How to Wait at Traffic Lights with an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When waiting at a traffic light with an automatic transmission car, if the wait is around 10 seconds, keep the car in D (Drive) gear and press the brake; once the light turns green, you can drive directly. If the wait is longer, such as over half a minute, shift to N (Neutral) gear. More details are as follows: N (Neutral) Gear: Generally, the N gear is used for short stops, allowing the right foot to rest off the brake pedal. However, on slopes, you still need to press the brake to prevent the car from rolling. D (Drive) Gear: The D gear is the forward driving gear. When in D gear, the driver only needs to control the accelerator pedal to adjust the speed. The transmission automatically determines the gear based on the accelerator input and vehicle speed, eliminating the need for manual gear shifting.
When I encounter a red light while driving, I usually just press the brake pedal and stay in D gear without shifting. This is the simplest method. The car won't roll when stationary, and I can release the brake and move forward directly when the light turns green, saving the trouble of shifting gears. Modern automatic transmission cars are designed to be very reliable, and brief waiting is completely fine without causing any damage to the vehicle. If the red light is long or traffic is light, I occasionally shift to N gear and pull up the handbrake to give my right foot a rest, but most of the time I keep pressing the brake, especially since traffic jams during commute are very common. Overall, prioritizing safety and convenience makes it feel effortless once it becomes a habit. And don't forget to fasten your seatbelt—it's important in any situation.
