Should You Shift to N Gear When Waiting at a Traffic Light?
4 Answers
It depends on the waiting time. If the wait is short, you can stay in D gear without shifting to N gear; if the wait is long, you should shift to N gear. Below is an introduction to car gears: 1. D gear: This is the drive gear, used when the car is moving. Most automatic cars have D gear designed with a sequence from 1st gear to higher gears. When driving, simply place the gear lever in D gear, and the car's speed will be controlled by the accelerator. 2. N gear: N gear is neutral. If the gear lever is placed in N gear, the power transmission system between the car engine and the transmission will be disconnected. Neutral is generally used for brief stops. 3. P gear: When parking, the car gear should be placed in this position. P gear uses the car's internal design to control the rotation system, preventing the car from moving even on inclined surfaces.
When it comes to shifting to N gear at red lights, based on my years of driving automatic transmission cars, I believe it depends on the situation. If the red light is very short, like just a few seconds before turning green, I usually stay in D gear and hold the brake, as it allows for a quicker and more convenient start. However, if the red light is longer, say over 30 seconds, I shift to N gear to give the transmission a break, reducing engine load and saving a bit on fuel. A mechanic friend once told me that keeping the car in D gear for long periods can cause the torque converter to overheat and increase wear, while shifting to N gear allows it to relax and prolongs component life. But avoid shifting to P gear—if rear-ended, it could damage the transmission. In city driving, especially during those super-long red lights lasting one or two minutes, shifting to N gear and using the handbrake can relieve stress on the entire drivetrain. This habit has saved me repair costs and fuel money, particularly during rush-hour traffic—waiting through multiple lights adds up noticeably. The best strategy is to switch flexibly based on the light duration; there’s no need for a one-size-fits-all approach.
I prioritize fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, so I always shift to Neutral (N) at red lights. When in Drive (D), the engine bears a heavier load, continuously delivering power to the transmission, which increases fuel consumption and emissions. Shifting to N reduces engine operation to idle speed, minimizing waste. For instance, in big cities with frequent stops, I've calculated that switching to N during long red lights saves a small amount of fuel each time. Over time, this makes the car more economical and reduces environmental impact. Although shifting back to D adds a slight delay of one or two seconds when accelerating, it becomes smooth with practice. Modern cars' auto-hold function offers similar benefits, but some older models lack this feature, making manual N shifting a practical fuel-saving technique. Pairing this with lower AC settings further reduces additional load. I recommend trying this habit—the annual fuel savings can be substantial, and the sense of achievement from eco-driving is rewarding.
I usually consider the mechanical protection of the car and shift to N gear when waiting at a red light for a long time. When in D gear, the torque converter rotates at high speed, causing the oil temperature to rise quickly and accelerating wear on parts; shifting to N gear temporarily stops the friction, extending the lifespan. Especially in summer or during traffic congestion, the risk of overheating is high, and shifting to N can avoid subsequent repair troubles. Shifting to P is not advisable to prevent damage from rear-end collisions. This simple action efficiently maintains the car with low cost and high benefits. Transmission repairs are expensive, and this small habit saves both worry and money.
