What happens if you turn off the engine directly in D gear?

[DelLuke]

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.

[VanMia]

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.

[Madeline]

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.

[MayaDella]

From a safety perspective, I'm someone who pays special attention to driving habits. Turning off the engine while in D gear poses many hidden dangers. If the car isn't completely stable when parking, the loss of brake assist after engine shutdown can cause the vehicle to move, especially in steep parking areas where rollaway accidents are likely. The sudden drop of transmission oil pressure to zero causes severe internal damage. It's best to always ensure the car is fully stopped and shifted to P gear before turning off the engine - this protects both the vehicle and pedestrian safety. These small actions in daily driving accumulate to prevent major problems.

[DelOwen]

I remember doing this when I first learned to drive. At the supermarket, I stalled the car in D gear, and the loud clunk and vibration scared me to death. The instructor scolded me, saying that an automatic transmission should be turned off in P gear; otherwise, with the gears still engaged in D, cutting power directly could potentially damage internal components. Later, I learned that it's safer and more convenient to shift to N or P gear after coming to a complete stop before turning off the engine. Beginners often make this kind of mistake, but you'll develop the habit over time.

[SanHector]

I usually maintain my friends' cars and understand that turning off the engine in D gear is a minor torture for the transmission. The sudden stop of the oil pump interrupts the supply of lubricating oil, causing the gears to grind dry. Over time, this accelerates wear and leads to sluggish gear shifts and reduced efficiency. It's best to always shift to P gear before turning off the engine to prolong its service life and ensure smooth driving. Automatic transmission cars require meticulous attention to details in maintenance to ensure worry-free driving.