How to Rev a Car: Here’s How You Can Do it

Even if you aren’t an expert with cars, you certainly understand what revving a car means. Revving your car’s engine and hearing its mechanical heart roar to life gives you an immensely exciting feeling. Beyond just giving the exciting feel, there are times when revving your car’s engine is a good idea. But before that, you must know how to rev a car! 

Whether you’re attempting to show off or warm up your car, you might want to learn how to rev a car. The process differs whether you are driving an automatic or manual car. Whether you want to rev your car while driving or when it’s parked, we’ve covered it. Keep reading to know the details. 

What does rev a car means?  

Ideally, revving means suddenly increasing your car engine’s RPM by pressing the accelerator when the car is in the park or neutral mode. Drivers do engine revving to display loud exhaust systems. Drag racers may also rev their engines just before the race begins to go forward as rapidly as possible. 

Why rev the engine of a car?

When you rev the engine, you increase its speed without utilizing it to move the car forward. Additionally, it makes the engine sound louder. The sound gets louder, and the RPMs increase as you apply greater force to the gas pedal. Also, revving helps an engine circulate the oil.  

Drag cars use revving since higher RPMs are necessary for proper oil circulation and faster starting speeds due to a higher starting power. The battery will benefit if it requires charging. You can rev the engine after receiving a jumpstart to help increase the battery charge. Also, you can rev the engine up when it’s cold outside to raise the temperature and generate additional heat.  

The tachometer needle rises as the car’s engine is revved. However, it is not just cars that can rev the engine. You can also do this while driving a motorcycle.  

How to rev a car 

via GIPHY

It’s time to know about the how now as you know the when and why of an engine revving. 

• Start the car: You should turn on the engine so that it is running before you rev it up. 
• Give the oil time to circulate: Once the engine runs, allow the car to idle for 20-30 seconds. All of the engine’s moving parts receive oil circulation during this time. Since the engine will move a lot when revving, lubricating its components will help prevent damage. 
• Press the accelerator: Shift the gear stick to neutral as you press the accelerator. As you apply more force to the pedal, the tachometer’s needle will begin to move, reaching higher readings. Ensure that the RPM dial’s needle does not touch the redline. Be cautious and steady when shifting from neutral to drive while revving. 
• Release accelerator: The engine will return to its idle RPM when you release the accelerator.  

How to rev an automatic car  

• Start the car: You must start before you may rev the engine. Then have the engine running. Give the engine some time to circulate some oil as well. Wait 20-30 seconds to idle the car or until the engine is warm before increasing the revs. Oil will flow through the engine and lubricate its various parts.  
• Press the accelerator: The gear shifter should be neutral while you press the accelerator. As the sound gets louder, the engine speed should gradually increase. You should see the tachometer rising as you press down on the pedal harder. Keep an eye on that line; it shouldn’t cross the red line. Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal once you rev the engine.  

How can you start a car with a bad starter? Here’s the info!

How to rev a manual car 

• Push the clutch: Pushing the clutch in with your manual transmission car is the first step in revving the engine. The engine separates from the drivetrain when you do this. Press the accelerator pedal with the clutch pushed in. The engine will rev even without increasing the car’s speed.  
• Put the car in neutral: To rev the engine, you can also shift the manual transmission into neutral. Put the stick shift on your car in neutral. You can use the accelerator to rev the engine while it is neutral. Release the pedal when finished, then shift the car back into gear. 

How to rev a car in park mode 

Start the car and ensure that the gear shifter is in park mode. Allow the oil to circulate and lubricate the engine’s essential parts for 20-30 seconds. Press the accelerator and slowly and steadily increase pressure once the engine has been idling smoothly. Always ensure that the tachometer needle stays below the redline.  

How to rev a car in neutral mode 

Once the car is running and the engine parts are sufficiently lubricated, shift the gear to ‘neutral’ or ‘N.’ It will prevent the soon-to-be-very-active engine from producing torque and turning the wheels. Gradually press the gas pedal till your tachometer shows the desired RPM. Don’t go over the redline; ensure to shift out of neutral when you’re done. 

How can you rev your car’s engine while driving?  

For automatic cars, you can do it by applying the brake and switching to neutral while driving. Then gradually press the accelerator pedal and watch for the tachometer needle. It shouldn’t go beyond the redline.  

In manual cars, you must focus on synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for a seamless shift into the desired gear. To do it,  you must press the clutch pedal and step on the gas pedal. 

Is it okay to rev a car? 

via GIPHY

Occasionally doing it isn’t bad while considering its benefits, such as increasing lubricant circulation and warming the interior. However, ensure that the tachometer needle never touches the redline. It is harmful to a car when you rev.  

How bad is it when you hit or cross the rev limit? 

When you increase your engine speed, the tachometer will show a red line if you are overboard. Doing so can damage your engine when you reach the RPM limiter since you are over the permitted number of revolutions. 

Should you rev the engine when jumpstarting a car?  

When your car’s battery is fully dead, revving the engine can accelerate the alternator’s rotation. So it can speed up the battery’s recovery to full strength. 

Is it illegal to rev your car? 

There isn’t a rule in the country against revving your car’s engine like there is for peeling off or doing donuts, which can result in a ticket for ‘an exhibition of speed’ or ‘reckless endangerment.’ However, if other drivers complain about your constant revving, the police may pull you over for disturbing the peace. You want to avoid that certainly! 

Is gas wasted when revving the engine?  

Yes, of course! But it’s not the only reason to think twice before developing the habit of doing it and wasting fuel. When not necessary, pressing the gas pedal burns valuable gas and produces emissions that are bad for the environment. Additionally, it causes unnecessary engine wear and tear. It will be the last thing you want to avoid if you’re planning to keep your car for some time.   

The bottom line  

Rev your car’s engine is one of the most exciting things to do, especially if you have an affinity for auto sports. It has benefits, like increasing the engine’s oil lubrication and jumpstarting. But doing it also wastes much of the car’s fuel and even causes environmental pollution. So, do it when it is necessary!