"That doesn't sound bad, right?”

LOS ANGELES—A recent study has uncovered a side effect of the dreaded "money shift." The accidental downshift from a high gear to a much lower one at high RPMs causes catastrophic damage, but the psychological impact appears to be just as costly. The study found that nearly all drivers experience a state of denial, spending long hours standing with their ear pointed at the car, listening to it idle, instead of facing the reality of their rookie mistake.

“After my money shift, I was sure I was quick enough to save it,” confessed José Alvarez, a track enthusiast from Los Angeles. “I mean… here listen to this. That doesn't sound bad, right?

According to the study, this behavior is linked to the burden of having no one else to blame but yourself for the savings you're about to wipe out. Money shifts can lead to repairs costing thousands of dollars, and many drivers find themselves in denial, believing their motor is the only bulletproof one in history.

Dr. Elena Santiago, a lead researcher on the study, explained the psychological response: “It’s an evolutionary defense mechanism. Drivers know they trashed it, but the immediate shock leads them to ask everyone they know to listen to their car, even posting poorly filmed videos on YouTube in search of any false sense of reassurance.”

The study also highlighted the social stigma that drivers feel after a money shift. “I didn’t want to admit what happened,” added Marco Hernández, another participant. “I'm out thousands AND I have to go into hiding? That sucks.”

Denial, it seems, may be the only thing cheaper than the repair.