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What happens if you turn your car off in drive?

It is generally not recommended to turn off your car while it is in drive. Here are some of the potential consequences:

1. Loss of Power: When you turn off the engine, you cut off the power supply to various electrical components in your car, including the power steering, power brakes, and transmission. This can make it difficult or impossible to steer, brake, or control the vehicle effectively.

2. Steering Problems: As mentioned earlier, turning off the engine while in drive can cause a loss of power steering. This means you will need significantly more effort to turn the steering wheel, making it difficult to maneuver or control the direction of the vehicle.

3. Transmission Damage: Shifting into drive while the car is off puts unnecessary strain on the transmission components, such as the gears and transmission fluid. This can lead to damage or malfunctions within the transmission system.

4. Loss of Brake Assist: Modern cars often have brake assist systems that help increase braking power when needed. When the engine is off, these systems may not function, reducing the effectiveness of your brakes and making it harder to stop the vehicle quickly.

5. Electrical Malfunctions: Turning off the engine while driving can disrupt the electrical systems of your car. This could cause various malfunctions, including problems with lights, indicators, gauges, and other electronic components.

6. Potential Accidents: All of the above-mentioned issues can increase the risk of an accident if you turn your car off while in drive. Losing control of the vehicle, reduced braking power, and electrical problems can all contribute to hazardous situations on the road.

To avoid these potential problems, it is best to put your car in park (P) before turning off the engine. This ensures that the transmission is properly engaged and that the power steering and other systems remain functional when you restart the vehicle.