Should I Shift to Neutral (N) at Traffic Lights?
4 Answers
When waiting at traffic lights, if the duration is short, you can remain in Drive (D) without shifting to Neutral (N). However, for longer waits, it is advisable to shift to Neutral (N) and apply the foot brake. It's important to note that after shifting to Neutral (N), you must engage the parking brake or step on the foot brake because the vehicle is in neutral at this point, meaning the transmission shaft has no restraining force. Any external force could cause the car to move, especially on slopes where inertia can easily lead to unintended vehicle movement and potential accidents. Neutral (N) is the gear position that disengages the transmission, cutting off power transmission between the input and output shafts inside the transmission. It is suitable for waiting at traffic signals or during parking stops exceeding 30 seconds. On inclined surfaces, always ensure to apply the foot brake or activate the electronic parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
I remember when I was learning to drive, my instructor emphasized that it's best to stay in D gear and step on the brake at traffic lights. This way, your foot is on the brake, ready to start at any moment, avoiding rear-end collisions. Although shifting to N gear might feel easier on the engine, in an emergency, you'd need to shift gears and step on the accelerator, which could delay you by half a second. Especially at busy city intersections, quick reaction is crucial. Automatic cars are designed with this scenario in mind; staying in D gear doesn't consume much fuel, and modern start-stop systems even turn off the engine to save fuel. I've been driving this way for decades—it's safe and worry-free, and I've never had any issues. I recommend others try it too. During long traffic jams, it's okay to briefly shift to N gear and relax your foot, but most of the time, it's unnecessary to bother.
I commute by car every day and always want to save some fuel when waiting at traffic lights. Shifting to N gear does slightly reduce engine load, such as lowering fuel consumption a tiny bit during long waits, but the actual impact is minimal. For new cars, staying in D gear is similar, especially those with auto start-stop systems that shut off the engine. The key is not to turn off the engine regardless of the gear, otherwise, the AC will stop, making summers unbearable. Shifting to N gear is simple—just push a button—but remember to shift back promptly when starting to avoid rolling. Short lights are fine as-is, but for long waits (e.g., over 30 seconds), N gear eases foot fatigue. The fuel difference is negligible; prioritize safety over personal habits.
I drive a manual transmission car and have the habit of shifting to neutral at red lights to save effort. It's similar with automatic transmissions, and the operation isn't difficult. Shifting to N gear puts less load on the engine and might save a tiny bit of fuel, especially noticeable in older cars. Modern cars have better technology, so keeping it in D gear with the brake pressed is usually sufficient. Frequent gear shifting isn't good as it might accelerate transmission component wear, and it's unnecessary for short light durations. Safety comes first—keep your foot on the brake. Shifting to N and releasing your foot is fine, but be prompt when starting to avoid making the car behind wait impatiently.
