Whether you want to warm up or simply show off your vehicle, you might be wondering how to rev a car. The instructions will differ if you have automatic or manual vehicle. So, how do you rev a car?
In an automatic vehicle, you want to shift into Neutral first before pressing the gas pedal. If you have a manual vehicle, you will push the clutch in while you rev the RPMs. You will know you are revving the engine when the needle on the tachometer goes up.
I write about the purpose of revving the engine, and this guide has instructions on how to do this with an automatic vehicle or a manual vehicle.
Why Rev a Car Engine?
When you rev the car engine, you are increasing the speed of the motor without actually propelling forward. This also increases the noise from the engine. The more you press down on the pedal, the higher the RPMs get and the engine noise will get increased as well.
When you rev a car engine, you are also increasing the circulation of oil throughout the motor. Drag racing cars will sometimes use this practice because oil will come to the correct level to the engine at a higher RPM, or because it helps the motor overcome inertia and engine friction when starting from a standstill.
It benefits the battery if a charge is needed too. After a jump start, you are able to rev the engine to help restore battery charge.
When it is cold, you can rev the engine to increase the engine temperatures and produce more heat. This is a normal procedure to warm up the car in cold conditions.
As you rev the car engine, you notice the tachometer needle rise. But you are able to rev not only a car. You can rev a motorcycle too.
How to Rev an Automatic Car?
#1. Start the Car.
Before revving the car, you must start the car. Get the engine running first. You should give the engine some time to circulate some oil.
It is best to sit idling for at least twenty to thirty seconds or wait for the engine to get warm for high revs. This will circulate oil through the engine, lubricating the various components.
#2. Push on the Gas Pedal.
With the gear shifter in Neutral, you will gently push down on the accelerator. The engine speed will increase gently and you will hear the car engine noise increase.
You should see the tachometer moving higher, the harder you push down the more it will move higher. The line you are keeping an eye on in the tach is not to go to the red line at the top.
Once you are done revving, you simply take your foot off the gas pedal and the RPMs should return.
How to Rev an Engine in Park
#1. Start the Car.
The steps for revving the engine (in Park) are not very different than when the vehicle is in Neutral. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
You want to let the oil circulate around the engine before revving it. Instead of simply putting the vehicle in Neutral and/or the clutch down, leave the gear lever in Park. You should also engage the e-brake, just to be sure that your car does not roll on you when you rev the engine.
#2. Push the Accelerator.
Push down on the accelerator and watch the RPMs increases. Do be sure to watch the tachometer extra carefully to monitor if the needle goes past the redline.
You can continue to push down on the accelerator or let go and press down again, depending on your needs. When finished, let go of the accelerator, remove the e-brake and put the gear lever into the appropriate spot to be able to drive.
How to Rev a Manual Car?
#1. Push the Clutch.
The first method of revving the engine of a manual transmission vehicle is to push the clutch. This disengages the engine from the drivetrain.
After the clutch is push, you can then step on the accelerator pedal to rev the engine. This will allow the engine to rev without the car speed increasing.
#2. Shift to Neutral.
Another way to rev the engine is to put the manual transmission into neutral. Make sure to put the stick shift in the neutral position.
Once it is in neutral, you can step on the accelerator pedal to rev the engine. Once done revving, release the pedal and put the car back in gear.
Is Revving Your Car Engine Bad?
Occasional revving of the engine isn’t bad, and it can be a good way to charge the battery or heat up the engine.
But, you should also be careful about how you rev the engine, as you don’t want the tachometer near the red-line. Ignoring this can cause detrimental shifts in the load the engine is placed under, eventually damaging the engine. Follow our instructions on how to rev the engine properly.
What Is The Correct Way To Rev A Car?
Revving a car is easy to do, but there are a few ways to be careful. First, you want the engine at or near running temperature, since revving the engine when cold can damage it. Second, make sure the transmission is in Neutral or Park.
If you have a manual transmission you just shift out of gear instead. If you’re still unsure, you can engage the parking brake for safety as well.
Lastly, just give the engine the throttle, taking care to watch the revs climb. Just ensure you aren’t pushing the needle up into the rev counter’s red-line.
Should I rev a car in neutral or park?
There is no difference between revving the car in Park or Neutral, as the transmission will be disengaged in both gears, and therefore, will not transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
This is exactly what you want when revving the engine while standing still – there is no extra load placed on the drivetrain.
The only distinction between both park and Neutral, is that Park engages a mechanism within the transmission which locks the vehicle in place to prevent movement.
Is revving a car safe?
Yes. Revving is completely safe. Provided you follow some simple steps, including also warming up the engine, and shifting the transmission into gear.
For an automatic, Park is perfect, and for manual cars pulling the parking brake will do the same thing.
Once all precautions are taken, rev the engine by applying the throttle. The only other thing to worry about is not getting into the red area of the rev counter.
How do you rev a car without damaging it?
If you want to rev your car without damaging it, you must meet a few conditions. First, you shouldn’t do this until the engine has warmed up, otherwise, mechanical wear is greater when cold.
Next, shift the transmission out of gear so you are not putting added strain on the parts of the drivetrain. Finally, make sure that the engine does not push its rpm needle into the red while pressing the throttle.
Revving the car prompts the engine to accelerate without the vehicle moving forward.
There are a few reasons to do this. First, when the engine speed is higher, the oil and coolant will circulate better, which may be needed in certain situations.
Second, when the engine is revved, the alternator will produce more electricity than at lower engine speeds which will help to charge the battery.
Lastly, you can simply want to rev your car to impress people at the traffic lights. Regardless of the reason for revving, the steps are the same – warm up the engine, shift out of gear, and press the throttle.