Is it normal for a car to run at 3000 RPM at 120 mph?
2 Answers
Normal. On the highway, the car's inertia is greater, and over time, there is some wear inside the engine and transmission, which causes the RPM to increase. This is the same for other vehicle models as well. Older cars tend to have higher RPMs compared to new cars, but the difference should not be too significant. If the difference is too large, it may indicate abnormal conditions such as severe friction plate wear or other faults. A difference of around 200 RPM is considered normal. Here is some additional information: RPM varies because each car has a different gear ratio, leading to different engine RPMs at the same speed. At 120 km/h, some cars may run at 3000 RPM, while others may run at 2500 RPM, both of which are normal. Generally, for manual transmission cars with an engine displacement below 2.0 liters (excluding trucks and vans), the engine RPM at 120 km/h is around 3000, with a maximum not exceeding 3200 RPM.
I often drive at 120 kilometers per hour on the highway, and it's quite common for the RPM to be around 3000, especially with manual transmissions or older cars. If you're in a higher gear like fifth, and the engine output is smooth, then it's fine. Take my old Japanese car for example—at 120 km/h, the RPM is about 3000, and it runs steadily without any unusual noises. However, newer cars might be designed to be more fuel-efficient, so the RPM could be lower. It's best to check your owner's manual for the specified RPM range or ask other owners of the same model. If the RPM suddenly changes or there are strange noises, you might need to visit a repair shop to check for clutch wear or transmission issues.
