What happens when you pull the handbrake while in D gear on an automatic transmission?

[EvelynDella]

In a car, the D gear is the driving gear and should not be used with the handbrake. Forcing the car to stop by pulling the handbrake can reduce the engine's lifespan and potentially cause damage. Below is relevant information about the handbrake: Shortened lifespan of the handbrake cable: The handbrake cable appears as a solid steel cable externally, but inside, it contains nylon material, which plays a crucial role. Continuously pulling the handbrake tightly will gradually cause the nylon material to lose elasticity, ultimately rendering it ineffective. Failure of the handbrake return spring: Frequently using the handbrake at 100% force keeps the return spring under high tension, which over time can cause it to lose its ability to return to position.

[ODaisy]

I usually enjoy studying cars, and using the handbrake while in D gear is a bad habit. If you do this, the engine keeps outputting power to push the car, but the handbrake forcibly locks the wheels, resulting in severe shaking and terrifyingly loud noises. This conflict accelerates wear on the rear brake pads, overheats and even warps the brake discs, and may damage components of the drivetrain. I've seen many cars end up in the repair shop due to this practice, with brake part replacements being a common occurrence. The correct method is simple: first press the foot brake to stop, shift to P or N gear, and then engage the handbrake to avoid concentrating all the pressure. Developing this good habit can extend your car's lifespan.

[AngeloMarie]

As a frequent driver, I must warn you that putting an automatic transmission in D gear while engaging the handbrake is extremely risky. Doing this on a slope or while moving locks the wheels while the engine continues to push, which can easily cause skidding, loss of control, or even fire accidents. The excessive load on the braking system accelerates component wear over time, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. A friend of mine once tried it—the whole car creaked and shook violently, nearly sliding into a ditch. For safety, always follow clear parking procedures: come to a complete stop, shift gears, and then engage the handbrake. Don’t cut corners; this simple habit can prevent 90% of unexpected troubles.

[LaNova]

I did this when my car was new - drove into the garage in D gear, forgot to shift, and pulled the handbrake. The car suddenly shook violently, the engine whined like it was being choked, and I panicked and released it immediately. Later, the mechanic explained that the engine was trying to move the car but was blocked by the brake, causing friction heat that damaged both the brakes and transmission. Simply put, the car should be moving but you forcibly stopped it, creating disharmony that's bad for components. Since then, I've developed the habit of shifting to P gear first before operating the brake when parking. Though it's a small mistake, repairs can be quite expensive - being careful never hurts.