Does stalling in D gear damage an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
Stalling in D gear does not damage an automatic transmission car. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission car is: 1. Apply the brake to slow down until the car comes to a complete stop; 2. After stopping, shift into N (Neutral) gear; 3. Engage the parking brake; 4. Release the foot brake and ensure the vehicle is stationary; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift into P (Park) gear; 6. Turn off the engine. An automatic transmission car does not require the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The correct method for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. Turn on the power, then start the engine; 2. After ignition, press the brake, shift into D (Drive) gear, release the parking brake, and gently press the accelerator to start moving; 3. After starting, accelerate appropriately according to road conditions.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have driven various automatic transmission cars. To be honest, occasionally stalling the engine in D gear isn't a big deal, but making it a habit will cause trouble. The transmission is designed to rely on the engine to drive the oil pump for lubrication. Once you stall the engine, the oil pump stops, leaving no protective oil film between the gears, which can easily lead to wear, overheating, or deformation. Once, my neighbor kept doing this, and the transmission got stuck, costing over three thousand to replace parts. Remember to press the brake, shift to P gear, and then stall the engine when parking—this ensures safety during startup and prevents loss of control during sudden braking. Regularly check the condition of your transmission fluid; don't wait until it's broken to regret it.
From a technical perspective, stalling an automatic transmission in Drive (D) gear does pose risks to the vehicle. Once the engine stops, the oil pump ceases operation, leading to insufficient lubrication inside the transmission. This may cause clutch and bearing components to overheat or seize due to oil starvation. Symptoms like loud gear noise or vibrations during restart indicate excessive pressure impact. Maintenance-wise, avoid this operation by developing the habit of shifting to Park (P) first. While occasional occurrences may not cause immediate damage, repeated incidents significantly increase repair costs – transmission replacement is notably expensive. We recommend regular transmission system maintenance, such as changing transmission fluid every two years, to prolong its lifespan.
