Does keeping the automatic parking in D gear damage the car?
3 Answers
Keeping the automatic parking in D gear can damage the car. When the automatic parking is engaged in D gear, the engine remains in an idle state. If this condition persists for an extended period, the temperature of the transmission will continuously rise, which can easily cause the transmission fluid to deteriorate, accelerate transmission wear, and reduce its service life. More details are as follows: Usage of automatic parking: Automatic parking relies on the intelligent braking system and can only be used in vehicles equipped with brake control systems such as ESP. Automatic braking function: The automatic parking function can be understood as an automatic braking feature, which is very convenient to use. Once activated, simply pressing the brake pedal will engage the parking brake, preventing the vehicle from rolling. In this state, there is no need to change the gear, enhancing parking safety.
As a seasoned driver who has been driving automatic transmission cars for a long time, I often habitually keep the gear in D when waiting at traffic lights. While this is fine for short periods, if the stop lasts more than half a minute or longer, the torque converter in the transmission will keep running, causing increased fluid pressure, which can lead to overheating and component wear. Especially in urban traffic congestion, repeatedly stopping like this accelerates wear and tear on transmission parts, potentially requiring major repairs like seal replacements within a few years. A friend of mine had to spend a fortune on repairs because his car developed abnormal transmission noises from always parking in D. Now, I've developed a good habit of shifting to N or P when stopped, which makes the car more durable and reduces unexpected failures. Staying in D for extended periods not only harms the car but also slightly increases fuel consumption, as the engine must maintain torque output to counteract the braking system—over time, this adds up to more fuel burned. In short, an occasional second or two is fine, but developing the habit of shifting gears is beneficial for your car, helping it last longer.
As an experienced car modifier for many years, I can confirm that keeping the automatic parking in D gear does create unnecessary mechanical stress. The torque converter fluid continuously circulates and heats up in D gear. During prolonged stops like long red lights or traffic jams, insufficient cooling may accelerate component aging. I've experienced slight engine vibrations and sudden fuel consumption spikes after waiting too long at highway toll booths. While this habit won't immediately damage your car, accumulated stress increases maintenance frequency - oil seals and gaskets become prone to leakage. My advice: shift to N gear for stops exceeding 30 seconds, combined with handbrake for safety. Modern vehicles with Autohold function automatically engage neutral, making driving more effortless. Developing this habit results in quieter operation, better fuel efficiency, extended vehicle lifespan, and peace of mind while driving.
