Is 600 RPM Idle Speed Normal?
2 Answers
An idle speed of 600 RPM is normal for a car. Here is some information about engine idle speed: Engine Idle: Engine idle is one of the operating conditions of a car engine, so idle performance has a significant impact on emissions, fuel consumption, and comfort. The engine speed during idle is called idle speed, which should not be too high or too low. If it is too high, fuel consumption will increase; if it is too low, the engine idle speed will become unstable. Idle Speed: The idle speed of a car can vary between cold and warm engine conditions. Generally, for an engine in good working condition when warm, the idle speed is typically between 550-800 RPM.
I've been driving for years and found that an idle speed of 600 RPM depends on the specific situation. Most cars normally idle between 700 to 900 RPM, so below 600 seems a bit low. If the engine stabilizes at this speed after warming up, without shaking or stalling, it might not be a big issue—especially common in older models or manual transmission vehicles. However, if the RPM is high during cold starts but drops below 600 after warming up, accompanied by engine shaking or flickering lights, you should be cautious. Possible causes include carbon buildup clogging the throttle, worn spark plugs, or a faulty mass airflow sensor, all of which can lead to unstable RPM, increased fuel consumption, or even engine damage. For regular maintenance, it's advisable to periodically check spark plugs and filters. If issues arise, visit a repair shop early for a computer diagnosis to prevent minor problems from escalating. After all, safety comes first—abnormalities while driving are reminders not to delay maintenance.
