What is the reasonable range for idle speed?
2 Answers
The reasonable range for idle speed is: for an engine in good working condition, the idle speed is generally between 550 to 800 revolutions per minute. The idle speed of a car refers to a working condition. When the engine is running without any load, it is called idling, which means the car is in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is referred to as the idle speed. The idle speed can be adjusted by modifying the throttle opening size, among other methods. When the engine is running, if the accelerator pedal is completely released, the engine is in an idle state. When adjusting the idle speed, the RPM should not suddenly increase or decrease, as this can cause premature wear to the engine. It is recommended to have the idle speed adjusted at an automotive repair facility.
As a regular car owner who has driven for many years, I've learned that the reasonable idle speed range is typically between 600 to 1000 RPM, with gasoline cars usually idling around 800 RPM. Too low might cause engine shaking or stalling - for example, 650 RPM during cold starts is still considered normal. If it exceeds 1100 RPM, it wastes fuel and could indicate issues like intake leaks or sensor failures. When I recently experienced unstable idling, I checked the spark plugs myself and found that cleaning the carbon deposits fixed the problem. Regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements helps maintain steady idling and prevents frequent fluctuations that could affect engine lifespan. Slightly higher idle speeds in cold winter temperatures are part of the system's protective mechanism - don't rush to fix it as it will normalize after warming up.
