Should You Shift to N or Keep in D at Traffic Lights for Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, simply press the brake pedal with your foot and remain in D gear. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: P gear: Parking gear. When the vehicle is completely stationary, press the unlock button at the front of the shift lever to engage P gear. R gear: Reverse gear. When the vehicle is completely stationary, press the brake pedal, press the unlock button at the front of the shift lever, engage R gear, and after releasing the brake pedal, slowly press the accelerator to move the vehicle backward. N gear: Neutral gear. You can directly shift from R or D gear to N gear. When shifting out of N gear, you need to press the brake pedal. D gear: Drive gear. You can directly shift from N gear to D gear. This gear is generally used when the vehicle is moving forward, and the system will automatically shift up or down based on engine load and speed.
I remember driving for decades, from the old Santana to today's automatic SUVs. When stopping at traffic lights, I always keep my foot on the brake while in D gear, and the car stays perfectly still. When the light turns green, I just release the brake and go—it's very convenient. Shifting to N gear too often is a hassle, especially with older cars where the gear lever is stiff. Doing it multiple times increases transmission wear, and starting up is sluggish. Unless the red light is exceptionally long, like waiting more than three minutes in heavy traffic, I don’t shift to N gear and engage the handbrake—just to give my foot a rest. In daily driving, safety comes first—no unnecessary maneuvers to avoid rolling or collisions. Developing good habits is good for both the car and the driver. I recall my driving instructor teaching me this back in the day.
