Is it serious to stall and park in D gear?
3 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, it is generally not possible to stall while in D gear during driving. If the car stalls once in a while with the gear still in D, it will not have any impact on the car, except that the key cannot be removed when not stalling in P gear. Simply switch to P gear after powering on again. The correct stalling operation is as follows: 1. Stall in P gear. Only by stalling in P gear can the key be removed. If stalling in D gear, you need to shift to P gear before starting the engine to avoid damaging the transmission. 2. Do not shift to D gear after stalling. Gear shifting should only be done after the car has come to a complete stop. 3. Shift to N gear only after the car has fully stopped, and the same applies to R gear. This will prevent damage to the transmission.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've noticed many people asking whether it's okay to stall and park in D gear. This is absolutely a critical issue. When you park in D gear, the transmission isn't truly locked, and the wheels can still roll freely. Especially on slopes or when the brake isn't fully engaged, the car might slide away. If it hits a pedestrian or another vehicle, that's a serious safety hazard. I once experienced this firsthand when I parked in a hurry, forgot to shift to P gear before stalling and getting out, and the car started rolling downhill. It was only thanks to a passerby's warning that an accident was avoided. Now, every time I park, I make sure to firmly press the brake, shift to P gear to lock the wheels, and then stall and engage the handbrake. This habit not only protects the transmission from excessive wear but also saves you from costly repairs. In short, don't skip this step for convenience—safety should always come first.
I'm the kind of person who loves tinkering with cars. Parking and shutting off the engine in D gear might seem harmless, but mechanically speaking, it's quite serious. Because when an automatic transmission is in D gear, the internal gears and torque converter are still under load and not locked. Keeping it like this for extended periods can cause component fatigue or damage. Once, my car had trouble starting because the P gear wasn't fully engaged, and upon inspection, I found some loose parts. The correct parking sequence is to press the brake, shift into P gear, and then turn off the engine—this ensures the transmission's locking system works effectively. I often watch tutorials online and know that frequently parking in D gear can also affect ECU sensors, triggering warning lights. It's all about developing good habits; a car's longevity depends on the details.
