Rev limiter

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A Rev limiter is a device fitted to a petrol internal combustion engine to restrict its maximum rotational speed. This is usually carried out to prevent damage to the engine, however sometimes these devices are fitted to prevent an engine reaching the point at which it develops maximum power. This may be useful in a driving school car or similar, or utilised in systems preventing Valet parking operatives from joy-riding in high performance vehicles placed in their charge. When fitted to racing or highly tuned street cars these devices can be used in conjunction with a shift light, which illuminates near to the maximum allowable RPM indicating to the driver that a gear change is required. This means the driver can keep his eye on the road and not have to glance repeatedly at the tachometer to monitor the engine speed.