Should I still press the brake when shifting to N gear at a red light with an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
When shifting to N gear at a red light with an automatic transmission, you should press the brake if you're worried about the car rolling. For longer red lights, it's advisable to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake without pressing the brake pedal. If the red light wait is less than 30 seconds, you can stay in D gear without shifting, just press the brake, and release it to accelerate when the light turns green. There's no wrong choice between shifting to N or D gear for temporary stops; it depends on personal preference. Temporarily stopping in D gear with the brake pressed won't harm the car because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a reaction wheel that includes a one-way clutch, designed to amplify the torque from the engine crankshaft. It remains stationary at idle and only engages when the engine speed increases.
I have a tip to share with you: when waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car with the gear in N (neutral), it's best to keep your foot on the brake. That's because N gear means the car is in neutral and could potentially roll, especially on slopes. Once, I forgot to press the brake while parked on an incline, and the car slowly rolled backward—it nearly hit something, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Since then, I always remind myself: safety first. Keeping your foot on the brake prevents any sliding. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort, and once you make it a habit, driving becomes much more reassuring. It also avoids trouble with the police or unexpected accidents. Remember, saving a little fuel is trivial—ensuring safety is the real smart move.
As someone who frequently drives in the city, I believe stepping on the brake when in N gear is essential. Shifting to N gear eases the engine and reduces fuel consumption, but without braking, the wheels are free—if the road is uneven or it's windy, the car might move, which is too risky. My habit is to lightly shift to N gear with my left foot at traffic lights, while keeping my right foot on the brake. This way, I don’t get tired, and the car stays firmly parked. Seeing others neglect braking and end up with minor scrapes serves as a good reminder. Developing this habit is simple, and it brings peace of mind even on long drives—don’t underestimate this step.
