Is it bad to drive with the engine at low revs?

Possibly all drivers put their hands behind the wheel with two objectives: to drive safely as well as efficiently and to ensure that all the components of the car do not suffer and remain in perfect condition for as long as possible.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
26 December 2023 Tuesday 22:12
7 Reads
Is it bad to drive with the engine at low revs?

Possibly all drivers put their hands behind the wheel with two objectives: to drive safely as well as efficiently and to ensure that all the components of the car do not suffer and remain in perfect condition for as long as possible. However, questions often arise about how we can drive efficiently. One of the most common is the question related to the engine, does the engine suffer if driven at low revs? How do I know if I am driving in the correct gears?

One of the most important aspects when it comes to driving efficiently is to put our hands behind the wheel, saving as much fuel as possible to avoid the emission of polluting particles to the outside.

Taking into account this context and the way you drive, you should know that, in general, keeping the engine at low revs is not necessarily harmful. In fact, in slow traffic situations or driving on urban roads it is common for the engine to operate at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) than it would on a national highway or highway. Now, driving at low RPM can cause damage not only to the engine but also to other components of the car, such as, for example, the clutch, which could be damaged sooner than expected or by filling the particle filters.

You should also know that if you drive with the engine with more revolutions per minute than normal, you will increase fuel consumption and the engine will suffer more than necessary. You will recognize this fact immediately by the sound made by the engine. It is a louder sound than normal. Other negative aspects of driving with higher RPM than normal are the increase in engine temperature and the increase in the emission of polluting particles.

At this point a question arises: How should you drive so that the engine does not suffer? Well, most of the vehicles in the vehicle fleet are already designed to function efficiently in different driving conditions. From a highway to traffic jams in the center of a city. However, as with any aspect of car maintenance, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and perform regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance of both the engine and the rest of the components. The key is to understand the specific road conditions and vehicle needs, seeking the right balance between efficiency and long-term performance.