Is Revving the Engine in Neutral Harmful to the Car?

[PrestonLee]

Revving the engine in neutral is harmful to the car. Prolonged revving significantly increases oil consumption because high temperatures can cause the oil to vaporize and enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning. Insufficient oil levels prevent the engine from being properly lubricated, creating a vicious cycle that damages the engine. The car throttle, also known as the 'air valve' or 'throttle valve,' is a control device that regulates engine power (thrust). In piston-type aircraft engines, the throttle controls the carburetor's throttle opening to regulate the cylinder's filling volume, thereby determining the engine's output power. The reasons for a heavy car throttle include: 1. Failure of the power assist component; 2. Obstruction or increased friction in the transmission part; 3. A dirty throttle causing insufficient air intake.

[MacSimon]

As a seasoned car enthusiast, I've seen too many people revving the engine in neutral for thrills, unaware it harms the engine. When running at high speeds while idling, oil pressure becomes unstable, and lubricant temperature spikes, thinning the oil and drastically reducing lubrication effectiveness. This leads to excessive wear on piston rings and cylinder walls. Over time, piston sealing deteriorates, fuel consumption soars, and carbon buildup becomes more likely. Worse, excessive exhaust system temperatures can damage the catalytic converter—costly to repair. For warming up the engine, idling for a minute or two after startup is sufficient; avoid unnecessary throttle blips. Regular maintenance, like checking engine oil and spark plugs, prevents minor issues from escalating. In short, occasional revving isn't catastrophic, but frequent abuse will damage your car—proceed with caution.

[Murphy]

I've been driving for over twenty years and used to enjoy revving the engine in neutral just to hear the sound, but later realized the serious consequences. Without load, high engine RPMs waste fuel, burning through gas unnecessarily. Uneven heating of spark plugs leads to carbon buildup, causing inconsistent ignition and a rough driving experience. I've also heard that prolonged high temperatures can accelerate catalytic converter aging, and replacing one costs several thousand. When parked and waiting, I recommend turning off the engine or maintaining low idle speed instead of pressing the accelerator. Long-term wear reduces engine performance, and frequent trips to the repair shop hurt the wallet. Protecting your car is like taking care of yourself—it saves hassle and effort in the long run.

[AlexaAnn]

I think revving the engine in place is quite wasteful and bad for the environment. When the engine idles, combustion is incomplete, emitting more exhaust gases and exacerbating air pollution. The burned gasoline is purely wasted, and money in the fuel tank flies away for nothing. Cars are designed to move; keeping them stationary at high revs serves no practical purpose. Occasionally revving has minimal impact, but making it a habit is a bad practice that increases carbon emissions and noise. It also leads to more frequent checks of the emission system during maintenance, costing time and money. I always remind myself that saving fuel and reducing carbon is the right way to go, and to avoid unnecessary strain on the engine.