Should You Shift to Neutral (N) Gear at Red Lights with an Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, it is recommended to shift to Neutral (N) gear. The N gear serves as the vehicle's neutral position and is used for short stops. It should be engaged when parking the vehicle without turning off the engine. However, it's important to note that if the parking brake is not applied while in N gear, the vehicle may roll. Below is additional information about gear positions: 1. Coasting in Neutral: Coasting in neutral is not allowed for automatic transmission vehicles. There was a misconception that coasting in neutral could save fuel. However, with advancements in engine technology, most modern engines are electronically controlled fuel injection systems. These engines cut off fuel supply when the accelerator is not in use, but they continue to inject fuel when coasting in neutral. 2. Gear Positions: Automatic transmission vehicles typically have four main gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). Additionally, many automatic transmission models include other gear positions such as S (Sport), L (Low), and 2 (Second). S gear is for sport mode, while L and 2 are low-speed gears. L gear is equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission and is often used for downhill driving. The 2 gear allows switching between first and second gears and is commonly used for uphill driving.
Waiting at traffic lights is something I've experienced deeply. When stopping at an intersection in an automatic transmission car, I usually just keep it in D gear and press the brake, which allows for a quick start to avoid getting honked at when moving off. If the red light is only about 10 seconds, there's no need to fuss—keeping it in D is the most convenient. But for waits longer than 30 seconds, like those long lights in the city center, I consider shifting to N gear—it reduces stress on the transmission and prevents the torque converter from overheating. However, shifting gears requires pressing the brake first, moving the lever, and then shifting back to D when starting, which is a bit cumbersome and might confuse beginners. Don’t forget one thing: the risk of rear-end collisions. In D gear, the car won’t move, but in N gear, if you forget to press the brake, the car might roll and cause damage. In short, my habit is to keep it in D for short waits and shift to N for long waits, protecting the car and saving a bit of fuel.
When it comes to fuel consumption and environmental protection, I take them very seriously. Shifting to N gear at red lights allows the engine to relax a bit temporarily, reducing idle fuel consumption. Every drop of fuel saved counts as a contribution to environmental protection. Modern cars have optimized idle systems, so the difference between D and N gears is minimal. But based on my tests, shifting to N for stops over 30 seconds can save 1-2% fuel, which adds up in city traffic jams. Cars with auto start-stop are even better, automatically shutting off and shifting to neutral, resulting in fewer emissions. For short stops, staying in D gear has negligible impact on engine load. Developing eco-friendly habits is key—wasting less means contributing more to the planet. Try shifting to N and adjust based on your driving habits.
