Will starting the car in D gear cause damage?

[McKeira]

Starting the car in D gear can cause damage. D gear is the forward gear, and many modern automatic transmission vehicles are equipped with automatic detection systems that usually prevent the engine from starting in D gear. Forcibly starting the engine in D gear may harm the vehicle. The engine's power is transmitted through the transmission, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume over 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, more gears usually mean better fuel efficiency. More details are as follows: 1. Automatic transmissions use planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears automatically based on throttle pedal position and vehicle speed changes. The driver only needs to control the speed with the accelerator pedal. 2. Generally, the commonly used automatic transmissions in vehicles include the following types: hydraulic automatic transmissions, hydrostatic automatic transmissions, electric automatic transmissions, stepped mechanical automatic transmissions, and continuously variable mechanical automatic transmissions.

[MacCharles]

Once I accidentally started my automatic transmission car in D gear, which was quite a scare. The car lurched forward instantly, and although it didn't hit anything, it left me shaken. This mainly happens because D gear is the drive gear, and starting the engine directly connects it to the transmission, putting extra load on the drivetrain. Frequent operation like this may damage the transmission clutch and engine components, accelerating wear and tear. However, most modern vehicles have anti-misstart protection, such as electronic systems that may prevent ignition if the gear is inappropriate or only allow starting in neutral. So an occasional mistake is unlikely to cause serious damage, but it poses significant safety risks, especially when starting on a slope, as it may lead to unintended movement. I recommend developing the habit of always confirming the gear is in P or N before starting, applying the handbrake when parked, and immediately turning off the engine and repositioning the gear if it happens. By the way, regular transmission maintenance can also prevent similar issues, ensuring safe and worry-free driving.

[ONathan]

My car is an automatic transmission family car, and sometimes I carelessly forget to shift gears before starting the engine. In reality, when starting in D (Drive) gear, the vehicle may not start due to the safety lock in modern designs. However, if it does start, the most immediate risk is the vehicle lurching forward suddenly, which can easily lead to scratches or collisions. I remember a neighbor who accidentally crashed into their own garage door this way, resulting in significant damage. The internal gears of the transmission can be impacted, affecting their lifespan, but a single incident won’t cause severe immediate damage to the car, as the electronic systems can buffer some of the impact. The key issue is that this behavior is unsafe, especially when driving in urban areas. I always remind my family to check the gear position and handbrake before driving. If any abnormal startup is noticed, stop the car immediately for inspection and, if necessary, visit a repair shop to scan for fault codes. Good driving habits save far more money than post-incident repairs.

[RachelFitz]

Starting the vehicle in D gear is indeed not good, as it can cause impact to the transmission. One accidental occurrence is not a big issue, as modern cars have strong protection mechanisms. However, repeated operations may lead to component wear. I recommend confirming the gear is in P or neutral before starting, and making it a habit. If you accidentally start the car, don't panic—turn off the engine and then proceed correctly. Vehicle safety comes first, especially to avoid problems when parking on slopes.

[VivianAnn]

I remember a while ago when I went on a long-distance trip, my friend accidentally started the car in D gear. After the engine started, the car lurched forward and scraped against a roadside rock. Later, a check revealed some damage to the transmission clutch, costing nearly two thousand yuan to repair. This happened because he often forgot to shift gears. Starting in drive gear puts more load on mechanical components and may prolong the repair cycle. A one-time incident isn’t fatal, but it poses a high safety risk. I’ve developed the habit of checking the dashboard every time I get in the car to confirm the gear. Engaging the handbrake when parking is crucial, as it can cushion against accidents. I recommend that new drivers practice the correct starting procedure repeatedly to avoid distracted driving.