Should You Shift to N or Keep in D When Waiting at a Red Light with an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
Shift to N gear when waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission. Here are specific details about automatic transmissions: 1. Starting and Initial Movement: When starting the engine of an automatic transmission car, the gear selector must be placed in the P or N position, and the handbrake must be engaged or the brake pedal depressed. 2. Driving on Flat Roads: While driving, the gear selector can be placed in the D position, and the transmission will automatically shift gears based on throttle input and vehicle speed. It is not the case that 'simply increasing the throttle opening from a D start will automatically shift to higher gears.' For novice drivers, the recommended technique is to ease off the throttle to prompt an upshift once the vehicle reaches a certain speed, and to press the throttle to prompt a downshift. 3. Driving on Slopes: For minor slopes, the D position can be used with the accelerator and brake pedals to control the vehicle's speed uphill and downhill. For longer or steeper slopes, novice drivers should shift the gear selector from D to S or L position.
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, I tend to decide whether to shift to N (Neutral) or stay in D (Drive) based on the duration of the stop. From my driving experience, if it's a short red light—say 20 to 30 seconds—I'll just keep it in D, hold the brake, and stay relaxed. This way, I can accelerate immediately when the light turns green without disrupting traffic flow. For longer stops, like over a minute, or during scorching summer days, I switch to N. That's because in D, the engine has slight vibrations, and the transmission is still engaged, which might increase wear over time. Shifting to Neutral reduces these burdens. Fuel efficiency is another consideration—idling in N saves more fuel, but modern cars come with auto start-stop systems, so keeping it in D while braking can also conserve some fuel. Safety-wise, regardless of the gear, always ensure the brake is firmly pressed to prevent rolling. During daily commutes with frequent red lights, I often skip shifting to save energy—efficiency matters most. But if I notice the engine humming, that's my cue to shift to N. In short, flexibility is key—no rigid rules needed.
As a daily commuter in the city, I usually stay in Drive (D) gear at red lights for simple reasons: quick operation and convenience. Having driven automatic transmission cars for years, I frequently encounter 10-20 second red lights during rush hour. Shifting to Neutral (N) and back is too cumbersome and actually distracts from driving safety. Minor engine vibrations in D gear are normal, but transmissions are designed to handle brief stops without damage. Only for exceptionally long red lights (over two minutes) do I shift to N gear and engage the handbrake, letting the engine rest to prevent overheating. From a fuel efficiency perspective, short stops in D gear with brakes applied impose minimal engine load, showing no significant difference in fuel consumption. With numerous traffic lights in urban areas, I prefer keeping things simple to avoid complications. Remember: safety first—keep your foot on the brake until the light turns green, then accelerate smoothly for efficient and worry-free driving. I recommend beginners start with D gear until familiar with their vehicle before experimenting with N gear.
