Shifting into drive when your pulling out of your driveway.?

Question

When I pull out of my driveway I often just on habit shift my car into drive before it comes to a stop. My brother was riding with me the other day and told me I was going to ruin my car if I continue to do this. I thought it was made so if your going at a high enough speed it will not allow you to shift your car into drive, and what I was doing was fine. This question might sound a little minute, but I would like to know how dangerous it is to shift your car into drive while you still have a little speed going in reverse.

Answer 1

If you are backing at a NORMAL speed and shifting into "D" no problem. I've been doing this for more years than you've been alive with no tranny failures YET.

Answer 2

WHILE MOVING IN REVERSE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE CAN CAUSE YOUR TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP AND DAMAGE THE BANDS AND PORTS

Answer 3

Not good for the transmission

Answer 4

I suppose your car is an auto tranny?

In that case it is very dangerous to your car!

Answer 5

It really depends on whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual (stick-shift) transmission. (If you are not sure, or need more information, click the link below.)

Do you hear a metal-on-metal noise when you do this? If so, you are quite likely harming your transmission by grinding the gears.

Also, this practice causes the car to lurch, which is not good for your shock absorbers - or your passengers.

I would suggest, like your brother, that you overcome this habit. If you don't, you may find yourself growing well acquainted with a mechanic . . . and a chiropractor.

Answer 6

It's not dangerous but it's also not good for your car or transmission.  You are asking the transaxle and internal workings of the transmission to abruptly change direction and while it CAN do it, it places unnecessary loads on these components.

Answer 7

I have never heard of that hurting a car at low speeds. I think that your brother is over paranoid.

Answer 8

It can s***w up your transmission if you keep doing it. It is really hard on it. Stop completely before shifting and you will save yourself alot of money in the long run.