What Is an Engine’s Redline?

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redline cut-off tachometer — An engine’s redline is indicated on the tachometer
_{Photo: Schumi4everEdward via CC}

If you’re a Chevy fan, you might be familiar with the brand’s Redline special editions. You might not be familiar with the actual redline that inspired these editions, however.

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Redline explained

Per Car and Driver’s K.C. Colwell, “redline” is a term that refers to the red bars on a vehicle’s tachometer. These hash marks indicate the maximum rotational speed an engine’s motor can achieve without damaging the engine. Automakers run a series of tests on engines to determine each model’s redline, as National Automotive Parts Association blogger Benjamin Hunting reports.

If a vehicle’s speed goes past the redline, the engine will explode, as HowStuffWorks confirms. That’s where we get the verb “redlining,” which means driving at or above a vehicle’s rated maximum rpm.

More about redlining

Chevrolet announced nine new Redline special edition vehicles that will become available later this year — Chevy Redline editions get their name from a vehicle’s maximum rated rpm

For modern cars, redlining is usually a harmful practice that can damage not just the engine but the tires. Contemporary vehicles typically have a fuel cut-off function that stops the engine from spinning at a speed that surpasses the redline, as Hunting reports. This built-in safety feature helps protect the engine.

For older cars, redlining can be a good thing. Vintage vehicles usually don’t have the fuel cut-off function that newer vehicles have. These engines typically use a carburetor instead of a fuel injection system. Per Hunting, it can be helpful to redline these cars’ engines from time to time. This helps clean out carbon and other deposits that accumulate in the engine due to incomplete combustion.

Pay homage to the reality of the redline when you check out these handsome Chevy Redline models. Then learn more about the 2021 Camaro’s Redline Edition and some of its other exciting updates that complement the athleticism of this iconic sports car.

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Whitney Russell

Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.