Should Automatic Transmission Cars Shift to Neutral at Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
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.
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.
