Should Automatic Transmission Cars Shift to Neutral When Stopped at Traffic Lights?

[MichaelLynn]

Whether to shift an automatic transmission car to neutral when stopped at a traffic light depends on the duration of the stop: 1. For short stops, simply hold the brake while remaining in drive (D) gear; 2. For prolonged stops on level ground, shift to neutral (N) and engage the parking brake. Automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifting by automatically selecting the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gear positions in an automatic transmission are: 1. P - Parking/Start; 2. R - Reverse; 3. N - Neutral; 4. D - Drive (forward gear); 5. L - Low gear; 6. S - Sport mode; 7. OD - Overdrive.

[DeAlexander]

As an experienced driver who has driven automatic transmissions for many years, I think it's unnecessary to shift to neutral when stopping at traffic lights. Just keep it in D gear and step on the brake—it's simple and convenient. Shifting to neutral only adds unnecessary complexity. If you forget to shift back to D when starting, the car might jerk, or if you don't engage the handbrake, it could roll. Modern transmissions are well-designed, and short stops don't put much load on the engine, so there's no risk of overheating or extra wear. Traffic lights usually last just a few seconds—overcomplicating things can lead to mistakes. When I was younger, I tried shifting to neutral in older cars, but with new cars, it's completely unnecessary. Keeping it in D makes the car steadier and safer. Once you get used to it, driving becomes more relaxed and reduces unnecessary fatigue. In short, let the automatic transmission do its job automatically.

[McElaina]

From a driving safety perspective, I always keep the car in D gear and press the brake when stopping at traffic lights, never shifting to neutral. This locks the wheels and prevents accidental rolling, especially at sloped intersections. In neutral, the engine disconnects from the wheels, and if you release the brake or forget the handbrake, the car may roll and cause an accident. Modern transmission systems dissipate heat normally in D gear, so brief stops won't cause issues; conversely, frequent gear shifts may lead to mechanical failures. Additionally, urban traffic lights are short, making unnecessary operations pointless. Safety comes first—reducing risks and staying focused on driving outweigh minor fuel savings. Developing this habit helps you handle emergencies more calmly.

[DeJackson]

As a tech enthusiast, analyzing transmission systems reveals no benefit to shifting to neutral at traffic lights. Automatic cars in Drive (D) with brakes applied keep the engine at low load, consuming less fuel and maintaining system stability. Shifting to neutral disconnects the drivetrain, but traffic lights are too brief for fuel savings, potentially disrupting transmission oil pump operation and causing overheating. Modern vehicles feature auto start-stop, shutting off the engine when stationary for greater efficiency; manually shifting to neutral adds unnecessary steps. Idling without load actually increases carbon buildup risk. For traffic light waits of mere seconds, why bother shifting? Cars are smartly designed—just stay in Drive when stopped.