Is it okay to shift to N gear and step on the foot brake when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
Whether to shift to N gear and step on the foot brake when waiting at a red light depends on the situation: Generally, red lights last around 20 to 100 seconds. If you need to wait for a red light for less than 30 seconds, you can stay in D gear without shifting, step on the brake, and release the brake to press the accelerator when the light turns green. If the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, it's better not to stay in D gear; shift from D to N gear and engage the handbrake without stepping on the brake. Temporarily stopping with the brake pressed in D gear won't harm the car because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a reaction wheel with a one-way clutch, which amplifies the torque from the engine crankshaft. It doesn't rotate at engine idle speed and only engages when the engine speed increases.
Let me share my thoughts on this issue. As a driver who spends a lot of time on the road, shifting to N gear and using the foot brake at long red lights can indeed give your feet a rest. I often do this myself, especially during traffic jams or when the red light lasts more than 30 seconds—it helps relieve leg fatigue. However, you must ensure the foot brake is firmly engaged to prevent the car from rolling, which would be disastrous. In an automatic transmission car, the gearbox still operates slightly in N gear, and frequent use might cause minor wear. Therefore, I only do this during short stops. It’s best to avoid using this trick on slopes, as the car could roll away if the brake slips. Safety comes first—many cars now come with an auto-hold function, which is much more convenient and safer than constantly shifting gears.
