Should I shift to P or N gear when waiting at a traffic light?

[Jayce]

When waiting at a traffic light, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. The N gear disconnects the engine from the transmission, and the passive wheel of the torque converter in the transmission is also in an idle state. At this time, it will not increase the resistance of the active wheel connected to the engine, and fuel injection will be reduced, making it relatively more fuel-efficient. However, to prevent the car from rolling, you must step on the brake or engage the handbrake. When the vehicle is shifted to P gear, the locking plate will engage the transmission gear, putting it in a mechanically locked state. If a rear-end collision occurs at this time, the transmission will be damaged, and severe impact may even cause the gear to break directly. Therefore, shifting to P gear is not advisable.

[VanSavannah]

When waiting at a red light while driving, it's generally recommended to shift to Neutral (N) gear and engage the handbrake. Why? Although shifting to Park (P) gear locks the transmission and provides anti-roll safety, if a rear-end collision occurs, the impact force could severely damage critical internal components of the car. From a safety perspective, the N gear keeps the car in a neutral state, reducing unnecessary engine load, avoiding wear from frequent gear changes, and minimizing accident risks. Personally, I think using N gear for short stops at red lights during city commutes is the most reasonable approach, as it also slightly saves fuel. But remember, any operation must be accompanied by braking, otherwise the car may roll. I've maintained this habit for years, inspired by an experienced mechanic's advice: don't take shortcuts by shifting to P gear for brief stops. In short, adjust flexibly based on the length of the red light, but safety always comes first—choose N gear for red lights longer than 10 seconds.

[SavannahLynn]

When driving, I prefer shifting to Neutral (N) gear at red lights instead of Park (P). The reason is simple: P gear is designed for prolonged parking, like turning off the engine after stopping. Frequent shifts to P at short stops like traffic lights increase transmission wear and driver fatigue. Neutral is sufficient—it reduces engine load and might offer slight fuel efficiency benefits (no major savings guaranteed, but psychologically, the car feels lighter). From experience, many seasoned drivers do this to avoid unnecessary mechanical stress. In cities with frequent traffic lights, staying in Drive (D) while braking works, but shifting to N is more comfortable for slightly longer stops. Don’t forget the handbrake for safety! N gear also lowers rear-end collision risks. In short, this small habit helps protect your car.

[Lilian]

I think it's fine to shift to Neutral (N) at a red light, no need to shift to Park (P). P gear is suitable for permanent parking, such as when leaving the car; for short stops of just a few seconds, use N gear to reduce stress on the engine and drivetrain. This also avoids the risk of severe transmission damage in case of a rear-end collision. From a fuel-saving perspective, the engine idles at slightly lower fuel consumption in N gear. I stick to this driving habit and feel the car responds better. In short, don't waste effort using P gear.

[LeonardoFitz]

When waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car, I prioritize shifting to N (Neutral) and applying the handbrake. Shifting to P (Park) may cause transmission damage in a rear-end collision, posing significant safety risks; N gear reduces mechanical load and slightly saves fuel. For short city red lights, keeping it in D (Drive) while braking is acceptable, but switch to N if exceeding 5 seconds. This habit stems from early driving lessons where instructors emphasized protecting internal components. Remember, braking is crucial! Safety first—avoid relying solely on D gear. Overall, it’s a simple and effective practice.

[VonColin]

When waiting at a red light, I recommend shifting to Neutral (N) gear rather than Park (P) gear. The P gear is primarily used for engine-off parking, while briefly using N gear at traffic lights reduces stress on the drivetrain and avoids frequent gear shift wear. From a safety perspective, being in N gear minimizes damage if rear-ended. In terms of fuel consumption, N gear engine idling may save a tiny bit of fuel. In my personal practice, developing this habit makes driving smoother and proves very practical for urban commuting. Remember to engage the handbrake to prevent rolling! I tried using P gear when I was younger, but after learning my lesson, I switched to N gear. In short, keep it relaxed and efficient.