How to rev an automatic car

Is there a way for me to rev the engine in my automatic while I’m driving, or can I only do it while parked? I recently switched from a manual car to an automatic and I don’t know how to rev the engine without totally coming to a stop first. I like revving my engine when I’m driving really fast, so I would love to learn how to do it in my new car.

Answer provided by

Yes, you can rev the engine in your automatic while you’re driving! Here’s how:

1. Press on the brake.
2. Shift into neutral. Your car should continue moving when you do this.
3. With your car in neutral, press on the gas to rev your engine. You should see the needle on the RPM gauge move when you do this.
4. Once the needle on the gauge starts falling again, press the brake so that you can shift back into drive.

Be careful when you do this; you’re essentially using the brake like a clutch, but it will take slightly longer than it would in a manual car. While revving your engine occasionally isn’t bad for your car, you shouldn’t let the RPM gauge reach the red line. Doing so can damage your vehicle.

If you tend to drive fast, you might also want to invest in a good insurance policy for your new car. Jerry can help you find the best rates on policies that keep you and your vehicle protected. Just download the app and answer some quick questions to see a competitive list of quotes customized for you.

Browse More Content

What others are asking

Read advice from car experts at Jerry

Browse by topics

Car Insurance by Make

Car Insurance by State

Whether you are trying to warm up your car or show off, you might want to know how to rev a car. The directions are different whether you are driving a manual or automatic vehicle.

In an automatic vehicle, you want to shift into Neutral before pressing on the accelerator pedal. If you have a manual transmission, you can push the clutch in while you rev the RPMs. As you rev the engine, the needle on the tachometer will rise. 

We discuss the purpose of revving the engine. Our guide also provides guidance on how to do this with an automatic or manual transmission. 

Why Rev a Car Engine?

When you rev the car engine, you accelerate the speed of the motor without using it to propel forward. The process increases the engine sound as well. The harder you press down the gas pedal, the more RPMs increase and the louder the sound becomes. 

When you rev a car engine, it increases the circulation of oil within the motor. Drag cars use the practice because higher RPMs are needed for proper oil circulation and faster starting speeds, because of a higher power to start with. It also benefits the battery if charging is needed. After a jumpstart, you can rev the engine to help boost the battery charge. 

When it is cold outside, you can rev up the engine to increase the temperature and produce more heat. It’s a common practice used to warm up the car in winter conditions. 

As you rev the car engine, you notice the tachometer needle rises. However, it isn’t just cars that can rev the engine. You can also perform this practice with motorcycles. 

1. Start the Vehicle

Before you can rev the car engine, you must start the vehicle. Get the engine running first. 

You should also give the engine time to circulate some oil. It’s best to idle the car for at least twenty to thirty seconds or wait until the engine is warm for higher revs. Oil will circulate through the engine and lubricate the various components. 

2. Push on the Accelerator Pedal

Push down on the accelerator gently with the gear shifter placed in Neutral. The engine speed should increase gradually and the sound will also get louder.

You should see the tachometer moving, getting higher the harder you push down the pedal. You don’t want that line to reach the red line, so pay close attention.

Once you are finished revving the engine, simply release your foot from the accelerator pedal. The RPMs should return to normal.

How to Rev an Engine in Park

1. Start the Car

The directions of revving the engine while it is in Park don’t look much different than when the transmission is in Neutral. Start the engine and allow it to run for a little.

You want the oil to circulate through the engine before you rev it. Instead of putting the vehicle in Neutral, leave the gear shifter in Park. You should also engage the emergency brake, just to be sure the car doesn’t move.

2. Push the Accelerator

Push down on the accelerator and watch the RPMs rise. Remember to keep a close eye on the tachometer to ensure that the needle doesn’t move beyond the red line.

You can continue pressing the accelerator down or release it and press it again, depending on what your needs are. When you are finished, release the accelerator, remove the emergency brake and put the gear shifter into the appropriate spot to get moving. 

How to Rev a Manual Car

1. Push in the Clutch

The first way to rev the engine with your manual transmission vehicle is to push in the clutch. When you do this, the engine disconnects from the drivetrain.

With the clutch pushed in, you can press the accelerator pedal. The engine will rev without the car’s speed increasing.

2. Shift Into Neutral

You can also put the manual transmission into neutral to rev the engine. Put your stick shift in the neutral position.

When it is in neutral, you can press the accelerator pedal to rev the engine. When you are finished, release the pedal and put the car back in gear. 

Is It Bad To Rev Your Car Engine?

It’s not bad to rev the engine occasionally. It’s a great tool to charge the battery or warm up the engine. 

However, you need to be careful how you rev the engine. You don’t want the tachometer to reach the red line or it could create damage to the engine. Follow our directions, showing you how to rev the engine safely.

Was this article helpful?

YesNo

How do I rev my car?

How can I rev my engine without moving it?