Should I still press the brake when shifting to N gear at a red light with an automatic transmission?
2 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.
