Does stepping on the accelerator in N gear affect the car?

[LeJosiah]

Stepping on the accelerator in N gear does affect the car, with specific impacts as follows: 1. Revving the engine in N gear subjects the moving parts of the engine to significant inertial forces, affecting its reliability and lifespan; 2. When the engine is revved, the rapid increase in RPM may cause the lubrication of friction pairs to lag, easily leading to cylinder scuffing or bearing seizure. When the car is in N gear, the engine does not output power. Revving the accelerator in this state causes the engine RPM to rise sharply, forcing moving parts like pistons and connecting rods to accelerate abruptly. This generates substantial alternating loads, exceeding the normal operational stress on components such as pistons, piston pins, connecting rods, connecting rod bolts, and the crankshaft.

[OEvan]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I think it's really not good to step on the gas pedal while in Neutral (N) gear. The engine isn't connected to the wheels at this time, just spinning freely, and while the RPM can rise very high, it's purely a waste of fuel and adds unnecessary strain on the machine. Doing this long-term can accelerate internal engine wear—components like pistons and cylinders are more prone to issues, especially in cold weather or high temperatures, which may lead to insufficient lubrication and temperature spikes. I've personally tried it a few times by mistake at red lights, not only did my fuel tank drain faster, but my mechanic also warned that high-RPM freewheeling can shorten a car's lifespan. Modern cars generally have protective mechanisms to prevent immediate damage, but developing good habits is more important—I recommend only accelerating in Drive (D) gear or while driving to avoid unnecessary idling, saving money and preserving your car. Overall, an occasional slip-up won't hurt, but don't make it a regular practice.

[McCourtney]

We young folks love to show off some tricks while driving, but revving the engine in neutral gear really has no benefits. Think about it—with the transmission in neutral, the engine just spins freely, revving up high while the car stays put, purely wasting fuel and increasing unnecessary emissions. Last time I accidentally did it in the garage, my fuel consumption shot up instantly, and my heart ached. Although modern cars are pretty smart and can prevent overheating, doing this frequently can lead to excessive wear on engine components, like the crankshaft or spark plugs. In daily driving, an occasional accidental rev isn’t a big deal, but making it a bad habit will increase maintenance costs in the long run. My advice? Be patient and shift directly into Drive (D) when starting—it’s safer and more economical. Cultivate good driving habits to keep your beloved car running longer and smoother.

[SilasMarie]

As someone knowledgeable about cars, revving the engine in Neutral (N) gear has minimal but existing impacts. The engine idles without load, accelerates quickly but consumes more fuel, and increases internal wear on components like bearings and piston rings. Prolonged use can lead to carbon buildup, reducing efficiency. It's recommended to avoid this and drive normally in Drive (D) gear to protect the machinery. Occasional mistakes are harmless, but maintaining good habits is advised.

[MacHarley]

I always pay attention to fuel efficiency when driving. Revving the engine in neutral is simply throwing money away. The engine runs at high RPMs but the car doesn't move, wasting all that fuel while putting extra stress on the engine and accelerating component wear. I once tried this in a parking lot - the fuel gauge dropped noticeably within minutes, and I could hear the engine making unusual noises. While modern cars have protective designs, it's not worth the risk. Developing the habit of accelerating only after engaging gear can both save fuel costs and extend vehicle lifespan. In short, avoid this operation and maintain energy-efficient driving habits.