Does Revving in Neutral Gear Damage the Car?

[MaddoxDella]

When revving the engine in neutral gear, as long as the engine speed does not reach 5000rpm or 6000rpm (varies by model), meaning the tachometer needle does not enter the red zone on the dashboard, it will not affect the vehicle. In neutral gear, the engine is simply idling, and as long as the speed remains within the normal range, it will not have any impact on the engine or transmission. Car gear positions include: 1. P (Park) gear, used for long-term parking; 2. R (Reverse) gear, engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. N (Neutral) gear, used for short-term parking without turning off the engine; 4. D (Drive) gear, where the vehicle automatically shifts gears based on throttle opening and speed data when the gear lever is in this position.

[Haven]

Regarding the issue of revving the engine in neutral gear, based on years of experience in car repair, I believe it can indeed cause some potential damage to the vehicle. When the car is in neutral, stepping on the gas pedal causes the engine to spin wildly, but the driveshaft isn't connected at all, meaning the engine is essentially idling. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear on the piston rings and cylinder walls due to insufficient oil lubrication. I've seen many customers' cars suffer from premature engine aging and increased noise because of frequent such operations. Doing it occasionally for a short time isn't a big problem, like giving it a couple of revs to warm up the car in winter, but don't make it a long-term habit. I recommend developing good practices, such as only using the accelerator normally while driving in gear or scheduling regular engine check-ups and maintenance. This not only extends the vehicle's lifespan but also saves fuel—why not do it? In short, think more when driving, avoid unnecessary actions, and always prioritize safety.

[OLondon]

As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I was also curious in my younger days about whether revving the engine in neutral would harm the car. After trying it once and noticing strange engine noises, I realized there were risks. In fact, this operation causes the engine to spin at high speeds without load, which can easily lead to overheating or wear of internal components, especially unfriendly to automatic transmission vehicles. I consulted experts who confirmed it could also increase fuel consumption and emissions, which is bad for the environment. For daily driving, I recommend maintaining smooth operation and only performing brief maneuvers when necessary, such as checking water temperature in traffic jams, but don't make it a habit. The key to extending vehicle lifespan is performing regular maintenance and checking fluids on schedule. This way, your car will last longer, and you won't have to worry about repair costs, driving steadily and worry-free.

[McHaven]

Hey, as a car enthusiast, I often study these little details: Occasionally revving the engine in Neutral (N) is okay, no big deal. But doing it long-term is a no-go, because when the engine idles at high RPMs, oil temperature rises quickly while lubrication can't keep up, which may damage pistons or spark plugs. Modern cars have ECU control that automatically limits RPMs for protection, but it's still better not to risk it. When enjoying cars, I focus more on actual driving sensations - like how accelerating in Drive (D) feels way more thrilling. My advice? Minimize such actions and maintain your car properly to keep it always ready for action!