Selecting reverse while going forward

[obi_waynne]

Is it actually possible to select reverse gear while travelling forwards in a manual car?

If you did what would happen to the gearbox?

 

[davalav]

Shred the gears I reckon. I hear some people do it the other way around. Reverse then rip it into 1st gear... The sound it makes is haunting

 

[HDi fun]

I really is crucial to come to a complete halt when changing from forward to reverse. I pick up the clutch in neutral and put it straight back down again thus avoiding the usual crunching & grinding.

 

[crowley]

I've done this in cars when I've had to drive a short distance with no brakes. It is possible at very low speed but the noise & feel of it makes me think I'm definitely causing major damage.

 

[thexav]

I don't think it's possible in most cars, there is a physical mechanism to prevent this from happending which causing the cogs to clatter over each other rather than engage.

I guess it depends how the car is setup but I doubt a gearbox could survive a reverse engagement whilst going forwards.