Properly breaking in a new vehicle isn’t as simple as getting in and driving off the lot. In most cases, certain limitations must be respected in order to avoid damaging a vehicle’s systems and components. This very much applies to the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck – the Big Red brand’s best-selling vehicle overall. Below, GM Authority outlines the 2025 GMC Sierra break-in procedure, straight from General Motors.
This article is part of the GM Authority Owner’s Guide series, where we provide tips, tricks and other information for owners.
The Break-In Period
The overall performance of the GMC Sierra will benefit by following these break-in period recommendations during the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving:
- Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
- Avoid exceeding 4,000 RPM (gasoline engines) or 3,000 RPM (diesel engine) when accelerating or downshifting to slow or brake the truck.
- Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (300 km). Hard stops with new brake linings can result in premature wear and earlier replacement. This guideline should be followed every time brake linings are replaced.
- Do not tow a trailer.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate during the break-in period. Hence, a some instances of clicks and similar vehicle noises is normal during this process.
After The Break-In Period
After the 2025 GMC Sierra break-in period, the engine speed and load can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and electrical systems adjust during the first 6,400 km (4,000 miles) of routine driving to provide optimal fuel economy and transmission shift performance.
It’s also worth noting that normal driving charges the vehicle battery to achieve the best vehicle operation.
Discussions
Have questions or want to discuss the 2025 Sierra? Then head on over to our GMC forum.
About 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
As a reminder, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered with four powertrain options, starting with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline TurboMax engine, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, and finally, the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax. All models are underpinned by the GM T1 platform, while production takes place at the GM Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana and at the GM Silao Assembly plant in Mexico.
Comments
Find a safe road or parking lot Accelerate and deaccelerate in low 1 about 40 to 50 x ! Drop the factory fill and oil filter ! Replace oil and filter ! Replace oil and filter at 500 miles then 1,000 miles then 3k then 5k ! Just use conventional walmart supertech to save $ this is what i was taught ! And its just my opinion !
Sure… and it runs completely contrary to what the factory instructions tell you to do.
I just bought a new 2025 Silverado LT crew cab with the 5.3 liter V8 engine. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and asked about when to change the oil. I was told they no longer use break-in engine oil in new vehicles and to change the oil every 6,000 miles. By the way, I love my new truck!
I’d change the factory oil at 1K . There are lots of parts that break in during that period. Get that stuff out of the oil. Than make 2nd change at 2 – 2.5 K after that. Than ok to go to 5K changes. My opinion, but this has never failed me in over 50 years. With the DFM lifters these new engines have, clean frequent oil changes are the lifeline for the engine.
Is the break in process strict for the gas V8 engines?
No, it’s for both gasoline and diesel. See the list in the article.