Should I put the automatic transmission in P or N when waiting at a red light?
3 Answers
When waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car, you can shift into N gear, or stay in D gear while stepping on the brake, but you must not shift into P gear. Using P gear when waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car is not recommended. Although both P gear and N gear can basically be used when parking, P gear and N gear are not the same, and their usage scenarios are also different. More details are as follows: 1. After shifting into P gear: There is a locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission to lock the gears, which is equivalent to indirectly locking the wheels. Even without pulling the handbrake, the car cannot move after shifting into P gear. 2. After shifting into N gear: There is no locking mechanism inside the automatic transmission to lock the transmission gears, so the car can move if the handbrake is not pulled. 3. P gear: Used when parking and turning off the engine. 4. N gear: Used when stopping for a short time without turning off the engine.
I think it's more practical to shift to Neutral (N) gear when waiting at a red light. Putting the car in N gear temporarily disconnects the transmission from the power source, reducing engine load and preventing excessive vehicle shaking or noise. If you're waiting for a longer time, say over half a minute, shifting to N gear can also save a bit of fuel. While Park (P) gear is designed for parking, if you're rear-ended at a red light while in P gear, the transmission gears could lock up or get damaged, which would be counterproductive. I usually make it a habit to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake when waiting, as it allows for a quick and smooth start by simply shifting to Drive (D) gear when the light turns green. Of course, if it's just a short red light of a few seconds, staying in D gear with your foot on the brake is also fine. The key is to choose flexibly based on the situation, without making driving overly complicated—safety should always come first.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I prefer shifting to Neutral (N) gear when waiting at red lights in the city. When in N gear, the drivetrain disengages, preventing the transmission and engine from being under unnecessary strain, thus protecting components and reducing wear. While Parking (P) gear is safer, it's more cumbersome to operate—especially when the light suddenly turns green, as shifting from P to Drive (D) can be slower, potentially causing traffic delays or frustration. Some worry about the car rolling in N gear, but engaging the electronic parking brake or handbrake keeps it stable. Of course, if you lack the patience for frequent gear changes, staying in D gear while lightly pressing the brake is equally reasonable. I've seen many experienced drivers do this—it's convenient and helps extend the car's lifespan. The key is not to overthink which method is perfect; driving comfortably is what truly matters.
