What is RPM? What is its importance in the car?

By, 2018-10-10

Whether it is old or modern, there are so many indicators and meters in the car. Including the speedometer, mileage, fuel consumption indicator, car engine indicator and many other symbols and indicators known to many drivers as well as those unknown to most drivers such as: RPM meter. So, what is RPM and what is its importance? Does it exist in all car types?

What is RPM?

The RPM or Revolution Per Minute is a meter that is allocated to measure thenumber of turns in one minute. It is a unit of rotational speed or the frequency of rotation around a fixed axis.

Because of the difference in engine speeds from one car to another, an RPM meter has been set where each number in the meter indicates 1,000 rpm. This means that if the meter points to No. 4, for example, your car engine rotates at 4000 RPM.

Although RPM is important in cars, many drivers do not care much about it and do not know its is importance in the car. But it is really very important especially to know the condition of the gearbox in the car.

What is the importance of the RPM in the car?

The RPM importance differs depending on the type of the transmission in the car if it is an automatic transmission or manual transmission. For automatic cars, RPM is almost not so important. As the car computer calculates the number of engine cycles "number of turns" and gives orders to the engine of the car, when the engine reaches the appropriate number of turns, the computer sends an order to the transmission to move to the higher speed or lower one.

For cars that use manual transmission, it is of great importance:

RPM measures the number of engine cycles and then indicates the appropriate time to move between speeds either by moving to a higher speed or less speed.

RPM, when properly used, keeps the gearbox and the engine protected from overheating and damage.

Helps to maintain smooth and easy transition from one speed to another.

smooth transition Protects the car from vibration or engine stop.

RPM gives an idea of the performance of the engine in the car, helping to maintain the engine and prolong its lifespan.

RPM is made up of numbers 0 to 8, and in most cars you find that at 6 there is a red color called the red zone. If you exceed that area, you are endangering the engine.

Further reading: Could You Fill Tires with Water Instead of Air?

How does RPM help in maintaining fuel consumption?

With RPM, you can see if the transmission gearbox and the engine work efficiently. The lower the engine cycle rate per minute, the less fuel consumption of the engine.

To maintain good fuel consumption, keep your RPM between 1500 and 2000 rpm when driving at a constant speed. This will help you save fuel.