How to Operate an Automatic Transmission Vehicle When Waiting at a Red Light?
2 Answers
Methods for operating an automatic transmission vehicle when waiting at a red light: shifting to neutral and applying the handbrake, or keeping the gear in D and pressing the brake. The neutral and handbrake method is suitable when the light has just turned red or the remaining red light time is long. Shifting to neutral cuts off engine power, and applying the handbrake prevents the vehicle from moving, allowing the driver to release their right foot from continuously pressing the brake. The D gear and brake method is suitable when the red light has only a dozen seconds left or in stop-and-go traffic, enabling a quick start without frequent gear changes. An automatic transmission means the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. Common automatic transmission positions include six gears: P, R, N, D, S, and L.
At every traffic light, I adjust my actions based on the waiting time. For short stops, I keep the gear in D and firmly press the brake for a smooth start. For longer stops, say over ten seconds, I shift to N and engage the handbrake to relax my foot and reduce brake pad wear. This habit saves fuel and eases engine strain. Driving for long periods, I pay attention to signal changes to prepare for takeoff in advance, avoiding distractions like checking my phone. I remember worrying about wrong gears when the car was new, but after a few tries, it became smooth. Safety first is always right to avoid rear-end collisions.
