Is Launch Control Harmful to Cars?
2 Answers
Launch control is very harmful to cars. Launch control is an operation built upon the suffering of the engine and transmission. This operation affects every moving component from the engine to the tires, making launch control extremely damaging to the vehicle. Additional Information: Launch Control Limitations: Because launch control is so harmful to cars, vehicles equipped with this feature have a limit on the number of launch control uses. If the number exceeds the limit during the warranty period and causes damage to the transmission or engine, the manufacturer will not cover the repairs. For example, BMW limits it to 7 times, while the Nissan GT-R allows only 3. Cars with Unlimited Launch Control: Currently, only the Porsche 911 supports unlimited launch control. The reason Porsche can make such a bold claim lies in its PDK transmission.
That heavily modified Civic owner I saw at the repair shop last time absolutely stunned me. The guy was doing launch control almost every week, and his transmission needed major repairs within just six months. Let me tell you, launch control essentially forces your car to do two of the most damaging things simultaneously: holding high RPMs while stationary, then suddenly dumping full throttle. Automatic transmissions suffer the most - the torque converter fluid instantly overheats, and clutch wear doubles. DCT gearboxes are even more delicate, with manufacturers explicitly prohibiting launch control. I've seen someone trigger fault codes after just three attempts. If you crave excitement, better head to track days where at least the surface friction is consistent.
