What are the disadvantages of revving the engine in neutral?
2 Answers
Short-term revving in neutral has little to no impact on the car and does not harm the vehicle. However, prolonged revving in neutral subjects many engine components to significant inertial forces, which can reduce the engine's lifespan and increase fuel consumption. Below is relevant information about revving in neutral: 1. Mechanical Principle: Mechanically speaking, when revving in neutral, although the gear is in neutral, the engine's power drives the transmission input shaft through the clutch, keeping it in a working (rotating) state. In this scenario, pressing the accelerator affects components like the input shaft, intermediate shaft, and constant-mesh gears, which adjust with engine speed changes, while the output shaft and synchronizers remain stationary. Prolonged revving in neutral or long-distance coasting in neutral can harm the transmission, leading to issues such as input shaft bearing wear, synchronizer gear and synchronizer wear, burning, and transmission noise. 2. Spontaneous Combustion Principle: Prolonged revving in neutral can result in severe incomplete combustion. If this unburned fuel-air mixture ignites outside the cylinder, it may cause vehicle spontaneous combustion. Additionally, incomplete combustion increases carbon deposits, potentially clogging the catalytic converter and causing abnormal high temperatures, which could lead to wiring ignition and serious consequences.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many drivers enjoy revving the engine aggressively when parked—a truly bad habit. Suddenly flooring the throttle while the engine idles subjects pistons and cylinders to severe impact, accelerating wear dramatically. Over time, the fuel pump may clog, causing unstable fuel delivery. Fuel waste is even more glaring—just a few revs can burn through half a day's worth of gasoline while generating excessive exhaust pollution. A neighbor's engine once failed prematurely due to chronic revving, costing thousands in repairs, with the catalytic converter also damaged, significantly shortening overall lifespan. Safety-wise, aggressive revving in parking lots risks startling pedestrians or causing misjudgments. Cultivating disciplined driving—gently pressing the accelerator only when needed—helps vehicles last longer.