Can an automatic transmission car be shifted into neutral while waiting at a red light?

[McJoy]

An automatic transmission car can be shifted into neutral when waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, otherwise, just step on the brake. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. Do not step on the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not immediately step hard on the accelerator pedal after shifting into gear; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. To remove the gear lever from P gear, the brake must be pressed; 5. Do not shift into N gear to coast while driving; 6. Do not push into P gear while the car is moving; 7. When changing the direction of travel, switching between D and R gears must be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the temperature of internal transmission components to rise and result in damage.

[LilahDella]

As a seasoned driver who frequently navigates city streets, I've found that shifting an automatic transmission into neutral at red lights is a completely viable habit. This significantly reduces engine load, minimizes vehicle vibration, and makes for a much more comfortable drive, especially in heavy traffic or at long traffic lights. I've noticed that each time I shift to neutral, there's a slight reduction in fuel consumption. While not a dramatic drop, the accumulated savings over time can add up to substantial fuel cost savings. Of course, I must remind myself and others never to do this on steep slopes, as shifting to neutral could lead to dangerous vehicle rollback—I once witnessed a friend nearly getting into an accident because of this. On flat roads, however, this practice is perfectly safe and won't damage the transmission. Having driven automatic vehicles for over a decade, I've never needed transmission repairs due to this habit. In fact, combining this technique with air conditioning use in summer proves even more effective at reducing fuel consumption.

[MacBrooke]

From a car maintenance perspective, I understand that shifting to neutral at red lights is a reasonable option for automatic transmissions. The engine runs at lower RPM in neutral, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and transmission wear, but this depends on driving conditions and personal habits. For long red lights or traffic jams, I recommend shifting to neutral to give the car a rest; for short red lights, staying in Drive (D) with the brake pressed is more practical. Note that on slopes or at intersections requiring sudden braking, neutral should be avoided to prevent rolling. Additionally, newer models with start-stop systems may make this practice redundant, so I always check the vehicle manual first to ensure compatibility. Overall, safety comes first.

[LaAbel]

I think it's worth trying to shift to neutral at red lights, but don't use it indiscriminately. It helps save fuel and reduce engine stress, but only on flat roads. Frequent operation may increase transmission load, so I usually only shift gears when the red light exceeds 30 seconds, otherwise I keep it in D. Be careful of rolling on slopes.

[VonStephen]

As an eco-driving enthusiast, I always shift to neutral at red lights to reduce carbon emissions. This lowers engine load, thereby saving fuel and cutting emissions, which is especially effective in congested cities. From personal experience, this practice not only makes driving quieter and more comfortable but also extends vehicle lifespan. However, I never risk doing this on slopes.