Is it okay to keep the gear in D when waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
You can keep the gear in D, and the related explanations are as follows: 1. Reason: When waiting at a red light and stopped, you can choose between two methods—using N gear or keeping it in D while pressing the brake. Keeping the gear in D and pressing the brake will not damage the car because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a set of devices. The reaction wheel of the one-way clutch is used to amplify the torque from the transmission crankshaft. When parked for a long time with the engine off, it is best to shift to P gear and engage the parking brake. 2. Supplement: The core function of an automatic transmission is to achieve automatic gear shifting. Automatic gear shifting means that the driver operates the accelerator pedal according to driving needs during the car's movement, and the automatic transmission can automatically shift gears based on engine load and driving conditions.
As a driver with over a decade of experience in automatic transmission cars, my advice is that keeping the car in D gear at red lights is acceptable, but it depends on the duration. For red lights lasting only about ten seconds, I usually just hold the brake without shifting gears for convenience. However, if it exceeds 30 seconds, I switch to N gear or engage the handbrake to relieve the transmission, reducing heat and wear. Over time, I've noticed that staying in D gear keeps the engine under strain, consuming more fuel, and over time, it can lead to premature aging of the internal transmission gears. Therefore, in big cities with long red lights, I've developed the habit of shifting gears, which also helps save some fuel costs. A handy tip is to listen to the radio or observe traffic while waiting at red lights—developing good habits is beneficial for both the car and safety. Always ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting gears to avoid any accidents.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always hesitant about whether to keep the gear in D at red lights. A friend told me it's fine to leave it in D, but I had to press the brake pedal firmly, otherwise the car would creep forward. After trying a few times, I found it manageable for short red lights, but for longer ones, not only did my foot get sore, but the car also seemed to shake, which was quite unnerving. Later, I read online that keeping the gear in D makes the engine keep working hard, wasting gas for no reason, and might even damage the transmission. Now, I've learned to shift to N and pull the handbrake for a break—it keeps the car quiet and saves fuel. Driving an automatic requires some flexibility; don't be afraid to shift gears since it's just a simple operation. After practicing a few times, it becomes smooth and worry-free.
