Off-Road Break-In Period

carbill

I just purchased a 2001 Checvy S-10 4x4. This is
my first truck, and I was wondering about
"off-roading" in it.

I took it on some muddy trails as soon as I got
it, and someone "yelled" at me, stating that

1) the S-10 really shouldn't be taken off-raod
unless you really need to, because it's not a
"true" 4x4, like a F150 or Sierra and

2) you should definitely stay on paved roads for
the first couple of thousand miles, as going
off-road immediately can damage the truck

Any thoughts?

k0hb

1) The S10 is perfectly capable of driving off road, but less capable than higher-clearance trucks. Remember, the better your 4x4, the further the tow truck needs to come to extract you.

2) During the first (at leat 500) miles you should not "push' the vehicle -- give the rings time to seat in properly, etc., or forever have an oil burner.

Hans

carbill

But just driving the truck through some dirt roads, perhaps some mud and a few puddles is not pushing it, right?

What *would* you define as pushing?

-b

k0hb

...are not "off road".

"pushing" (in the context of a new vehicle under 500 miles on the clock) would be revving the engine above 4K for more than a second or two, highway speeds above 60MPH, lugging the engine in heavy mud, jackrabbit acceleration starts, high rev spinning in mud, towing, and similar. Especially avoind steady speeds (cruise control) during breakin. Check your owners manual, and you'll find guidance.

Hans

rrichf1

carbill,
Just take it a little easy for the first 500 miles or so. Be sure to drive at varying speeds. i.e. DON'T USE THE CRUISE CONTROL for the first few thousand miles. Probably the best thing for it is city traffic.

On the off road thing and an S-10:
Drive where and when you want as long as it is legal. There are some bigots out there that if you don't drive their "VISION" of a 4x4, you shouldn't be going off road. (My response to that bigot is not allowed on this forum but the second word is 'em! And tell to go join the Sierra club.)

Rich

pocahontas

Being that it's been inactive here for quite some time, this discussion is going to be closed. If you like to continue this discussion, please post your message in our Pickup Truck Maintanance & Problems discussion. Thanks.

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