Purpose - To provide new observations about dynamic strain ageing in medium carbon microalloyed steels which are used for automotive applications. Design/methodology/approach - The present work aims to provide theoretical and practical information to industries or researchers who maybe interested in the effects of dynamic strain ageing on mechanical properties of microalloyed steel. The sources are sorted into sections: introduction, experimental procedure, results and discussion, conclusion. Findings - Microalloyed medium carbon steel was susceptible to dynamic strain ageing where serrated flow is observed at temperatures between 200 and 350°C. In this temperature regime, ultimate tensile strength and proof stress exhibit maximum values, however, elongation to fracture showed a decrease until 250°C, after which it increased. Above 350°C, a sharp decrease in tensile strength and proof stress were observed. Abrasive wear resistance of the microalloyed medium carbon steel was also increased at temperatures between 200 and 350°C due to dynamic strain ageing. Research limitations/implications - A search of the literature indicated that although there is considerable volume of information related to dynamic strain ageing in mild steel or in low-carbon steel no extensive investigation has been made of dynamic strain ageing in microalloyed steel due to the ease with which nitrogen is combined AlN, VN, NbN, etc. which perhaps increase its implications. Practical implications - A very useful source of information for industries using or planning to produce microalloyed steels. Originality/value - This paper fulfils an identified resource need and offers practical help to the industries. © Emerald Group publishing Limited.