What is the appropriate RPM for starting a car?
2 Answers
Normally, when starting a car, the RPM should be around 800 to 1000, which is relatively reasonable and results in the lowest fuel consumption. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Generally, the engine RPM can reach 1200-1500 at the moment of starting. In cold seasons, the RPM may be even higher because the vehicle could stall if the RPM is too low. A slightly higher RPM helps warm up the engine faster. However, during a cold start, the RPM should not be too high either, as the lubricant cannot reach the upper part of the engine quickly. To minimize wear, it's best to keep the RPM below 2000. Once the engine stabilizes, the RPM will drop to around 800. Therefore, it's normal for the starting RPM to be slightly higher. For most household cars, the starting RPM is around 1000-1500, though this may vary by model. Many manufacturers intentionally set a higher starting RPM to ensure sufficient power after shifting gears. 2. Many drivers focus primarily on speed, especially with the increasing popularity of automatic transmissions, where gear shifts are controlled by the engine. Apart from monitoring fuel consumption and speed, it might seem unnecessary to worry about RPM. However, RPM is a crucial indicator of the engine's operating condition. If the RPM is too low, fuel may not burn completely in the cylinders, leading to carbon buildup in the engine, which can cause significant damage over time. Conversely, if the RPM is too high, it can also result in increased engine wear.
I usually drive an automatic transmission car, and find it most comfortable to keep the starting RPM around 1,500. Below 1,200 RPM, the car shakes violently, almost like it's about to stall; exceeding 2,000 RPM consumes too much fuel and the tires tend to spin or lose traction. Special attention is needed during cold starts – in winter, I typically let the engine idle for half a minute to allow the oil to lubricate before gently starting off. When facing slopes or carrying more passengers, it's necessary to increase the RPM to around 1,800 for sufficient power, but prolonged high-RPM starts should be avoided as they particularly damage the clutch plates and transmission. After developing the habit of gently pressing the accelerator, fuel consumption noticeably decreases, and the engine sound becomes much smoother.
