- What Is Rev Matching?
- How Is Rev Matching Done Practically?
- Is Rev Matching Necessary for the Average Driver?
- Technological Advances: Automatic Rev Matching in Modern Cars
If you are a fan of cars with manual transmissions, you have probably heard of the technique called "rev matching." It is a skill used especially by professional drivers, particularly in racing, to improve vehicle performance when shifting gears, especially when downshifting. But what exactly is rev matching? And is it really necessary for the average driver?
What Is Rev Matching?
When driving a manual transmission car, changing gears requires pressing the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission, moving the gear lever to select the desired gear, and then releasing the clutch to reconnect the engine to the transmission. When downshifting to a lower gear, the engine must spin faster than before due to the gear ratio change. If the engine speed is not properly adjusted before re-engaging the clutch, the car will jerk or "lurch," which can cause loss of balance or skidding, especially in sharp turns.
This is where rev matching comes in. It involves increasing the engine speed (by "blipping" the throttle) while the clutch is pressed and the gear is shifted to a lower gear, so that the engine speed matches the new transmission speed when the clutch is re-engaged, making the gear change smoother and free of jerks.
How Is Rev Matching Done Practically?
When you press the clutch pedal, the clutch disc disengages from the engine, allowing you to change gears. When downshifting, the engine speed needs to increase. So, during the gear change, the driver "blips" the throttle to temporarily raise engine speed, then gradually releases the clutch so the engine and transmission speeds match, preventing shocks or jerks.
This skill requires good coordination between both feet: the left foot on the clutch pedal and the right foot controlling the throttle and sometimes the brake, especially in sporty or track driving.
Is Rev Matching Necessary for the Average Driver?
In everyday driving on normal roads, rev matching is not essential. The jerks caused by not matching engine speed are usually minor and do not significantly affect safety or passenger comfort. Most drivers can change gears without noticeable problems without needing rev matching skills.
However, in sporty driving or on race tracks, where every fraction of a second counts, rev matching becomes essential to maintain vehicle balance and prevent loss of control during downshifts in corners.
Technological Advances: Automatic Rev Matching in Modern Cars
Fortunately, with technological progress, many manual transmission cars now come equipped with automatic rev matching systems. These systems automatically increase engine speed when downshifting, making driving smoother and easier without requiring special skills.
Nissan was among the first to introduce this technology in 2009 with the 370Z model, followed by many other manufacturers. Drivers can often disable this feature if they prefer full manual control.
Automatic transmission cars do not require rev matching since they do not use a clutch; instead, they use a torque converter that continuously connects the engine to the transmission, eliminating the rev matching issue. Electric vehicles also do not need multi-speed transmissions and often use a single gear, removing the need for this skill altogether.
Rev matching is an important technique to improve smoothness when shifting gears in manual transmission cars, especially when downshifting. While it may not be necessary for everyday drivers, it is essential for sporty drivers and racing professionals.
With technological advancements, automatic rev matching systems make manual driving more comfortable and safer for regular users while preserving the authentic driving experience for those who want full control.
