How to Check RPM

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RPM information for an automobile.The effect of RPM on driving, power and acceleration.

Steps

1. 1
   Check the tachometer (next to the speedometer).

   
   
2. 2
   Multiply the raw number by 1000 to get the revolutions per minute for the engine.
3. 3
   Higher revs, while in gear, equals more horsepower and greater torque, so more power to the wheels. In a manual when starting however, too many revs can result in the driver stalling.

   
   

Warnings

• Redlining the engine (going into the red region of the tacho) can potentially damage the engine - this is only possible in a manual, which can deliver more power and acceleration than an automatic due to gear ratios.
• Too many revs to start off with in a manual can result in stalling. There is no worry about revs to start in an automatic except that the driver doesn't want to be so aggressive that they get wheelspin, which can result in less control.
• Revving hard, while in gear, increases acceleration, which increases the force and momentum of the vehicle in motion, so then it requires a greater braking force to stop the car - be careful when you rev hard.
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