Do I still need to step on the foot brake when shifting to N gear at a traffic light?
2 Answers
When shifting to N gear at a traffic light, you need to step on the foot brake. In daily driving, it is important to develop good driving habits. When waiting at a traffic light or during other stationary moments, always apply the brake when shifting to N gear to prevent the car from rolling due to uneven road surfaces, which could cause unnecessary trouble. The correct practice when waiting at a traffic light is to use "N gear + handbrake." This method does not harm the car, as N gear disconnects the engine from the transmission, while the handbrake prevents rolling or collisions. If the red light is short, you can use "N gear + foot brake," but for longer waits, it is better to engage the handbrake to free your feet. It is worth noting that some vehicles now come with an "autohold" function, which is an automatic handbrake. Once activated, the car will automatically brake when stopped, eliminating the need to shift from reverse or drive gears, keeping the vehicle in a parked state. However, not shifting to neutral can still pose safety risks, such as sudden acceleration if the accelerator is accidentally pressed, leading to potential collisions. Additionally, the auto start-stop function is also suitable for use at traffic lights, as it saves fuel to some extent and prevents exhaust fumes from entering the cabin when the engine is off.
I'm quite familiar with the operation of shifting to N gear when waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission. Let me state the conclusion first: You must press the foot brake! Although shifting to N gear disconnects the power from the transmission, the vehicle is still held in place by the braking system. Especially when waiting on a slope at a red light, not pressing the brake will definitely cause the car to roll back. A friend of mine once didn't press the brake firmly at an intersection, and the car rolled back, scratching the bumper of the car behind, costing over 800 yuan in compensation. Personally, if I'm waiting at a red light for a long time, I'll also engage the electronic parking brake, so my right foot can relax for a while. When it's time to start, just press the accelerator to automatically release it, which is very convenient. Remember, as long as the car is stationary, no matter what gear you're in, the foot brake is the last line of defense for safety.
