Should You Press the Brake When in Neutral at a Red Light?

[StJaxon]

When waiting at a red light in neutral, you should still press the brake to prevent accidents caused by coasting in neutral. The details are as follows: 1. For manual transmission vehicles, stopping at a red light involves pressing the brake, engaging the clutch, shifting into first gear, and preparing to proceed when the light turns green. In traffic jams, you can shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and relax both legs. 2. For automatic transmission vehicles, simply pressing the brake is sufficient. When the brake is pressed, the vehicle's clutch is disengaged, equivalent to pressing the clutch in a manual transmission. Simultaneously, the automatic transmission will select an appropriate starting gear in preparation for moving. 3. Analysis of the pros and cons of shifting to park at a red light: If shifted to park, a locking mechanism inside the transmission will lock the gears, and the clutch will also disengage. However, each shift into park can affect the turbine inside the transmission's torque converter. Over time, this can lead to wear on the turbine and shorten the lifespan of the transmission fluid. Therefore, during the short duration of a red light—just a few seconds or a couple of minutes—it is sufficient to press the brake without shifting to park. Although this consumes slightly more fuel than leaving the transmission in neutral, it is a minor issue compared to the potential wear on the transmission.

[Sauron]

I've been driving for over a decade, and when stopping at a red light in neutral gear, I always make it a habit to press the brake pedal, primarily for safety reasons. In case there's a slight slope on the road or someone accidentally bumps into the car, the vehicle could roll away, which could easily lead to an accident. Especially now with heavy traffic and complex road conditions, new drivers tend to get nervous, and pressing the brake ensures a stable stop without causing trouble for others. I've also noticed that for manual transmission cars, parking in neutral without pressing the brake might cause the clutch to wear out faster, but that's not the main concern—safety comes first. After forming this habit, even on long drives, I don't feel fatigued because I can relax my foot anytime without constantly worrying about the gear. I recommend everyone adopt this practice; don't compromise safety for momentary convenience. After all, small details contribute to overall safety, ensuring peace of mind for both yourself and others.

[StMatteo]

When it comes to driving, I believe it's essential to step on the brake when in neutral at a red light. From the car's perspective, in neutral, the engine and the drive shaft aren't directly connected, leaving the vehicle uncontrolled. If the ground is uneven or there's a slight collision, the car can easily move. If the brake isn't applied, a novice driver might not react in time, leading to a rear-end collision. I've experienced a similar situation myself—once, I forgot to step on the brake while parked on a slope, and the car slowly slid a few centimeters, giving me quite a scare. Developing the habit of stepping on the brake can also extend the lifespan of certain car components, like brake pads and the transmission, by avoiding unnecessary jolts. Moreover, at busy intersections, everyone doing this can make traffic flow more smoothly and safely. In short, cutting corners can lead to trouble; stepping on the brake is a fundamental driving principle—don't be lazy.

[MacFelix]

As an ordinary driver in daily driving, I always step on the brake when stopping at a red light in neutral gear. The reason is simple: to prevent the car from accidentally sliding, especially when waiting at a red light where the car might be lightly bumped from behind. Without the brake as protection, it's easy for the car to roll forward and hit the vehicle in front. I remember my driving instructor emphasized this point during lessons, saying it's the foundation of safe driving. Now that I'm used to it, I feel more at ease while driving. Sometimes I think, if it's an automatic transmission car, stopping in N gear and stepping on the brake can maintain better stability without losing power. In short, this small action takes little effort but significantly reduces risks, protecting both myself and others.