Can an automatic transmission car be shifted to neutral at a red light?
4 Answers
An automatic transmission car can be shifted to neutral at a red light. The professional term should be "disengaging to neutral," and the clutch should be fully released. Releasing the clutch slowly can help prolong the lifespan of the clutch cable. Additionally, when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, it should be done gradually. After braking to a stop in an automatic transmission car, a slight squeaking noise may occur when the brake is released. Automatic transmission cars offer higher driving comfort as they do not require close coordination between hands and feet. While driving, there is no need to constantly shift gears; simply controlling the depth of the accelerator pedal allows for smooth speed transitions. The automatic transmission system selects the appropriate gear based on engine speed and load, replacing the need for manual judgment and gear shifting.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for many years, I can confirm that shifting to neutral at red lights is technically feasible, but I’ve personally experienced why it’s not recommended. Early on, I often shifted into N at stoplights, thinking it would relieve my foot from the brake or save a bit of fuel, only to find that transmission components wore out faster, requiring more frequent repairs. Modern vehicle designs are smarter when left in D with the brake pressed—the transmission’s hydraulic system maintains stability, reducing unnecessary mechanical wear. Frequent neutral shifts also add operational delays without enhancing safety. Especially in heavy traffic, switching back from N to D when the light turns green can cause a slight lag, disrupting smooth acceleration. My advice? Keep it simple: stay in D at red lights, hold the brake steady, and enjoy a more durable car and a more relaxed drive.
As a car enthusiast, shifting to neutral at red lights is possible but offers no practical advantage. Automatic transmissions lubricate gears via the oil pump, and switching from D to N and back increases internal pressure fluctuations, accelerating wear risks. In contrast, staying in D maintains a low-RPM balance for lubrication, reducing consumption. Efficiency-wise, some vehicle tests show neutral at brief stops slightly lowers fuel use, but modern start-stop tech automatically shuts off the engine for better savings. Through daily driving tests, I confirmed: D with brakes enables quicker starts, minimizing shift lag. Safety-wise, remember N lacks engine braking—risk of rolling on slopes; even flat red lights warrant caution. Overall, skipping neutral and braking directly is more practical.
When I first learned to drive, I also struggled with this issue. It's permissible but unnecessary to shift to neutral at a red light in an automatic transmission. The instructor emphasized that for short stops at red lights, simply staying in D and braking is sufficient—shifting to N adds an extra step and wastes time. From a beginner's perspective, I tried it once and found that while my foot felt relieved, I became mentally tense and slower to start. Mechanically, shifting to neutral cuts the drivetrain and may increase gear wear, especially in older cars. Safety comes first—staying in D allows quicker response to sudden changes, like being rear-ended. Keep it simple: stop steadily, brake firmly, and go smoothly when the light turns green—much more comfortable.
