Does Revving in Neutral Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Revving in neutral can cause damage to the car and shorten the engine's lifespan. The extent of damage from revving in neutral depends on the circumstances: 1. When the car is in neutral, the engine is under no load. Pressing the accelerator in this state subjects some engine components to significant inertial forces, which can reduce the engine's lifespan. 2. If the accelerator is pressed in neutral immediately after starting the engine, it can accelerate engine wear. Here is additional information: 1. The throttle controls the metered fuel flow of the fuel regulator, thereby determining the thrust generated by the engine. 2. The throttle position is controlled by the driver via the throttle lever in the cockpit, which is transmitted to the carburetor or fuel regulator on the engine through control system components such as rods, rockers, torque tubes, cables, pulleys, and sector gears.
As an experienced driver with over 20 years behind the wheel, I must say that revving the engine in neutral can indeed harm your car. The reason is simple: when the engine runs in neutral without load, the RPM soars rapidly, increasing friction between pistons and cylinder walls, which accelerates wear. Over time, especially if done frequently, internal engine components will fatigue and age, potentially leading to cylinder scoring or excessive oil temperatures. I once saw a neighbor who often started his car this way, and within months, the engine sounded abnormal. Short warm-ups are acceptable, but don't make it a habit—keep it under 30 seconds. Additionally, fuel consumption increases, wasting gasoline unnecessarily, which is bad for both the environment and your wallet. Protecting your car is paramount. I recommend driving gently, performing regular maintenance, and changing the oil on schedule—these practices can extend your engine's lifespan by many years.
