Hey Scotty, I just ordered a new 2022 Mazda 3 that is being built in Japan. I live near Toronto Ontario where the temperatures get cold in the winter. The expected delivery date is in February and I was just wondering if I should be concerned about breaking in the new engine and transmission in temperatures below freezing. Thanks!
Good question!
Maybe warm up the engine a bit more before you take off.
Compared to transmissions, engines warm up relatively quickly, because they have electricity and combustion from the get go. Cold transmissions are the bigger problem in the winter. See this recent carcarenut video, beginning at 3:14.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULcSauSJrsY
Google: 2022 Mazda 3 engine heater
I've never used one, however a number of engine heater options came up.
Preheating the oil will allow it to circulate faster and possibly provide a more 'natural' break in temperature.
Agreed: in cold climate, a good engine heater can be very useful - not just for break-in, but also for the overall engine longevity.