Does Launch Control Damage the Vehicle?
3 Answers
Launch control can damage the vehicle. The correct starting procedure for an automatic transmission car is: 1. Turn the ignition key to the power position; 2. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from P to N; 3. Release the foot brake and start the engine; 4. Warm up the car while stationary; 5. Press the foot brake, shift the gear from N to D, and release the handbrake; 6. Gradually release the foot brake and smoothly press the accelerator to start. The starting procedure for a manual transmission car is: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Move the gear lever to engage first gear; 3. Lightly press the turn signal lever downward to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles ahead and behind; 4. Press the horn button to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle; 5. Release the handbrake; 6. Lift the left foot until the clutch reaches the half-clutch position, causing the car to vibrate slightly; 7. As the car starts moving, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
Launch control can indeed damage vehicles, especially by putting extra stress on the engine and transmission system. I've seen many drivers occasionally use this feature on the road to experience instant acceleration thrills, but repeated use can accelerate clutch wear, cause excessive tire wear, and even lead to issues with the driveshaft or differential. For regular family cars, I'd advise against casually trying it since they aren't designed to handle such high loads. Even performance cars with dedicated launch control systems that buffer some of the impact should not abuse it—once a week is plenty. During daily driving, monitor tire temperature and engine noise changes, perform regular maintenance, and help your beloved car last longer. Safety first—don't push repair costs too high just for that brief adrenaline rush.
Launch control sounds awesome, let me share my experience: It does accelerate vehicle wear, especially on drivetrain components like the clutch or transmission. As someone who frequently plays with cars, I've tried it multiple times but know to control the frequency—don't abuse it in high temperatures or poor road conditions, or you'll fry something. High-performance models equipped with launch functions are designed to withstand some stress, using electronic controls to optimize starts, but that doesn't mean zero damage. I always maintain regular checks, like inspecting tire wear and oil condition, to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Overall, trying it a few times is fine—just stick to the principle of moderation.
