Low RPM Driving = stress on the engine

**Dr.Kamiya** · December 24th, 2024 08:32 AM

**oj88** · December 24th, 2024 11:09 AM

For starters, using the right motor oil (API-SP) is a must to reduce LSPI occurrence on GDI engines.

Though, not totally eliminated, this is less of a problem with an automatic transmission. A/T will shift to a lower gear to get the engine back to its useful power range.

On M/T, if you don't know when to downshift, you might be operating the engine at a lower RPM at high loads. Taxi drivers often do this and you can always hear the pinging in their engines as it struggles at the wrong gear.

**Dr.Kamiya** · December 24th, 2024 05:07 PM

That's the thing though, diba ACEA A3/B3/C1 have markedly worse LSPI protection than API SP.
IIRC they are being phased out in favor of A7/B7/C6 with more stringent requirements for LSPI, chain wear, and deposit/soot cleaning.
Hopefully in a year or two's time we will have new oils that are truly better than the old API SP for all applications.

Anyways I'm going to send the video to people I know that seem believe their cars will be irreparably damaged if the engine touches 3000rpm.

**dr. d** · December 24th, 2024 05:25 PM

2015 altis 1.6 cvt.
my typical driving rpm is 1000-1300, city and highway.

if i have to increase rpms, i will have to drive aggressively.
but it's such a smooth car to drive... pang-lolo... why do i want to drive aggressively?

**Dr.Kamiya** · December 24th, 2024 06:15 PM

If it's CVT then there should be no problem. The transmission knows how much torque is being asked of the engine and will increase the revs if necessary.
This is mostly about manuals and people who lug the engine. Like that Taxi driver going 40kmh in 5th tapos paakyat pa.

**oj88** · December 25th, 2024 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by dr. d

2015 altis 1.6 cvt.
my typical driving rpm is 1000-1300, city and highway.

if i have to increase rpms, i will have to drive aggressively.
but it's such a smooth car to drive... pang-lolo... why do i want to drive aggressively?

1ZR-FE?

If it is, this engine is port-injected so it's less likely to be susceptible to LSPI.

GDI and especially turbo GDI engines however, are.

**dr. d** · December 25th, 2024 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by oj88

1ZR-FE?

If it is, this engine is port-injected so it's less likely to be susceptible to LSPI.

GDI and especially turbo GDI engines however, are.

thank heavens for that!
i like leisurely driving.

**HarperBeth** · March 1st, 2025 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by dr. d

2015 altis 1.6 cvt.
my typical driving rpm is 1000-1300, city and highway.

if i have to increase rpms, i will have to drive aggressively.
but it's such a smooth car to drive... pang-lolo... why do i want to drive aggressively?

Your Altis is built for smooth, effortless driving—no need to push it aggressively. Just enjoy the ride! A good pair of driving gloves can make it even more comfortable, especially on long drives.