Your car's brakes fail at 40 mph. Can slamming the transmission into Park stop the vehicle?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 4
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No. Putting the vehicle into park engages a small peg into a toothed wheel in the transmission. Attempting this at any speed greater than about 2 mph. will simply result in the peg chattering against the wheel. In the unlikely event the peg actually caught a tooth on the wheel, it would be snapped off instantly.
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When you engage 'park' on an automatic transmission, an extremely strong pin locks the gears of the transmission. If you attempt this at 40mph, this pin should stop the transmission. It will lock it up, and you will probably never be able to shift out of park after that. It will put immense stress on the transmission, drivetrain, tires, etc. Remember also that this will simply lock the transmission and therefore the tires. This will stop the vehicle but it will be skidding on all drive wheels, so it will be hard to control. You are better off trying the emergency brake, gearing down, and rubbing the vehicle against a curb or similiar. If it comes down to having to slam it in park, my only advice is to hang on - tight.
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The answer by Darryl61 is correct. It will make a horrible noise but will not slow the vehicle. I have done this on accident with a floor shifting automatic. If you loose your brakes try using the emergency brake since it is mechanical and not hydraulic. Tada!
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I have no experience with auto-transmission gearbox / car. Usually, I have seen people (real good drivers) shifting down the gears rapidly and slow down the car. Ofcourse, it may put excess wear on engine / tires and seatbelt. But it is better than you landing in the hospital.
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