Is it bad to turn your car off when its in drive?

The Unexpected Peril of Killing the Engine in Drive: Averting a Potential Disaster

We’ve all been there. Stalled in traffic, creeping along at a snail’s pace, frustration simmering. Maybe the thought has even crossed your mind: “Why not just turn the engine off while I’m inching forward to save gas?” While the intention might be fueled by a desire for efficiency, the consequences of switching off your car while it’s in drive – even at low speeds – can be far more dangerous than you realize.

The simple answer to the question “Is it bad to turn your car off when it’s in drive?” is a resounding YES. Beyond the obvious risk of potentially damaging your car’s components, you’re jeopardizing your safety and the safety of those around you.

Here’s why:

Loss of Control: Modern vehicles rely heavily on power-assisted systems. When the engine is running, these systems – like power steering and power brakes – work seamlessly to make driving easier and safer. Turning the engine off disables these critical aids.

• Power Steering: Imagine trying to steer a car without power steering at even the slightest speed. The wheel becomes incredibly heavy and difficult to turn, requiring significantly more force. This makes maneuvering challenging, especially in emergency situations, and can lead to overcorrection and loss of control.

• Power Brakes: Similarly, power brakes provide significant assistance in stopping the car. Without this assistance, you’ll need to apply much more pressure to the brake pedal to achieve the same stopping power. This reduced braking effectiveness can dramatically increase your stopping distance, potentially leading to a collision.

Beyond the Obvious: Other Hidden Dangers:

While the loss of power steering and brakes are the primary concerns, there are other potential issues to consider:

• Airbag Malfunction: While not always the case, some vehicles rely on the engine being on for the airbag system to function correctly. Turning off the engine could potentially disable this critical safety feature in the event of an accident.

• Locking Steering Wheel: Depending on the vehicle, turning the engine off while moving can engage the steering wheel lock, rendering the car completely uncontrollable. This is more common in older vehicles but remains a potential hazard.

• Transmission Damage: Repeatedly turning the engine on and off while the car is in drive can put unnecessary stress on the transmission.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

Instead of contemplating turning off the engine while moving, focus on safe driving habits. If you’re stuck in extremely slow-moving traffic:

• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Be patient and avoid distractions.
• If traffic comes to a complete standstill, shift the car into park and engage the parking brake.
• Consider turning off the engine only when the car is completely stopped and in park.

The Takeaway:

Turning off your car while it’s in drive, even at low speeds, is a dangerous practice. The loss of power steering and power brakes dramatically reduces your control and increases your risk of an accident. The potential fuel savings are simply not worth the risk. Prioritize safety and avoid this potentially disastrous habit. Your life, and the lives of others on the road, depend on it.