Near redline at WOT - highway merge

[Blooey]

Driving in Normal mode - '23 Badlands - had to really floor it getting onto the highway as the guy coming up on my left decided to not let me in at the last moment. RPMs went up to about 6000 for a few seconds. I sometimes hit 4,500 or so in less urgent situations but generally don't overdo it. Should I be concerned about any damage/excess wear or is the occasional near-redline to be expected?

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[JAD67428]

Nah I wouldn’t worry about it, I’m sure the manufacture test beyond that. Redlines at 6500 hundred.

 

[BravoAlpha]

Driving in Normal mode - '23 Badlands - had to really floor it getting onto the highway as the guy coming up on my left decided to not let me in at the last moment. RPMs went up to about 6000 for a few seconds. I sometimes hit 4,500 or so in less urgent situations but generally don't overdo it. Should I be concerned about any damage/excess wear or is the occasional near-redline to be expected?

hope you smoked him

The system has monitors and limits to protect itself. It simply won’t allow you to exceed preset parameters.

 

[Mark S.]

Regarding damage, @BravoAlpha is correct. The powertrain control module (PCM--computer that controls the engine) constantly monitors environmental factors and engine sensor data. When you make a maximum power demand (put the accelerator pedal on the floor) the PCM delivers the maximum power available under the conditions. Unless it is malfunctioning it will not allow power output to exceed safe limits.

Regarding excess wear, higher power output equals greater engine wear. Your engine was designed to accommodate brief maximum power output on occasion--for exactly the situation you describe--but prolonged, frequent high power demand will add significantly to engine wear and decrease longevity. TANSTAAFL.

 

[MoFoCo]

What you did is called the "Italian tune up". High revs "blow the carbon out". Recommended by 4 out of 5 uncles.

 

[Tigger]

In the Chicago area, we call this driving. Punch it Judy …. I mean Blooey!

 

[sajohnson]

Regarding damage, @BravoAlpha is correct. The powertrain control module (PCM--computer that controls the engine) constantly monitors environmental factors and engine sensor data. When you make a maximum power demand (put the accelerator pedal on the floor) the PCM delivers the maximum power available under the conditions. Unless it is malfunctioning it will not allow power output to exceed safe limits.

Regarding excess wear, higher power output equals greater engine wear. Your engine was designed to accommodate brief maximum power output on occasion--for exactly the situation you describe--but prolonged, frequent high power demand will add significantly to engine wear and decrease longevity. TANSTAAFL.

I completely agree, but thought I'd add some anecdotal evidence...

When I was commuting daily, I frequently drove my cars like I stole them. Maximum acceleration, shifts just shy of redline (hit the rev limiter a couple times when I was not paying close enough attention). A lot of high rpm operation.

The '93 Nissan NX2000 has 250,000 miles, the 2002 WRX has >200,000 -- 100,000 at Cobb Stage 2.

Both still run fine.

That said, I'm sure they would both run even longer if they had been driven more gently -- but in my experience, other stuff begins to fail long before the engine goes. In fact, I've never had to replace an engine in almost 50 years of lead-foot driving.

My sense is that there is a LOT of safety cushion built in.

 

[jkeaton]

You just voided your warranty.

 

[Barry S.]

Driving in Normal mode - '23 Badlands - had to really floor it getting onto the highway as the guy coming up on my left decided to not let me in at the last moment. RPMs went up to about 6000 for a few seconds. I sometimes hit 4,500 or so in less urgent situations but generally don't overdo it. Should I be concerned about any damage/excess wear or is the occasional near-redline to be expected?

That's because you live in New Jersey. Here in North Carolina, other drivers actually slow down and wave you in.

 

[Tigger]

That's because you live in New Jersey. Here in North Carolina, other drivers actually slow down and wave you in.

This reminds me of the first time I drove in Boston. I turned on my blinker to merge and my brother said, “don't use your blinker in Boston; it shows a sign of weakness”

 

[Barry S.]

This reminds me of the first time I drove in Boston. I turned on my blinker to merge and my brother said, “don't use your blinker in Boston; it shows a sign of weakness”

It's actually a law in North Carolina that, if someone signals a lane change, you slow down and let them in.

 

[sajohnson]

It's actually a law in North Carolina that, if someone signals a lane change, you slow down and let them in.

My wife and I have driven all over the country and it is amazing how the norms vary.

We do our best to avoid urban areas -- specially during rush hour. Rural areas are generally fine.
.

 

[Hot Rod Mike]

thar she blows.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

It's actually a law in North Carolina that, if someone signals a lane change, you slow down and let them in.

In Chicago, it means speed up and close the hole. That gives them more space behind you. Maybe.

 

[Rogerthat898]

It's actually a law in North Carolina that, if someone signals a lane change, you slow down and let them in.

I'd like to see this law.
This would cause a horrible traffic flow issues.

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