5 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT OVER-REVVING THE ENGINE
There is a difference between revving and over-revving the engine.
Revving the engine within the normal parameters, predicted by the manufacturer is not bad. On the contrary, an occasional revving up is desirable since bogging the engine down is equally harmful.
On the other hand, over-revving the engine is bad and can seriously damage it, especially if it’s done on a regular basis. It causes stress to the engine and significantly reduces its life span.
Damages that may occur may even mean a partial or complete engine overhaul.
So best stay within the normal values specified by the manufacturer and avoid over-revving as much as possible.
DOES REVVING YOUR ENGINE DAMAGE IT?
- When it’s done during a cold start and during low temperatures (more on this topic in a separate article which you can read by clicking here).
- Revving the engine for a prolonged period of time while the car is parked. Among else, this may cause overheating, especially during the summer.
DOES REVVING THE ENGINE CHARGE THE BATTERY?
Yes, it does. Although the alternator charges the battery immediately after starting the car, revving up the engine will produce a higher amperage output.
This means a faster charge which is especially convenient if your battery is completely depleted.
For instance, you’ve accidentally left your lights on or some other electric appliance. If you’ve managed to jump-start the car, a few good engine revvings should revive the battery to the point that you can start the engine again. This is under the circumstance that the battery is in good condition.
Just make sure to keep the revs within the allowed limit. Don’t think that over-revving the engine will charge the battery any faster.
DOES REVVING THE ENGINE HELP JUMP-START A CAR?
Yes, it does but sometimes it’s not necessary. This again depends on the circumstances.
If the car that’s supposed to be jump-started has a completely dead car battery, then it’s best, once the jumper cables are connected, to start the engine and rev it up.
As told in the previous part of the article, higher revs mean higher amperage and easier jump-starting.
Again, over-revving the engine will not lead to easier jump-starting. The revs should be kept within the normal limits.
If you want to read more on how to jump-start the car, click here for a separate article or watch our YouTube video.
HIGH REVVING OF A DIESEL ENGINE
More experienced drivers will know that diesel engines are not a big fan of revving.
Unlike gas (petrol) engines where the rev limit starts as far as 7000 RPMs, on most diesel engines the red mark starts usually at 5000 RPMs.
In a nutshell, this is due to the engine construction and at what point is the main power output achieved.
Cars with gasoline engines reach their peak at higher revs while the diesel engine gives its best at lower revs.
Gasoline cars are more inclined to higher revs although this has changed to some extent thanks to newer technologies in the diesel realm.
New fuel injection technologies, turbo’s, intercoolers, and else have made the diesel engine a serious and formidable powerhouse.
Nevertheless, over-revving a diesel engine is still not recommended nor needed. In most diesel engines, the main power output is at 3000 to 4000 RPMs, and exceeding that may only cause problems.
If you get tempted, remember that today’s diesel engines are a technology marvel but a complicated one at that. Over revving the engine for a prolonged period of time may cause serious and expensive repairs.
For more information about the differences between a gasoline and diesel engine, click here for a separate article on that topic.
CONCLUSION
When sitting behind the wheel, always remember that the rev counter isn’t there for nothing.
The main reason why it was invented is to protect the engine while getting the most from it.
Revving the engine normally will not damage it and is considered normal exploitation. On the other hand, constantly over-revving the engine will send it to the scrapyard before it’s time.
If you don’t have a rev counter, listen to the engine. This goes double for stick-shift drivers. Don’t let the engine roar and scream until you engage a higher gear.
There will be situations where you’ll have to do some serious revving, but let’s be honest these are pretty rare. Added to that, most engines have a certain level of tolerance so an occasional over-revving should not be a problem.
Constant over-revving is meant for cars that have specially made and tuned engines that can withstand that kind of treatment.
For the common driver, the best thing to do is keep the revs well before the red limit.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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Does revving the engine help jump start another car
## Does Revving the Engine Help Jump Start Another Car?
Jump-starting a car is a common automotive procedure that involves using a donor car’s battery to provide power to a depleted battery in another vehicle. Typically, the jump-starting process involves connecting jumper cables between the two vehicles and then starting the donor car. While the donor car is running, it charges the depleted battery in the other vehicle, allowing it to start. Some individuals believe that revving the donor car’s engine can help jump-start the other car more effectively. However, this practice is not recommended and can potentially cause damage to the vehicles involved.
