* Loss of Steering and Braking: With the engine off, you lose power steering and power brakes. This makes it extremely difficult to steer and stop the car, especially in traffic or on a hill.
* Risk of Rollback: On an incline, your car will likely roll backwards, potentially causing an accident.
* Damage to Transmission: Putting the car in drive with a dead engine can put stress on the transmission, potentially damaging it.
* Inability to Restart: Trying to start the car while it's in drive can damage the starter motor.
What You Should Do:
1. Shift to Neutral: Immediately shift the car into neutral. This will prevent it from rolling if you're on a slope.
2. Apply the Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake to keep the car from rolling.
3. Try to Restart: Attempt to start the engine. If it doesn't start, you'll need to troubleshoot the problem.
4. Call for Assistance: If you can't restart the engine, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck.
In Summary: It's crucial to understand the risks associated with putting your car in drive with a dead engine. Shifting to neutral and applying the parking brake are the safest options in such situations.
