What happens if you turn off the engine directly in D gear?
3 Answers
Turning off an automatic transmission car in D gear will not cause any damage to the vehicle. Some vehicles frequently turn off in D gear, such as cars equipped with automatic start-stop technology. Reasons for stalling in automatic transmission cars: Fuel quality issues: Using low-quality fuel can lead to excessive carbon buildup in the engine, causing stalling; Mechanical issues: Problems with the engine or transmission; Technical issues: Stalling in new cars is often caused by inexperienced driving. Precautions: Avoid using low-quality fuel. Instead, use high-grade fuel from reputable, large gas stations. For example, using 97-octane gasoline can ensure a longer lifespan and better performance for the car; Improve driving skills: The main solution for beginners is to enhance driving skills after a quick break-in period; Clean the fuel system: Thoroughly clean the entire fuel system, including the fuel injectors, throttle body, and fuel tank.
As a seasoned driver with twenty years of experience in automatic transmissions, I can tell you that stalling in D gear is no joke. When the car is still moving and suddenly stalls, the connection between the engine and transmission breaks abruptly. This can cause the car to jerk forward slightly, especially on slopes, which is downright dangerous. Accidentally rolling downhill and hitting something is minor compared to the potential harm to people or costly damage to the car. The transmission oil pump stops instantly, leaving gears without lubrication and accelerating wear. Repeatedly doing this will wear out parts prematurely, leading to expensive repairs. The correct approach is to firmly press the brake, come to a complete stop, shift to P gear, and then turn off the engine—simple and hassle-free once you get used to it. When I first started driving, I didn’t know better and once did this on a supermarket ramp; the car rolled half a meter before stopping, giving me a cold sweat. Now, I share this experience to help others avoid the same mistake.
I'm someone who really enjoys studying cars, and stalling in D gear might seem like a minor issue, but it actually harms the vehicle. When the transmission is in D gear, it relies on hydraulic power transmission. The sudden loss of power during stalling causes gear collisions or jamming—similar to how slamming on the brakes at high speed is bad for the engine. Over time, this leads to rough shifting and increased fuel consumption. I once tried it on a small slope in my garage—the car slid slightly after stalling, but luckily, it didn’t hit the wall. It’s even riskier on slippery roads or in crowded areas. That’s why I recommend forming the habit of always shifting to P gear before stalling. Maintaining an automatic transmission comes down to these small details—don’t save that one second, or you’ll end up spending more on repairs and losing peace of mind.
