engine idle
[ˈɛndʒɪn ˈaɪdəl]
noun/verb phrase
marcha lenta do motor
1. The state when an engine is running at its lowest speed without load or power being applied to move a vehicle
The car's engine idle was too high, causing it to rev unnecessarily.
A marcha lenta do motor do carro estava muito alta, causando aceleração desnecessária.
2. The minimum speed at which an engine can run and remain stable
You need to adjust the engine idle speed if the vehicle is stalling at traffic lights.
Você precisa ajustar a velocidade de marcha lenta do motor se o veículo está calando nos sinais de trânsito.
3. The RPM (revolutions per minute) at which an engine operates when the accelerator is not engaged
The mechanic checked the engine idle RPM during the vehicle inspection.
O mecânico verificou o RPM de marcha lenta durante a inspeção do veículo.
In Brazil, mechanics and car enthusiasts frequently discuss 'marcha lenta' when troubleshooting engine issues. High idle speed is a common problem in older vehicles and is often associated with air leak issues or carburetor problems. The term is widely used in automotive repair shops across both Brazil and the USA, though more technical discussions may employ 'RPM' (rotações por minuto) as a more precise measurement.
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →