How to Wait at Traffic Lights with an Automatic Transmission Car?
5 Answers
Methods for waiting at traffic lights with an automatic transmission car: 1. When the red light duration is short, simply press the brake while in the drive (D) gear; 2. When the red light duration is long, shift to neutral (N) and engage the handbrake if the road is flat. Automatic transmission cars do not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears in an automatic transmission are: 1. P (Parking/Starting gear); 2. R (Reverse gear); 3. N (Neutral gear); 4. D (Drive gear, also known as the driving gear); 5. L (Low gear); 6. S (Sport mode); 7. OD (Overdrive gear).
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I usually decide based on the situation at red lights. For short stops of around ten seconds, I simply keep my right foot on the brake with the gear in D, allowing for a quick start without hassle. For longer stops exceeding 30 seconds or a minute, I shift to N and engage the handbrake to prevent continuous heat and wear on the transmission. Always remember not to shift to P, as a rear-end collision could damage the transmission's locking mechanism, leading to costly and troublesome repairs. Nowadays, most new cars come with auto start-stop; the engine shuts off at red lights to save fuel and restarts smoothly when the light turns green. Developing good habits protects your car and saves you some fuel money.
In city driving with frequent traffic lights, my approach is to keep the car in D gear and just press the brake for short stops, ready to go at any time. For long red lights, such as when queuing behind other cars, shifting to N gear and applying the handbrake is more comfortable, allowing the body to relax. Absolutely avoid shifting to P gear, as it poses too high a risk of transmission damage in case of an accident. If the auto start-stop is enabled, the engine may sometimes shut off automatically, saving fuel and keeping things quiet. This way of operating is convenient, practical, and puts safety first in daily driving.
From a vehicle mechanism perspective, short stops in an automatic transmission car with the brake pressed in D gear impose minimal load on the transmission and consume less fuel. For prolonged stops exceeding 30 seconds, shifting to N gear disconnects the drivetrain, reducing heat buildup and wear to prevent issues. Avoid using P gear as accidental impacts can severely damage the gears. Modern start-stop technology can shut off the engine during stops to reduce emissions and extend lifespan. Developing this habit in daily driving protects the vehicle while being economical and practical.
In safe driving, the principle for stopping at traffic lights is to briefly stop by pressing the brake with the gear in D, ready to start quickly. For long stops exceeding 20 seconds, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake to stabilize the vehicle and prevent sliding. Avoid using P gear to prevent costly internal transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. The auto start-stop function can assist in reducing risks and saving fuel, ensuring a smooth, steady, and reliable process.
