Should an automatic transmission car be shifted to N gear when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car should be shifted to N gear when waiting at a red light, and the car should also be shifted to N gear during short pauses. Reasons for shifting to N gear: N gear is the neutral gear of the vehicle, typically used during short stops, such as when the car is parked on the roadside without turning off the engine. When waiting at a red light, the engine continues to idle, and in automatic transmission models, this causes the engine's idle speed to increase, leading to higher fuel injection. Therefore, shifting to N gear can effectively reduce fuel consumption and save fuel. Precautions when using N gear: While driving, whether the engine is running or not, N gear should generally not be used; When the car stops due to traffic congestion, N gear should be used in conjunction with the brake; If the engine stalls while driving and you want to restart it, shift to N gear; N gear should be used when the car is being towed.
Regarding whether to shift to N gear when waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, I’ll share my thoughts based on years of driving experience: For short red lights, like those lasting only ten or twenty seconds, staying in D gear and holding the brake is the simplest choice—no need to shift back and forth, and it allows for a quicker start. However, if the red light is long, especially at major intersections in the city where it lasts over a minute, I recommend shifting to N gear and using the handbrake. This gives the transmission a break and reduces internal wear, as the transmission remains engaged in D gear, which can add strain over time. Shifting to N also means you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake, making it more comfortable. I often do this at long red lights—forming this habit is good for the car’s health and may save a little fuel, though the overall effect is minor. The main benefit is peace of mind.