Why Revving the Engine Doesn’t Help
The main reason why revving the engine does not help jump-start another car is that it provides no additional benefit to the charging process. When the donor car is started, its alternator begins generating electricity, which flows through the jumper cables and into the depleted battery. This charging current is what restores power to the depleted battery, not the speed of the donor car’s engine. In fact, revving the engine can actually hinder the charging process by causing voltage spikes that can damage the electrical components of both vehicles.
Potential Risks of Revving the Engine
Revving the engine during a jump-start can pose several risks, including:
* **Damage to the donor car’s alternator:** Revving the engine places increased load on the alternator, which can cause it to overheat and fail.
* **Damage to the depleted battery:** Voltage spikes caused by revving the engine can damage the cells in the depleted battery, reducing its capacity and lifespan.
* **Electrical damage to both vehicles:** The high voltage generated by revving the engine can damage electrical components in both the donor car and the vehicle being jump-started. This can include sensors, modules, and even the vehicle’s computer system.
Best Practices for Jump-Starting a Car
To safely and effectively jump-start a car, it is important to follow these best practices:
1. **Use appropriate jumper cables:** Ensure that the jumper cables are rated for the amperage of the vehicles involved.
2. **Connect the cables correctly:** Connect the red positive (+) cable from the donor car to the positive terminal of the depleted battery. Then, connect the black negative (-) cable from the donor car to a grounding point on the vehicle being jump-started, such as the frame or engine block.
3. **Start the donor car:** Start the donor car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow its alternator to charge the depleted battery.
4. **Try to start the depleted car:** After a few minutes, try to start the vehicle with the depleted battery. If it starts, remove the jumper cables immediately.
5. **Recharge the depleted battery:** Once the vehicle is running, drive it for at least 30 minutes to fully recharge the depleted battery.
Revving the engine does not help jump-start another car. In fact, it can actually pose risks of damage to both vehicles. By following the best practices outlined above, you can safely and effectively jump-start a car with a depleted battery.
Does revving your engine help when jumping a car
When your car battery dies, jump-starting it can be a quick and easy way to get back on the road. However, there is some debate about whether or not revving your engine while the other vehicle is providing power helps to jump-start your car. Some people believe that it helps to send more power to the starter motor, while others believe that it can actually damage your engine.
### How Does Jump-Starting Work?
Before we can discuss whether or not revving your engine helps when jump-starting a car, we need to understand how jump-starting works. When you jump-start a car, you are essentially connecting the dead battery to a live battery from another vehicle. This allows the live battery to provide power to the starter motor, which then cranks the engine and starts the car.
### Does Revving Your Engine Help?
The short answer is: no, revving your engine does not help when jump-starting a car. In fact, it can actually do more harm than good.
When you rev your engine, you are increasing the speed at which the alternator spins. This can cause the alternator to produce more power, but it also puts more stress on the alternator and the engine. If the alternator is not able to handle the increased stress, it can overheat and fail.
In addition, revving your engine can also cause the starter motor to overheat and fail. The starter motor is designed to draw a certain amount of power from the battery. When you rev your engine, you are sending more power to the starter motor than it can handle. This can cause the starter motor to overheat and fail.
### What Should You Do Instead?
If you need to jump-start your car, the best thing to do is to simply connect the jumper cables to the dead battery and the live battery. Once the cables are connected, start the other vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. This will give the dead battery time to charge up.
Once the dead battery has charged up, you can try starting your car. If your car does not start, wait a few more minutes and try again. Do not rev your engine while you are trying to start your car.
Revving your engine does not help when jump-starting a car. In fact, it can actually do more harm than good. The best thing to do is to simply connect the jumper cables to the dead battery and the live battery and let the other vehicle run for a few minutes. This will give the dead battery time to charge up and you should be able to start your car.
https://nodsauto.com/does-revving-the-engine-help-jump-start-another-car/
https://nodsauto.com/does-revving-your-engine-help-when-jumping-a-car/
