Drivers in Catalonia who keep their engines at very low revolutions per minute, or RPMs, may be using more fuel than they expect. Motoring experts say the habit can also reduce vehicle responsiveness and speed up engine wear.
The issue is often linked to driving in high gears at low RPMs, a practice that became more common with diesel cars and quieter cabins. According to a report in Diari de Girona, some drivers assume this style saves fuel, but it can have the opposite effect.
When an engine runs at very low RPMs, it has to work harder to keep the car moving. That can mean the injection system sends more fuel to the cylinders, while combustion becomes less efficient. The result is higher fuel consumption.
Low RPM driving can also make the engine respond more slowly. Drivers may then need to change down gears more often or accelerate harder to recover speed, which can use even more fuel. In diesel vehicles, low RPMs can also interfere with particulate filter regeneration, which may lead to blockages.
Experts also warn that the practice can cause premature engine wear and carbon build-up in cylinders and valves. That can affect performance over time and make the car less responsive on the road.
The report says most vehicles work best in an optimal RPM range of about 1,500 to 2,500 RPM. Drivers should adjust their gear choice to the road, speed and terrain, and change down if the engine sounds strained. If the engine sounds forced at higher RPMs, moving up a gear may be the better option.
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