Should You Shift to Neutral at Traffic Lights in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
When waiting at traffic lights in an automatic car, it is advisable to shift to neutral (N) and engage the handbrake for added safety. Using N gear with the handbrake can also save fuel, as the passive wheel in the transmission is in an idling state, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Avoid shifting to P (Park) while waiting at traffic lights, as shifting from P to D (Drive) may cause the car to reverse, potentially disrupting traffic behind you and increasing the risk of a rear-end collision, for which you may bear some responsibility. Similarly, keeping the car in D gear with the foot brake applied is not ideal, as the fixed connection between the engine and the transmission's passive wheel creates a counterforce on the driving wheel, increasing the engine's load. This can be understood as hindering the engine's operation, prompting the ECU to increase fuel injection, leading to higher fuel consumption. Shifting Precautions: Do not press the accelerator pedal while shifting gears; avoid immediately pressing the accelerator pedal hard after shifting; the engine can only be started in P or N gear; to move the gear lever out of P, the brake must be pressed; do not shift to N while driving to coast; never shift to P while the car is moving; when changing direction between D and R, ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting; placing the gear in N while driving prevents normal fuel supply for lubrication, which can raise the temperature of internal transmission components and cause damage.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, my experience is whether to shift to neutral at traffic lights depends on the situation. For short red lights, say within 20-30 seconds, I generally stay in D gear and just hold the brake, which allows for quicker and more convenient starts. But when encountering long red lights or during summer heatwave traffic jams, I prefer shifting to N gear and engaging the handbrake to prevent transmission overheating and wear. I once heard from a mechanic that prolonged braking in D gear increases transmission load and may affect its lifespan. Nowadays, many new cars come with auto start-stop systems that automatically shut off the engine, eliminating gear-shifting concerns. I believe the key is adjusting habits based on actual conditions – driving steadily brings peace of mind.
