How to Operate an Automatic Transmission Car at Traffic Lights?
3 Answers
There are three methods for an automatic transmission car to wait at traffic lights: 1. If the red light duration is relatively short, there's no need to shift gears. Simply keep the car in Drive (D) mode, press the brake pedal, and wait for the red light. When the light turns green, release the brake to resume normal driving. 2. For longer red lights (over 60 seconds) on completely flat roads, shift to Neutral (N), engage the handbrake, then shift back to Drive (D) and release the handbrake when the light turns green. 3. For extended red lights (over 60 seconds) or on inclined roads, shift to Park (P). Staying in Neutral (N) on slopes may cause the vehicle to roll backward, potentially leading to collision accidents.
I always prioritize safety when driving, so when waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car, I follow these habits: If the red light lasts longer than a minute, I immediately shift to neutral (N) or park (P) and engage the handbrake. This way, even if the brakes fail, the car won't roll away and hit someone or another vehicle. For short red lights that end in a few seconds, I stay in drive (D) and hold the brake, making it easier to start when the light turns green. Remember not to hold the brake in D for too long, as it can overheat and damage the transmission, leading to costly repairs over time. I also pay attention to traffic light changes to prevent rear-end collisions. In bad weather, like rainy days when the road is slippery, pulling the handbrake tightly is crucial. Overall, keep actions simple and reliable, but don’t cut corners and ignore risks—driving should always be steady and cautious.
I'm quite environmentally conscious, so when my automatic transmission car is stopped at a red light, I prioritize fuel efficiency and emission reduction. For long red lights, I shift to neutral (N), engage the handbrake, and let the engine idle at lower RPM to save fuel. For short red lights, I just keep it in drive (D). Many new cars now come with auto start-stop systems - pressing the brake pedal deeply automatically shuts off the engine, reducing emissions with quick restart that doesn't affect responsiveness. Without this feature, I manually shift to neutral or even turn off the engine occasionally, but not too frequently to avoid battery drain. In daily driving, I always estimate traffic light durations - adjusting my operation for stops over 30 seconds can save hundreds in fuel costs annually. Pro tip: Remember to turn off the engine when using AC or audio to reduce noise pollution and be more eco-friendly.
