What damage does pulling the handbrake in D gear cause?
2 Answers
Pulling the handbrake in D gear can wear out the gears and clutch. Below is an introduction to the D gear in cars: 1. Main purpose: The D gear is the most widely used forward gear in automatic transmission vehicles. Its primary function is to allow the transmission's computer and corresponding mechanical structure to automatically select the appropriate gear in real-time while the vehicle is moving forward, thereby eliminating the need for manual gear shifting. This greatly liberates the driver's hands and feet, enhancing driving convenience, ease, and comfort. The driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and steering wheel, allowing better focus on the road and traffic conditions. 2. Usage method: To shift from P gear to D gear, firmly press the brake pedal, then quickly move the gear lever to D gear in one motion without pausing at R gear or N gear. This helps reduce vibration and shock during gear shifting. When shifting from R gear to D gear, also firmly press the brake pedal, but pause briefly at N gear before moving to D gear to minimize the impact of reverse oil flow inside the transmission. N gear can be directly shifted to D gear, but this also imposes some impact on the transmission. Unless in an emergency, it is advisable to press the brake before shifting.
Hey, as someone who has experienced this awkward moment a few times, I think pulling the handbrake while the car is in D gear directly puts immense pressure on the braking system. If the engine is still running, the vehicle will try to move forward, but the handbrake tightly holds the rear wheels, causing instant increased friction between the brake pads and discs. Over time, this friction generates excessive heat, wearing down key brake components and potentially leading to warped or even melted brake discs. Even worse, the automatic transmission's clutch can get stuck because it's still delivering power while the car can't move. Transmission damage is no small issue—repairs can cost thousands. Once, my neighbor did this, and the handbrake completely failed, nearly causing a rollback accident. To prevent this, I always remember to shift to P gear first to lock the car in place, then engage the handbrake. This simple routine avoids unnecessary damage. Developing this habit can save you a lot of money in the long run.
