Should I shift to N or D gear when waiting at a red light with a CVT?
2 Answers
For short stops, keep it in D gear and step on the brake, but if it exceeds 3 minutes, it is recommended to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. Below are some related tips on gear shifting: 1. Control the throttle and clutch pedal when accelerating: When shifting gears, pay attention to the coordination between the clutch pedal, throttle, and gear lever. The gear lever must be pushed firmly into place to ensure the gears are fully engaged, preventing gear damage or the transmission from automatically disengaging while driving. 2. Use the double-clutch shifting method: Even though cars are equipped with synchronizers, using the double-clutch shifting method is beneficial for extending the lifespan of mechanical components. When upshifting, always accelerate first.
When waiting at a red light in a CVT car, I usually keep it in D gear. This is the most convenient and practical way – as soon as the light turns green, I can just step on the gas and go without wasting time shifting gears. Although shifting to N gear can theoretically reduce slight transmission load and save fuel, in reality, city red lights are usually short, and constantly switching gears is troublesome and increases operational wear. I've tried both methods, and the difference in fuel consumption is negligible – maybe saving just a few cents a day. Modern CVT designs are very durable, and frequently shifting to N gear might actually accelerate component wear. The key is to prevent the car from rolling downhill – safety first. For short red lights, comfortably stay in D gear with your foot on the brake; for exceptionally long red lights, occasionally shift to N gear and engage the handbrake to relax your foot. Remember, don’t be misled by online myths – keeping the car in D gear during daily driving is absolutely safe and harmless.
