General Driving Question

[Golf-Sam]

Hi Guys !
Im a new driver and I drive a VW golf MK3 1997 1.8L CL 5D .. when i drive i like revving up to about 5000 RPMs on second gear .. am I harming my car ?? I'd like to know if it damages the Engine , Gear box or the clutch .. I don't do that when my car is cold or not warmed up ..

any input will be appreciated !!

[ryana89]

Hi Guys !
.. I don't do that when my car is cold or not warmed up ..

Then you've eliminated one of the major risks (running an engine hard whilst its still cool will cause damage over time)
Keep in mind an engine takes about 10 minutes (give or take a few) before it fully reaches operating temperature.

Even though VW's are built pretty dam well and can handle a bit of a flogging, your inevitably going to wear parts out faster driving it harder.
A 'healthy' engine is usually one that has been driving in various amounts through the entire rev range, as keeping an engine constant at a certain RPM can cause problems with glazing. That being said you don't need make it hit 6000 rpm every time you drive it.
Don't quote me on which parts though cause Im a MK2 owner.

The harder you drive it the more chance of
A. Drawing police attention
B. Using more fuel
C. Crashing or loosing your licence (your only on your P's?) and
D. Wearing specific parts out faster.

Concentrate on being sensible and keeping your car and license, save those 'foot to the floor' moments for when your going onto the highway

PS* Im only 17 with a rather nippy little MK2 GTI, I drive it like a granny for the reason of keeping my license, car and life.

[Ben J]

i rarely use my thrid gear, but then again the vr hits 60 at like 3500 rpm in second :S

as long as your not bouncing it off the redline and holding it up there for too long i dont think it should cuase too much damage, may wear things out faster and probably isn't doing a whole lot of good for it either, but if it was going to make your car explode they wouldnt have given you all those revs to play with

[TazzyVR6]

I loved how I could upshift at really low RPM in the VR6, like around or under 3000RPM. In the GTI I find I hold it until perhaps 4000RPM but if I'm driving in the city I'll shift lower, and accelerate much slower. There's no need to floor it between lights, just wastes fuel and you don't get anywhere faster... Low end torque is your friend

[Golf-Sam]

Thanks guys ! I'll try not to rev it up too high .. thanks for the advice fellas !!