Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be Shifted to Neutral at a Red Light?
3 Answers
Whether to shift an automatic transmission car to neutral at a red light depends on the situation: 1. Shift to neutral if the red light lasts more than 30 seconds; 2. Simply apply the brake if the red light lasts less than 30 seconds. An automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver does not need to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not immediately press the accelerator pedal hard after shifting; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. The gear lever must be shifted from P gear while the brake is pressed; 5. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 6. Do not push into P gear while the vehicle is moving; 7. When changing direction, switching between D and R gears should only be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the internal components of the transmission to overheat and become damaged.
I don't think shifting to neutral at red lights is necessary, and it may actually increase fuel consumption and wear. Modern automatic transmissions are designed intelligently - when in D gear with brakes engaged, the engine idles but the oil pump continues working to provide lubrication and protection. Frequent switching between N and D gears may cause impact to the transmission, potentially shortening component lifespan over time. Regarding fuel economy, shifting to neutral does slightly reduce consumption, but the difference is negligible compared to staying in D gear, especially for short urban traffic lights. Safety comes first - staying in D gear allows quicker response to green lights and helps avoid rear-end collision risks. It's better to focus on holding the steering wheel properly rather than being distracted by minor matters.
From a vehicle health perspective, shifting to neutral at red lights is not advisable. I've observed that in D (Drive) gear, the automatic transmission's hydraulic system continuously lubricates all components; shifting to N (Neutral) reduces oil pressure, increasing wear risks on gears and bearings—especially in older models without anti-roll mechanisms. Frequent gear shifts may also cause transmission overload failures, leading to costly repairs. Maintaining D gear while braking offers more stability, extends vehicle lifespan, and is simpler. It also enables seamless acceleration when the light turns green, enhancing driving experience.
