Should the Handbrake Be Applied When Shifting to Neutral at a Red Light?
3 Answers
Applying the handbrake when shifting to neutral at a red light is not always necessary. Here are three automatic transmission driving tips: 1. At a red light: Depending on driving habits, you can temporarily stop by pressing the brake while keeping the gear in D. This is because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a reaction wheel with a one-way clutch, which amplifies the torque from the engine crankshaft. It does not rotate at engine idle speed and only engages when the engine speed increases. 2. When starting to move: Press the brake pedal before shifting the gear lever from P or N to a driving gear. Release the brake pedal, and the vehicle will start moving slowly. The purpose of pressing the brake in advance is to ensure the safety of the driver and the vehicle. 3. When starting the engine: The engine can only be started when the gear lever is in the P or N position. If the gear lever is in a driving gear position, such as D or R, the engine will not start.
When waiting at a red light in neutral, I would recommend applying the handbrake, especially for safety reasons. In an automatic transmission car, when in neutral, the engine and wheels are disconnected, making the vehicle prone to sliding. If you release your foot from the brake, the risk of rolling is high. Once, I parked on a slope without using the handbrake, and the car slowly moved, nearly hitting the vehicle behind me—it gave me quite a scare. Since then, I've made it a habit to always apply the handbrake at red lights, whether they're short or long. This not only prevents accidental rolling but also allows my foot to rest, making for a smoother start when the light changes. Skipping it for short red lights might seem convenient, but safety comes first—better safe than sorry. In urban areas with complex road conditions and many pedestrians, distractions can be dangerous, so using the handbrake is a simple and reliable precaution.
When waiting at a red light in neutral, I usually engage the handbrake, which helps protect the transmission for longer. Neutral gear reduces engine load and prevents overheating, but the vehicle itself remains stationary. Relying solely on the foot brake without the handbrake can put extra strain on the drivetrain. Over my years of driving, I've found that on flat roads, I sometimes skip it out of laziness, but if I don't engage it on a slope, the car's movement can increase gear wear. It's best to make it a habit to use the handbrake to give the transmission a buffer. Modern cars may have automatic parking systems, but I still prefer manual operation for better control. You might skip it for a short red light of a few seconds, but for longer waits or in traffic jams, using the handbrake is safer, keeping the vehicle in better overall condition and saving on repair hassles.
