Question: How do you rev the engine while driving?
Answer: To rev the engine while driving in a manual transmission, simply press and hold the clutch, then step on the gas.
Revving your car while driving an automatic is a bit more complicated, but still possible. Here’s how you do it:
- Gently press the brake.
- Shift into neutral.
- With your car in neutral, press on the gas. You should hear the engine rev and see the needles on the RPM gauge move.
- Once the needle on the gauge starts falling, press the brake and shift back into drive.
These steps essentially allow you to use the brake like a clutch, but it will take slightly longer than if you were driving a stick shift.
Note:You shouldn’t rev your engine while driving. Doing so distracts your attention from the task at hand, which could lead to everything from tickets to car accidents.
Why you really shouldn’t rev a car’s engine
Revving your car while driving is distracting, which means it’s dangerous. However, revving your car, even when it’s parked, can also damage your engine, and it may even be illegal.
Engine Damage
Revving your engine unnecessarily can cause significant wear and tear on engine components. High RPMs increase stress on moving parts like pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft, and over time, this stress can cause these components to fail prematurely.
The excessive heat generated by high revving can also lead to overheating issues, which can cause further damage to the engine. Consistent high revving adds to these risks, making it a habit best avoided to ensure your engine’s longevity.
Wasted Fuel
When you rev your engine the fuel injectors send more fuel into the engine to produce the additional power required for higher RPMs. This increased fuel consumption can significantly reduce your car’s fuel efficiency, leading to more frequent trips to the gas station and higher fuel costs.
Legal Issues
In some areas, revving your engine excessively is considered a public nuisance and is illegal. Local noise ordinances and traffic laws may prohibit unnecessary revving, particularly in residential areas or late at night. Violating these laws can result in fines or other penalties, adding a legal risk to the already existing mechanical and financial risks.
Environmental Impact
Unnecessary engine revving contributes to increased air pollution.
When you rev your engine, your car emits more exhaust fumes, which contain harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants contribute to air quality issues and have adverse effects on public health and the environment.
Alternatives to Revving
If you enjoy the sound of a powerful engine, consider safer alternatives that won’t damage your car or waste fuel. For example, you could:
- Upgrade your exhaust system: A performance exhaust system can enhance the sound of your car without needing to rev the engine excessively.
- Attend car shows or events: Many car enthusiasts gather at events where you can enjoy the sound and performance of high-powered engines in a controlled environment.
- Use a simulator: There are various driving simulators and video games that offer realistic engine sounds and driving experiences without any risk to your actual vehicle.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
