Potential risks to both vehicles and drivers
According to automotive technical experts, when the car has not completely stopped but the driver rushes to switch the gear shift, especially from "Drive" (D) to "Reverse" (R) or vice versa, the automatic transmission will have to undergo a great impact.
The transmission unit, clutch system and transmission shaft will be quickly worn, significantly reducing performance and leading to costly damage.
Mr. Mark Atkinson, chief engineer at the US Automobile Engineering Association (SAE International), commented that this seemingly small action has many serious risks, directly affecting the life of the vehicle as well as safety on the road.
The gearbox is not designed to change the direction of travel while the vehicle is still rolling. This is like forcing an athlete to turn around while sprinting without slowing down immediately, resulting in serious injuries, said Mr. Mark Atkinson.
Not only is this habit harmful to the gearbox, it also poses a risk of losing control of the vehicle. In case the road is slippery or when the vehicle is carrying heavy, changing the gear before stopping can cause the vehicle to slide, slide, or even cause a serious accident.
In addition, the current cost of repairing automatic transmission is not small. According to statistics from Repair pal, a US auto repair repair system, the average cost of replacing automatic transmissions at service workshops ranges from $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle model and the extent of damage.
Note
To avoid unfortunate consequences, experts recommend that drivers comply with the correct operating procedures and always ensure that the vehicle stops before changing gear. At the same time, it is advisable to regularly check and maintain the gearbox periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
Driving requires not only skill but also patience and awareness to protect the vehicle. A correct little habit today can help drivers save thousands of dollars in repair costs and more importantly, keep themselves and others on the road safe.
