How to Wait at Traffic Lights with an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 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.
