Is it good for the engine to press and release the accelerator pedal repeatedly?
4 Answers
Repeatedly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal does not cause any damage to the engine. It is quite common to press the accelerator pedal and then immediately release it to step on the brake during traffic congestion. In fact, the accelerator pedal does not directly control the fuel injection volume of the engine. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the throttle opening increases, allowing more air to enter the engine. The ECU then commands the fuel injection system to inject more fuel, causing the engine speed to rise and the car to accelerate. The throttle is an important component of the engine that controls the amount of air entering the engine. Over time, carbon deposits may form on the throttle, which can affect the normal operation of the engine.
I think the habit of constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal can be harmful to the engine if done excessively. Having driven for over a decade, I've noticed that this habit causes the engine RPM to fluctuate up and down, increasing wear on internal components like pistons and connecting rods—especially when repeatedly doing so during uphill climbs or acceleration. Moreover, each time the accelerator is released, unburned fuel may accumulate, leading to carbon deposits on the spark plugs and combustion chamber, which can degrade engine performance over time and even shorten its lifespan. I once tried this with an older car, and within half a year, I experienced ignition issues, costing a lot in repairs. What’s worse, it can also increase fuel consumption—each press of the accelerator injects more fuel, but releasing it wastes gasoline without generating power, leading to an average of 10-20% higher fuel costs. To minimize these risks, I recommend maintaining steady throttle control, such as using manual mode in heavy traffic to adapt gradually or utilizing cruise control for assistance.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I find that the habit of constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal significantly impacts vehicle economy. It causes the engine to over-inject fuel in short bursts and then suddenly decelerate, which not only wastes fuel but also increases fuel costs. I've calculated my monthly fuel expenses, and this driving style could cost me hundreds more compared to smooth driving. Over time, engine components bear additional stress, making parts like bearings and transmission chains more prone to wear and tear, leading to higher repair costs. Additionally, in stop-and-go city traffic, this driving style causes noticeable jerking inside the car, making passengers uncomfortable, and may result in higher exhaust emissions, which is environmentally unfriendly. I recommend practicing gradual acceleration and deceleration in daily driving—for example, anticipating traffic lights to adjust speed in advance or switching to a new car with an eco-mode feature that automatically optimizes throttle smoothness. While occasional use isn't a major issue, it's best not to make it a habit.
From my experience, frequently stepping on and releasing the throttle can cause irregular engine operation. It disrupts the continuity of the combustion process and increases irregular vibrations in pistons and valves, leading to additional wear. Especially under high vehicle load, repeated acceleration and deceleration can imbalance the entire system, even affecting the stability of suspension components. In the long run, it may shorten engine lifespan or cause failures, such as oil filter clogging due to significant oil pressure fluctuations. Therefore, it's best to avoid doing this frequently and adopt smoother driving habits.
