Does revving the engine in neutral gear harm the car?

[Luke]

Revving the engine in neutral gear can indeed harm the car. When in neutral, the engine lacks resistance, which can cause the RPM to rise excessively. High RPMs primarily increase fuel consumption. Additionally, excessively high RPMs can lead to abnormal engine wear and place excessive load on the transmission gears, potentially causing gear damage in severe cases. Prolonged revving can also raise the engine temperature, and without cool air intake, the radiator's cooling efficiency significantly decreases. Even though the gear is in neutral, the transmission's input shaft continues to rotate, causing all components except the output shaft and synchronizers to move. This uneven movement can result in uneven wear and stress on various parts.

[EmmanuelFitz]

Revving in Neutral Gear - With my extensive experience driving manual transmission cars, I think it's fine to try occasionally, like giving the engine a quick rev when checking performance. But making it a habit, such as stomping on the gas pedal for fun at red lights, really harms the car. The engine spins wildly without driving the wheels, wasting fuel and money. Internal components like pistons and crankshafts endure extra stress from constant back-and-forth movement, accelerating wear over time. In summer heat, this easily causes overheating, with fans working overtime and draining power, ultimately shortening engine life. Modern cars have computer controls limiting RPM to prevent damage—don't push those limits. I recommend pressing the accelerator only when actually driving to accelerate—it's safer, smarter, and avoids repair headaches. When parked, shifting to P is more stable; don't leave the engine idle unnecessarily.

[DeJuliette]

Having driven for decades, I emphasize the importance of conservative driving. Revving the engine in neutral gear can cause significant potential damage to the car, especially if done long-term. Engines are designed to operate under load. High-speed idling without load reduces piston movement resistance but accelerates wear on bearings and crankshafts. Older models may even overheat and emit smoke. A neighbor’s car required a costly engine overhaul in less than three years due to this habit. While briefly revving to test the engine is understandable, frequently running it at high RPMs overloads the oil pump and cooling system, damaging the vehicle. Newer models with ECUs may impose limits but can’t prevent all wear. Avoid forming this habit—only accelerate while driving to minimize risks and ensure long-term reliability. When parked, shift to 'P' for peace of mind, letting the engine rest properly.

[DiLena]

From an environmental perspective, I focus on the rational use of resources. Revving the engine in neutral is purely a waste of gasoline energy—it doesn't drive the wheels, has low combustion efficiency, and increases carbon emissions, harming the environment. Ten minutes of idling could burn half a liter of fuel, damaging both your wallet and air quality—why do it? Brief warm-up is acceptable, but prolonged idling is unnecessary. I only press the accelerator during actual driving acceleration to optimize fuel efficiency and protect the planet. Avoiding this behavior saves fuel, money, and promotes sustainability.

[OCameron]

Passionate about automotive technology, I've noticed that revving the engine in neutral (N) can cause subtle damage. High RPM idling puts pressure on valves and piston rings, especially in turbocharged models where excessive turbo heat may impact long-term durability. Short-term use for diagnostics like checking engine sound is harmless, but making it a habit accelerates internal wear despite ECU protections. Always avoid sudden shifts to drive (D) to minimize transmission shock and potential damage. Monitoring parameters is key—safety first.