Should You Shift to Neutral When Stopping at Traffic Lights?

[McJuniper]

If you're waiting at a long red light, it's best to shift into neutral. Some vehicles use an automatic transmission with a torque converter (AT transmission), which connects to the engine via the torque converter. Below is an introduction to neutral gear: 1. Overview: Neutral gear typically refers to the state where the vehicle's gear lever is not engaged in any forward or reverse gear, completely disconnecting the transmission from the drive wheels. For manual transmissions, neutral is in the middle position, while for automatic transmissions, it is marked with an "N". 2. Caution: Coasting in neutral has long been considered a fuel-saving technique, especially among truck drivers who often turn off the engine and coast in neutral to save fuel. However, for cars with fuel-injected engines, coasting in neutral should be used with caution, and turning off the engine while coasting in neutral is not recommended.

[DiHeidi]

I often encounter this issue while driving. As a driver with ten years of experience, I rarely shift back to neutral when stopping at traffic lights, especially in urban areas. Safety is absolutely the top priority; keeping the gear in drive or D while firmly pressing the brake prevents the car from accidentally rolling. Imagine if someone suddenly rear-ends you or you accidentally release the brake—the car could lurch forward or roll, causing an accident. For manual transmission cars, shifting to neutral can give your left foot a rest during prolonged stops, but traffic lights usually only pause for a dozen seconds, making the action redundant. Automatic transmission cars are even simpler—just keep your foot on the brake. After forming this habit, I’ve had no incidents in ten years of driving, and it also reduces unnecessary wear on the transmission. There’s really no need to exhaust yourself just to save a few drops of fuel.

[SaraRose]

As a manual transmission driver, I've developed a set of habits through experience. For short stops at traffic lights (5-10 seconds), I usually just press the clutch without shifting gears. If stuck in traffic or stopping longer (e.g., over 30 seconds), I shift to neutral to relax my feet and avoid fatigue. Automatic transmission friends tell me they simply brake without worrying about gears - much simpler operation that's easier for beginners to learn. However, shifting to neutral requires ensuring environmental safety, especially on slopes or rainy days where keeping the brake pressed is crucial. Personally, I believe flexible handling suits different situations best, but mastering basic controls is more important for beginners to avoid panic. Occasionally trying different methods can reduce stress, but constantly shifting gears for short traffic light stops unnecessarily increases error risks.

[MacValeria]

I prioritize vehicle maintenance and often discuss with mechanics. Shifting to neutral at traffic lights for automatic transmission vehicles may accelerate gearbox wear due to frequent gear mechanism switching. When driving automatics, I keep it in D gear with light brake pressure for optimal system protection. Manual transmissions are less affected, but repeated clutch operations can also wear aging components. The minimal fuel savings from neutral gear are negligible; modern engines optimize idle automatically, with tests showing virtually unchanged fuel consumption during brief stops. I advocate minimal intervention to prevent malfunctions. Data shows increased accident risks from abnormal sliding. I recommend prioritizing safety standards for worry-free vehicle upkeep.