What is the appropriate engine starting RPM?
2 Answers
Normal RPM range is around 950-1300 revolutions per minute. Judgment based on actual conditions: Different car models from various brands may have varying starting RPMs due to differences in configurations and functions. Therefore, the specific RPM should be determined according to the actual condition of the vehicle. Different road conditions require different RPMs: When driving on regular roads, maintaining a starting RPM of around 1200 revolutions per minute is generally appropriate. If the vehicle is on an uphill slope or carrying a heavy load, the RPM can be increased according to the actual situation. Additionally, when starting the vehicle in winter, it's advisable to warm up the engine for about one minute while keeping the RPM below 2000 to avoid damaging the engine.
I'm quite particular about this when driving. Keeping the starting RPM between 1,500 and 2,000 feels the most comfortable. When my car was new, I also struggled with this and specifically asked a mechanic. He said modern fuel-injected engines don't need to rev high at startup like old carburetor cars did - below 2,000 RPM is enough to get the car moving. However, during cold winter starts it'll be higher; waiting for the tachometer to drop to 1,000 RPM before moving off gives smoother operation. The most important thing is listening to the engine sound - if you hear a heart-wrenching roar, you're pressing too hard. My 1.5T car engages the turbo around 1,700 RPM with gentle pressure, delivering just the right power while being fuel-efficient. At red lights, I often see people stomping the accelerator to 3,000 RPM for takeoff, with the engine screaming while the car barely moves - it's painful to watch.