Should You Press the Brake or Shift to Neutral at a Red Light?
2 Answers
When waiting at a red light, if it's only a few seconds, you can use the foot brake to control the car for a quick start. However, if the wait exceeds 20 seconds, it's best to shift to neutral. The reasons are as follows: If the wait is longer than 20 seconds, continuously using the foot brake is highly inefficient—the car wants to move forward, but the brake forces it to stay still. In this prolonged tug-of-war, the brake pads and transmission will heat up and overheat, causing damage to both. Therefore, it's better to use neutral instead of the foot brake. Additional Information: 1. Purpose of Shifting to Neutral: When the vehicle needs to be towed due to damage, shifting to neutral and lifting the drive wheels off the ground prevents damage to the transmission. For example, in a front-wheel-drive car, the front wheels should be lifted off the ground, while the rear wheels can remain on the ground in neutral. 2. Never Coast in Neutral Downhill: Whether it's a manual or automatic transmission, coasting in neutral downhill is strictly prohibited. During neutral coasting, if an emergency requires sudden braking, the chassis drivetrain and engine are not properly prepared. Without engine assistance, the vehicle may lose balance and become uncontrollable.
I've been driving for several years and have developed the habit of keeping my foot on the brake without shifting to neutral at red lights, primarily for safety reasons. This prevents the car from moving or rolling unexpectedly, especially on slopes or when other vehicles are nearby. In case the car behind is following too closely or I need to start suddenly, keeping the brake pressed allows for immediate response to avoid accidents. In automatic transmission cars, it's perfectly normal to keep the car in D (Drive) while pressing the brake—modern designs ensure no harm is done in the short term, nor does it wear out the transmission. For short red lights, it's more convenient for quick starts; if the light lasts over a minute, I might shift to neutral to rest my foot, but only after ensuring the road is flat and safe, and then pressing the brake to prevent any mishaps. This habit gives me peace of mind when driving in crowded urban areas—safety comes first, and no convenience is worth taking risks.