Breaking in a new 2024 4wd Limited

Looking for advice on how to break in my new four-wheel-drive limited. I’m wondering if it’s recommended to take it on a road trip when it is brand new or to break it in around town first? I have the owners manual and know the first oil change is scheduled for 10,000 miles but I have seen other places recommend changing the oil as soon as possible.

 

I've seen the break in of 500 miles and 1st change at 1k. Owners manual schedule has 10k. Personally I am more in the middle at like a 5k change if you've been babying it and cruising to break it in.

But definitely a couple cycles through the xfer cases. Even if it's just on a dirt road somewhere.

 

Just drive it normal. The oil can wait until 5K or 10K miles (whatever you choose) because you do have a filter to catch any metal particles.

 

For what little it's worth I had the oil changed on my new 4Runner at 1000 miles as a precaution. Mechanic mentioned that the filter had noticeably more particulates than he was used to seeing and suggested I have it changed again at 5000 miles, (which I was already planning to do).

 

Read the manual. What does it say? If you follow it you can rest easy.

 

To break in: a) don't drive at steady speeds for a long time b) avoid extremes (i.e. flooring) c) change oil early.

 

Bad advice. Filter doesn't remove all break-in metal. Here is oil analysis to prove it:

 

Change Every 10k with synthetic oil your engine will go 600k miles EASY

 

It will be fine. Many do it without issues. These aren't supercars where an oil test actually tells you something on a vehicle that isn't driven often.

 

The same logic can be used in neglecting oil changes or using quick oil change places.

Oil analysis clearly tells you that Iron and Copper is multiples of what normal sample should show. This is metal going through your engine, bearings, all lubricated surfaces, etc. Clearly, less of that is better for your engine.

 

What I see / follow from the manual.

 

It's fine. It's not neglect and not even the manufacturer suggests doing it. You guys buy Toyotas because they're tough and dependable but then baby them because you're scared they will break. It makes no sense.

 

Yep it's silly

 

I do not like to participate in oil related conversations, but obvious ignorance most participants prompt me to educate current owners of last great vehicle ever produced, in hope those vehicles will last.
First about cost: engine oil is not an item to save money. Cheap (wrong) oil is just wrong. There is no bravery to use cheap oil, especially during break in
Second is technical: molybdenum content in TGMO 787 ppm (see http://pqiadata.org/Toyota_0W20.html)
yours is 663 ppm - some of it wears out. But it will continue to work even to 10000 miles. But.
During break in period oil contaminated by gasoline and water from condensate, that reduced its hot viscosity.
Use heavier oil? But oil also cools pistons from oil jets inside blocks and heavier oil does it not so well.
Cheap oil also lacks additives. Everything is a compromise. Depends how long you want to drive 4Runner.
Amazon: $53.35 for 6 qt TGMO every 5000 miles, (first change at 2500 miles) is the best option.
Dealerships use Mobil_1 bulk, that contains only 87 ppm of molybdenium, and it is ok, IF first 10000 miles were TGMO
Ask yourself: am I smarter than Toyota engineers in JAPAN?

 

Break in doesn't matter at all. Won't do anything just change every 10k with synthetic, drive 500k miles, done

 

Congrats on the new Limited! We love ours!!

Follow the severe service schedule if you want to rest easy. Toyota engineers designed what is factually the most durable motor currently available in the North American market… I’d guess their recommendations for maintenance are conservative. As many have said, the motor and transmission are likely to outlast the rest of a 4R regardless of miles. Drive it and enjoy this dinosaur for 400K or more!

 

Oops, I knew I read 5,000, I don’t know why I typed 10,000 miles. Thanks for all the input, I just want to do what’s best in the long run for the 4 runner! I won’t be changing the oil myself so wasn’t sure if I should take it in to the dealer early or just wait until the recommended first scheduled. My sister in law has a 2000 with 358,000 miles and I just want mine to last as long!

 

I just changed our 2024's oil at 780 miles this past weekend. I plan on doing it again at 5k. I will stick to the every 5k for it's life going forward. It makes me feel better and I enjoy getting my hands dirty.

 

If it were my vehicle I would drop the oil by 1000 then follow the schedule prescribed by Toyota. What’s a $100 bucks (Toyota oil change) for peace of mind.

 

I fully agree with early changes. And why not do it.. It will definitely benefit you and not harm anything ... The 10K is crap shoot.....Especially on the first change...

If you want to be lazy and change it at 10K.. then go for it....

Take it from the experts...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtTHmLmWXno&ab_channel=MBCAPeachTube

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu7PlRsqMyA&ab_channel=Dave'sAutoCenter

 

Those are not particulate metals. The oil filter does its job.

 

Don't you mean take it from the oil change industry propagandists.

If you are doing constant stop and go driving, get lazy and spend lots of time idling in drive through lines, take short trips where the oil never gets hot enough tp evaporate condensation in the oil or a high percentage of the miles are towing, then change the oil at 5000 miles. I do little or none of those things so changing oil more often than 10000 miles is a waste of money and environmentally irresponsible for me.

 

Are you saying that the lab botched the oil test or are you saying that Copper and Iron results are not to be understood as break-in metal in the oil?

FYI - How to read oil report

 

I'm saying that any metal is microscopic and will not cause damage. It's normal.

 

Have you ever rebuild and opened an engine, or you are talking from your A***....

 

This is false. Please familiarize with how oil analysis works prior to posting misleading information.

 

It is in their interest to do twice as many oil changes as necessary because going 10000 miles on an oil change will not bring in more business with engine damage. That second video is filled with so much bullshit. That . 010" ring gap is to allow for ring expansion. The gap closes up to near zero at normal operating temperature Besides you are ignoring the one grain of truth in that whole bucket of bullshit. Oil change intervals are dependant on driving habits.

 

Lets see, started out with lawn mower engines at 14, numerous motorcycle engines from about 23 on (BSA A 65, Panhead stroker motors, stock Panhead, stock Shovelhead) 350 SB Chevy, Gen III HEMI. Is that enough for you? Many of those engines had geometry modifications that required clearance interfere checks including the Norton 850 Commando I am currently working on.

 

What I consider reputable sources:

The Motor Oil Geek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6nWCQ_70J0
(his day job is oil formulation, including for racing teams)

The Car Care Nut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBBUQJKTaiM
(his is reputable mechanic with decades of Toyota experience)

 

Get lost