How to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car at a Red Light?
4 Answers
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission car, the driving method is as follows: If the waiting time is within 30 seconds, press the brake and keep the gear in D (Drive). Once the light turns green, release the foot brake and press the accelerator to move forward. If the waiting time exceeds 30 seconds, shift to N (Neutral) and engage the handbrake. After the light turns green, shift back to D, release the handbrake, and press the accelerator to proceed. For waiting times longer than 2 minutes, you can turn off the engine. Automatic transmission generally refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the transmission control system automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's manual judgment and gear-shifting operations. Typically, an automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). The commonly used automatic gear positions are P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive).
When waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car, I believe the simplest and most reliable method is to keep your foot on the brake pedal while leaving the gear in D (Drive). This ensures the car remains firmly stationary without any risk of rolling, and you can start moving immediately by releasing the brake when the light turns green. This is my usual driving habit, especially in city traffic with frequent traffic lights—it's both hassle-free and safe. Even if the wait is longer, it's fine; if your foot gets tired, you can occasionally shift to neutral (N) for a short break, but avoid shifting to P (Park) to prevent potential transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. Additionally, if the intersection is on a slope, manually engaging the electronic parking brake for extra stability is a safer option. It's important to avoid distractions like looking at your phone and stay focused on traffic signal changes. Overall, this approach makes my driving smooth and worry-free, saving me from unnecessary troubles.
From the perspective of saving money and fuel, when stopping at a red light, I prioritize shifting to neutral (N gear) while keeping the brake pedal pressed. This way, the engine doesn't have to resist the forward motion, reducing fuel consumption and saving money in the long run. For example, during long red lights lasting 20 seconds or more, this operation is more efficient. It's even better if my car has an auto start-stop function, as it directly shuts off the engine to save fuel; a light press on the accelerator starts it again. However, if the air conditioning or winter heating is on, it's best to avoid auto start-stop to maintain comfort. During rush hour with frequent stops and heavy traffic, keeping the car in drive (D gear) with the brake pressed is more convenient for quick starts. Remember, energy-saving isn't a strict rule—adjust based on road and vehicle conditions. Try different methods to find the balance that works best for you.
As a beginner driver, my instructor taught me: For automatic transmission at red lights, the simple way is to keep your foot on the brake without releasing it, and leave the gear in D. When the light turns green, slowly lift your foot to start moving, avoiding any panic. Don't touch the P or N gears, as unfamiliarity can lead to mistakes. On slopes, use the handbrake to help stabilize the car and prevent rolling back. At first, I was afraid of starting slowly and blocking traffic, but later I found that keeping the brake pressed is not only safe but also makes it easier to control the distance. While waiting at the light, always observe surrounding vehicles and focus on the traffic signals without distraction. Driving isn't about speed; handling situations smoothly is what matters most. Remembering this basic operation builds a lot more confidence in driving.
