Should I shift to P or N gear when stopping at a traffic light?
2 Answers
Shift to N gear. Here are the details: If the waiting time is less than 30 seconds, stay in D gear and press the brake. Since the duration is relatively short, shifting back and forth is more troublesome and doesn't save much fuel. Frequent gear shifting operations can increase wear on the clutch and transmission. If the waiting time is between 30 seconds and one minute, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. This allows you to release your right foot for a rest, disconnects the power transmission, reduces engine load, decreases fuel consumption, and is equally safe. It is not recommended to shift to P gear when waiting at a red light because when the vehicle is stopped in P gear, a hook in the transmission locks onto the gear, creating mutual force between them. Over time, this can accelerate transmission wear.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when stopping at traffic lights, I always habitually shift to N gear and pull the handbrake—it feels like the most convenient way. Although P gear locks the car, if rear-ended, the gears in the transmission could get damaged, and repairs costing thousands just aren't worth it. For short stops, N gear is sufficient, and it also allows the transmission some freedom, reducing wear. I've seen some drivers stay in D gear with their foot on the brake—not only is it tiring, but the engine keeps pulling the wheels, making N gear much more relaxed. After developing this habit, driving feels smoother and safer, but remember to check if the brake lights are on to alert cars behind to keep their distance. If the light is particularly long, I might relax a bit, but traffic lights usually last just tens of seconds, so switching to P gear isn't necessary.
