Should I still press the brake when shifting to N gear at a red light with an automatic transmission?
1 Answers
When shifting to N gear at a red light with an automatic transmission, you should press the brake if you are worried about the car rolling. If the red light is long, you should shift to N gear and directly pull the handbrake without pressing the brake. More detailed explanations are as follows: 1. There are generally two correct ways to shift gears when stopping at a red light with an automatic transmission, depending on the duration of the red light, which is usually between 20 seconds and 100 seconds. If the red light is less than 30 seconds, you can stay in D gear, press the brake, and release the brake to accelerate when the light turns green. If the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, you should shift from D gear to N gear and pull the handbrake without pressing the brake. Therefore, you can decide which gear to use based on the duration of the red light. 2. Temporarily stopping and pressing the brake while in D gear does not harm the car because the torque converter in the transmission has a reaction wheel with a one-way clutch, which amplifies the torque from the engine crankshaft. It does not rotate at idle speed and only engages when the engine speed increases. Therefore, it is fine to press the brake at a red light, and shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake is also acceptable. The advantage is that it allows your right foot to rest and relax appropriately.
