Why does RPM spike when you turn?

Question

I parked my car yesterday and was straightening the tires when I saw my RPM go up from about 700 to 1000. Why does it do this?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

To tack on what other people are saying, the reason engine speed increases under load vs the engine management just maintaining that speed is because when that load is taken on at that rpm, it manifests itself in increased vibration. Raising the speed spreads the load out over more power strokes. This is more common the smaller the engine and less number of cylinders.