Should Automatic Transmission Cars Shift to Neutral at Traffic Lights?

[VanGraham]

Automatic transmission cars should shift to neutral when waiting at traffic lights. Here are the reasons why automatic transmission cars should shift to neutral at traffic lights: 1. It can reduce tire wear. 2. It lowers fuel consumption. 3. It reduces repair costs under extreme conditions. Here are some precautions for shifting gears in automatic transmission cars: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears. 2. Do not immediately press the accelerator pedal hard after shifting into gear. 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear. 4. The gear lever must be shifted from P gear while holding the brake pedal. 5. Do not shift into N gear while the vehicle is moving to coast. 6. Do not push into P gear while the vehicle is moving. 7. When changing the direction of travel, 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 result in damage.

[Dorothy]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade. When waiting at city traffic lights, I've developed the habit of shifting to neutral if the wait exceeds 30 seconds - this gives the engine a breather and slightly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. For brief stops under 10 seconds, I simply keep my foot on the brake while in Drive, which is more convenient. Especially on slopes, shifting to neutral prevents accidental vehicle movement. Modern vehicles with Auto Hold features automatically lock the wheels after braking, eliminating the need to shift gears - quite handy. However, based on my personal experience, cultivating the habit of shifting to neutral can improve overall fuel efficiency, particularly in heavy traffic where multiple vehicle starts generate exhaust, benefiting the environment. Remember to shift smoothly without rushing the transmission operation. Safety always comes first - coming to a complete stop at red lights is paramount.

[VanMalachi]

As someone who enjoys delving into automotive mechanics, I've learned that putting an automatic transmission in neutral at red lights has its benefits—it reduces pump load and saves a tiny bit of fuel cost. However, frequent shifting may increase internal wear risks, especially for older models' transmission oil pressure systems. My advice is to decide based on the traffic light duration: stay in Drive for short stops of a few seconds, but shift to neutral for waits over half a minute. Adding practicality, use neutral on slopes to prevent rolling; in daily driving, reducing idle emissions makes a small environmental contribution. Transmission maintenance is crucial—regularly check fluid conditions and maintain healthy driving habits.

[VonJoseph]

As someone who prioritizes fuel efficiency and environmental protection, I always recommend shifting to neutral at red lights, especially in urban traffic congestion, as it can cumulatively reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. However, this habit makes only a minor difference, as modern engines are highly efficient, and short stops don't require deliberate actions. For prolonged stops, disengaging the drivetrain to save energy is generally feasible; combined with driving safety, shifting to neutral helps avoid the risk of unintended movement. It's advisable to apply this practice reasonably to support sustainable driving principles.

[CadenDella]

Having driven for most of my life, I've developed the old habit of shifting to neutral at traffic lights. In the past, the engine of my old car would shake, making it uneasy to stay in Drive (D); nowadays, cars are more stable, but the traditional wisdom remains—neutral prevents the car from creeping better. Compared to before, technology has reduced the necessity, yet I feel that manual shifting adds a sense of control, especially effective during long stops exceeding 30 seconds. New drivers should learn such fundamental habits to ensure safe and convenient operations at intersections.