Should You Shift to N or P Gear at a Red Light?
2 Answers
Shifting to N gear at a red light and applying the handbrake can be relatively more fuel-efficient. This is because the passive wheel in the torque converter of the transmission is idling in this state, which does not increase the resistance of the active wheel connected to the engine. Without additional load, fuel consumption naturally does not increase. Relevant details are as follows: 1. It is not recommended to shift to P gear while waiting at a red light because when the vehicle is parked in P gear, a hook in the transmission locks onto the gear, creating mutual force between them. Over time, this can exacerbate wear and tear on the transmission. 2. Avoid common misconceptions when using automatic transmission vehicles: Do not keep the car in D gear for prolonged periods while parked. In traffic jams, some drivers of vehicles with automatic transmissions often only press the brake pedal while keeping the gear lever in D (drive gear) without shifting. If the stop is brief, this is acceptable. However, for longer stops, it is best to shift to N gear and engage the parking brake firmly.
With over a decade of driving experience, I've learned that it's best to shift to N (Neutral) gear and engage the handbrake at red lights. While using P (Park) gear might be convenient, there's a major risk: if you get rear-ended, the transmission's locking gear could be damaged directly, leading to terrifying repair costs. Keeping it in D (Drive) gear means your foot has to stay on the brake pedal, which can make your calf go numb during long red lights. That's why I always shift to N gear and engage the electronic handbrake—it keeps me safe and gives my feet a break. Especially for automatic transmission cars, high transmission temperatures can shorten their lifespan, so shifting to N gear allows the transmission to rest. For red lights longer than 30 seconds, I make it a habit—it's second nature now.
