So the titan is my first new vehicle ever (I don’t mean just new to me, I mean new as in new) and I keep hearing about “engine break in.” Ok… I’ll admit it; I don’t know what engine break in is. Is it allowing the engine to wear in a certain way? It is an engine flush? Is it allowing the oil to permeate? What’s going on?

Also, what’s the deal with changing fluids after this time period? I’m just about at 2800 miles, so should I be changing the oil, transmission fluid, axle fluid…etc? Have I already missed the window? Am I killing my engine? What should I be doing?

Engine break in allows the rings and seals to form properly. They were in on each other to form a good seal. There are alot of moveing parts and alot of metal to metal. They need to form to each other. As far as the oils I would change my engine oil now and my rear and transfercase at about 7000 miles.

Break in period is 500 miles. During that time you are not supposed to run wide open throttle or maintain interstate speeds for long periods of time. You are supposed to fluctuate speed.

And don't worry about the transmission fluid for a while. The oil changes should be done as a rule around 3,000 miles even though todays oils are much better than previous oils and can go longer. If you switch to synthetic, it will go a little longer some are taking them beyond 7,500 miles. I personally do not.

I have changed my differential fluid 3 times and I have 51,000 miles on it.

Thanks for the replies guys. I took it easy for the first 1000 miles or so, but spent a fair amount of time on the highway with the cruise control on. Oh well, live and learn. I’ll call me dealer this week and take them up on their free oil change. Would you guys recommend swapping out all the filters now as well, or can that wait a while?

Every time you change the oil change the filter.

Every time you change the oil change the filter.
Sweet. Thanks!

hey kubed, i was like you. i knew about taking it easy to break in the engine but wasn't sure when to change the different fluids. thumb through the owners manual in the schedule maintenance section, you know how you drive and under what conditions, the manual shows two schedules of maintenance you can use. but if you take your vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic they will keep you informed. or just come on back and we will be glad to assist. makes us feel wanted.HA. LOL, JD

Ha! Thanks JD. I looked at the owners manual, but it’s so hard to read when you’re driving :D

Oh, and I wouldn’t worry about me hanging around begging for information. What I really need to learn is how to convince the woman that my brand new truck needs a few thousand $’s in “upgrades.” Anyone figured out how to do this? ;)