Should You Shift to Neutral at Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
There are two scenarios when waiting at traffic lights: If the traffic light duration is relatively short, meaning the waiting time won't be too long, you can keep the car in D gear while pressing the brake to wait for the green light. If the traffic light duration is longer and requires an extended wait, you can shift the car into N gear and then engage the handbrake. This allows your foot to relax without needing to press the brake. When in N gear, the engine idles, and the passive wheel of the torque converter in the transmission also idles. This reduces resistance on the active wheel connected to the engine and decreases fuel injection, making it relatively more fuel-efficient.
I usually enjoy pondering mechanical principles while driving, and whether to shift into neutral (N) at traffic lights depends on the specific duration. For long red lights lasting one or two minutes, shifting into N can reduce transmission pressure and lower fuel consumption, as the engine maintains more stable RPM in neutral. However, many drivers prefer staying in drive (D) while holding the brake, believing it allows quicker starts. In reality, frequent gear shifts increase wear and tear. I recommend holding the brake for short red lights and shifting into N if the wait exceeds 30 seconds—this both protects the vehicle and saves fuel. Modern automatic transmissions are smartly designed, but it’s still important to adapt to traffic light patterns. Urban signal cycles are often predictable, so observing a few times helps develop a personal habit. Always remember to check brake pad conditions—safety should always come first.
