Should You Rev Your Engine When Jumping Another Car?

Introduction

When jumping another car, it’s important to do it correctly in order to avoid damaging either vehicle. One question that often arises is whether or not you should rev your engine while the other car is trying to start. There is some debate on this topic, but the general consensus is that it is not necessary and could potentially be harmful.

Why Not to Rev Your Engine

When you rev your engine, you are increasing the speed at which the alternator is spinning. This can put a strain on the alternator and other electrical components, and it can also lead to a loss of power. In addition, revving your engine can make it more difficult for the other car to start, as it can cause the voltage to fluctuate.

What to Do Instead

If you want to help the other car start, there are better things to do than rev your engine. One option is to simply turn off your engine and allow the other car to use all of the power from your battery. Another option is to put your car in neutral and give it a little gas, which will help to increase the voltage.

When to Rev Your Engine

There is one situation where it may be helpful to rev your engine when jumping another car. If the other car has a very large engine or if the battery is completely dead, it may be necessary to give it a little extra boost. In this case, you can rev your engine to about 1,500 RPM and then release the gas pedal. This will help to send a surge of power to the other car and may help it to start.

Conclusion

In most cases, it is not necessary and could potentially be harmful to rev your engine when jumping another car. There are better ways to help the other car start, such as turning off your engine or putting your car in neutral and giving it a little gas. If the other car has a very large engine or if the battery is completely dead, you may need to rev your engine to about 1,500 RPM and then release the gas pedal.