Is It Normal for the Car to Shake When Revving in Neutral?

[McAmir]

Revving the engine in neutral and experiencing shaking is not normal, and the reason is: there is an issue with the engine. The working principle of the throttle is: when the accelerator pedal is pressed, it directly controls the throttle valve, which opens wider, allowing more air to enter the engine. At this point, the ECU commands the fuel injection system to inject more fuel, causing the engine speed to increase and the vehicle to accelerate. Precautions when pressing the accelerator include: 1. Press and release the accelerator pedal gently, ensuring smooth and gradual movements; 2. Releasing the clutch must be closely coordinated with pressing the accelerator, with quick and precise actions; 3. Select an appropriate gear to ensure the engine operates mostly at medium RPM and with a larger throttle opening to save fuel; 4. Before the vehicle comes to a stop or shuts off, the accelerator pedal should be released first, and avoid suddenly revving the engine in neutral.

[DiJason]

As a seasoned vehicle repair technician, I often encounter similar issues. It's actually quite normal for the car body to shake slightly when revving the engine in neutral. The reason is that engine vibrations increase with higher RPM, especially noticeable in older cars or high-displacement vehicles—just like how we can feel the engine moving when sitting inside. However, if the shaking is excessive, such as the entire steering wheel vibrating or unusual noises occurring, then something might be wrong. Possible causes include worn-out engine mount rubber, reducing vibration absorption, or ignition system failures leading to uneven cylinder pressure due to misfiring spark plugs. Prolonged operation under these conditions can accelerate part wear, such as mount fractures or engine instability. I recommend that owners first stay calm and inspect the engine mounts for cracks if possible. If equipped, check the ignition coils and spark plugs. If the issue is severe, don’t hesitate—take the car to a repair shop for a comprehensive diagnosis. Safety comes first.

[DeMila]

Over the years of driving, I've tried revving the engine in neutral a few times, and the car body shook so much it gave me a start. I remember the first time I thought the car was broken and panicked, only to later learn that slight shaking is normal—the engine's vibrations naturally amplify at high RPMs. But if the shaking gets too violent, like it's dancing, that's when you need to pay attention. This is often due to worn-out rubber engine mounts or ignition issues, like a misfiring cylinder causing uneven output. Once, I ignored it, and the shaking got so bad that the next day the engine started making strange noises, costing me unnecessary repair money. I suggest you avoid picking up this bad habit—reduce such operations, and regularly maintain and check the mounts and spark plugs to stay trouble-free. If severe shaking occurs, stop and inspect or get it fixed immediately to prevent bigger problems.

[DelHope]

I experienced some shaking when revving the engine in neutral while driving, and initially thought it was a bad sign. However, after a friend explained it to me, I felt much more at ease. A slight shake is normal—the engine is spinning faster, so the vibration feels a bit stronger. But if the shaking is too severe, then something might be wrong, possibly a broken mount or an ignition issue. It's recommended to stop the operation first, check if the rubber mounts are damaged, and if everything seems fine, proceed to inspect the spark plugs. Don't worry too much; it's a common minor issue that can be resolved with timely attention.

[VanSkylar]

I've always been concerned about car safety, and excessive body shaking when revving the engine in neutral should never be ignored. I once experienced severe shaking that nearly affected my driving control, which was likely caused by broken engine mount rubber or ignition system defects. Under normal circumstances, there should only be slight vibrations, but severe shaking can endanger driving, such as causing steering instability or sudden malfunctions. Stop using the vehicle immediately and perform a simple self-check for cracks or looseness in the mounts. If any issues are found, send the car for repairs right away. Don't rev the engine in neutral for momentary pleasure—it also wears out the engine and is not worth the cost. Safety first; take decisive action at the first sign of abnormality to protect both yourself and your car.