Buying a brand-new 2025 Chevy Equinox is an exciting experience, and most customers will feel eager to jump behind the wheel and just hit the road. However, before we start planning that long-distance getaway, there’s one crucial step every new owner should take seriously – the factory-recommended break-in procedure. Although modern engines and drivetrains are built to tighter tolerances than ever, General Motors still recommends a specific set of guidelines to help your Equinox settle in properly, ensuring peak performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability. Here’s what you need to know.
The Break-In Period
While the 2025 Chevy Equinox break-in procedure isn’t a super complicated process, it’s still pretty important to make sure your crossover operates as best as possible. Here are some simple steps drivers should follow in the first few hundred miles.
For the first 500 miles (800 kilometers), avoid driving at one constant speed for too long. This means you shouldn’t drive too fast or too slow without changing speed. Also, do not make full-throttle starts or downshift to slow the vehicle. This helps the engine and transmission adjust properly and reduces unnecessary stress on parts.
For the first 200 miles (300 kilometers), avoid making hard or sudden stops. The brake pads are still new and not fully worn in, so hard braking can cause them to wear out too quickly, leading to early replacement. This same guidance should be followed any time new brake linings are installed. You should also avoid towing a trailer during the break-in period.
Once the initial break-in is complete, engine speed and load can gradually be increased. Full break-in for the vehicle’s systems takes place over the first 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers). During this time, the car’s mechanical and electrical systems adjust for the best fuel efficiency, smoother shifting, and overall performance. Electrical systems will also adjust and calibrate themselves automatically during this period.
Finally, regular driving helps charge the battery and optimize features like fuel economy and the Stop/Start system.
By following these simple break-in guidelines, you’ll help ensure your 2025 Chevy Equinox runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
As a reminder, the 2025 Chevy Equinox cradles the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, with the GM D2 platform providing the underpinnings. Production takes place at the GM San Luis Potosà plant in Mexico.
Comments
So, if you have to drive 500 miles to get a nice deal…
Drive the back roads coming home or at least vary your speeds.
Always complaining. Did you run out of your medication?
LOL, that’s Beachy’s signature
But more agree with me than not, over the years.
Literally only in your mind.
Not MONKEY SEE MONKEY RIGHT ???
WUNDERFUL WUNDERFUL comment. I wish I thought of it. Thank You
Dr. Mick1. Excellant diagnosis. We now a wait your prescription . Maybe TOO much time in the SUN for her ??? What do you think ?? Too time time on da BEACHY ???
You’d be doing it in your current car not your new Equinox. Unless you are referring to another unrelated deal after buying the car.
I would drop the factory fill. sooner than 500 miles ! Then send a sample for an OA !
Back to old school break in procedures….
I will bet your salesperson will “STRESS” this !
When they do a dealer locate for you guaranteed that they will pick it up and set the cruise on 80 all the way back
And the car will still be perfectly fine.
So stop being so damned picky and buy what’s on your dealers lot…or special order.
Used to hear about lots of people back in the day who would get a new car and take trip first thing.
Same procedure as the XT5. Did the same thing. Kept easy on the throttle and tried to cruise at different speeds. The good thing is the latter is easy where I live because its mostly stop and go driving and the highways vary in speed limits greatly.