Driving with a heavy load
- Sudden braking
- Long periods of idling
Watch How You Accelerate
The bulk of engine and drive train wear occurs during the first 10 to 20 minutes of operation. To minimize wear, refrain from fast accelerations during this time. This is especially important under cold weather conditions.
Shift to Neutral
One trick that some drivers already do is to shift the car to neutral at a red light. Unbeknownst to most commuters, though, is that this actually helps preserve engine health — it gives the engine a rest, so to speak. Otherwise, the engine continues to work even when the car is not in motion.
Find Your Next Toyota Purchase in Our Pre-Owned Inventory
Come by Heritage Toyota Catonsville in Baltimore, MD to see our vast inventory of pre-owned vehicles. This may include a selection of pre-owned Toyota hybrid vehicles. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect car!
