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Why does your car lose RPM when driving?

Your car's RPM (revolutions per minute) is a measure of how fast its engine is rotating. When you're driving, your car's engine needs to work harder to maintain a certain speed, especially when going uphill or into a strong headwind. This can cause your RPM to drop slightly. Here are a few reasons why your car may be losing RPM while driving:

1. Engine load: When you press on the gas pedal, you are increasing the load on the engine. This can cause the RPM to drop slightly as the engine works harder to meet the increased demand for power.

2. Aerodynamic drag: As you drive faster, the aerodynamic drag on your car increases. This can also cause the RPM to drop slightly as the engine works harder to overcome the resistance of the air.

3. Rolling resistance: The friction between your car's tires and the road also creates resistance, which can cause the RPM to drop slightly as the engine works harder to overcome it.

4. Transmission: If your car has an automatic transmission, it may shift gears to a higher gear when it senses that the engine is working too hard. This can cause the RPM to drop suddenly as the engine switches to a lower gear.

5. Faulty engine components: If certain engine components, such as the spark plugs, fuel injectors, or air filter are malfunctioning or worn out, they can also cause the RPM to drop as the engine struggles to maintain its efficiency.

It is important to note that a slight drop in RPM while driving is usually normal. However, if the RPM drops significantly or if the car starts to stall, it is important to have it checked by a qualified mechanic to identify and fix the underlying problem.