Running In

[scott52]

Robbo, yes it has been hot all the time. I collected my car on the 13 dec and we have hardly had a day less than 30c. aircon has been on all the time and yes I have always used PULP. at my last refill I have used 365 lts for 2339 km = 15.6 lt/100km. the 3,000km check is being done this thursday. I have mentioned my concern to ford about fuel use, so they are going to check it out.

[Guest XR6T BEAR]

well after I got my car back from the dealer after repairs it was up to 20.5l/100km, so I think they flogged it something shocking, its back down to between 14.5 and 15l/100kms now. if I drove it a bit more on the highway I reackon low 13's would be probable. and I always felt that with modern engines just run it as you would normally and it'll be fine. mines got 1300kms on it so the average hasnt settled down yet.

[Jim]

well after I got my car back from the dealer after repairs it was up to 20.5l/100km, so I think they flogged it something shocking, its back down to between 14.5 and 15l/100kms now. if I drove it a bit more on the highway I reackon low 13's would be probable. and I always felt that with modern engines just run it as you would normally and it'll be fine. mines got 1300kms on it so the average hasnt settled down yet.

It sounds like they idled the car for a long time, rather than flogging it (using fuel without moving increases your fuel consumption dramatically). Did you check your average speed? If the average speed was low, then it was most probably idling, otherwise complain to the dealer. They should look after your car.

[Guest TonyH]

As you guys are on the subject of fuel consumption, I have something to add. Driving to work and back ( 42 km round trip, city driving) I can average about 13.5 l/100 k if I drive extremely moderately and have a good run, but who wants to drive a turbo car like that? With a little more enthusiastic driving without overdoing it I can get about 15 l/100 k. I've also noticed that the car goes through a LOT more petrol when its cold. Even slight throttle pressure sends the economy meter through the roof.

[Guest mvec]

With a little more enthusiastic driving without overdoing it I can get about 15 l/100 k. I've also noticed that the car goes through a LOT more petrol when its cold. Even slight throttle pressure sends the economy meter through the roof.

Did you mean when the engine is cold or when the weather is cold? Obviously the car will use more fuel when engine is cold. And I guess theoretically it will use more fuel when the weather is cold too. Since cold air = more compressed air = more performance = more fuel.

[Guest suttoinc]

I try not to drive mine to work which is only 'bout a k away but I know that on the short drive the economy is above 20l in the morning. What do people get on country driving. I recon I get around 8-9l but have only taken the car out of town once since I have had it.

[Guest Turbo-6]

What do people get on country driving.

Going down hills: 5 l

Going up hills: 50 l

Average: 12.6 l

[Cashie]

The advice on running in cars was a good read.

If I want to run my car in quicker by doing a longish drive (because as soon as I pick the car up I don't think I will get out of it) what do you recommend I do?

I understand the main concern is having the revs at the same point for extended periods, should I just vary my speed by 10-20 km/h every 1/2 hr or maybe change back to third every now and then?

I'm thinking a drive to the border (don't care which one) will be the first run.

[Guest Xr6Tas]

Good question. I also want to know this as I'll be driving from Devonport (Nothern Tas) to Hobart after I pick up the car in Melbourne. Am I right to stick to the 110 speed limit the whole way? Or should I vary speed and revs as much as possible?

[harasn]

Guys, I would suggest that if your doing a long trip in your cars when running it in to vary your speed alot. And I don't mean by 5 km/h. To make any difference, the speed really needs vary by about 20kms to make any difference. Sitting on one speed for ages during running in won't be good for the motor. Its almost the same as letting it idle too long. Best if your going to travel from Sydney to Melbourne, take the senic way and go by the coast and enjoy the drive. Might take longer but better for you and the car. There is no need to hurry and get kms on the car as soon as possible just to get kms on it, better to look after it and drive it to run it in. better car in the long run. why do you think we don't just sit on 100km/h for 1500kms. not good for the car.