Should You Shift to Neutral When Waiting at a Red Light?
3 Answers
Whether to shift to neutral when waiting at a red light depends on the duration of the wait. For long red lights, it is recommended to shift into neutral; for short waits, shifting into neutral is unnecessary. Avoid shifting into park (P) when waiting at a red light, as a rear-end collision in this situation could potentially damage the transmission. Many modern car models are equipped with auto start-stop and auto hold functions, which work together seamlessly. When waiting at a red light, the engine automatically shuts off, and the car engages the parking brake. Upon pressing the accelerator lightly when the light turns green, the engine restarts while the parking brake automatically releases, allowing the car to move smoothly.
I've been driving an automatic transmission car for several years and have developed the habit of shifting to neutral at red lights. The reason is simple: if you keep it in D gear and step on the brake, the engine is still pulling the transmission to work, causing the car to shake slightly. Over time, your legs and feet can go numb, and fuel consumption increases slightly. After shifting to N gear, the engine's load is reduced, there's almost no vibration, and fuel consumption naturally decreases. I've calculated that waiting for a one-minute red light can save a few milliliters of fuel—every little bit adds up! In terms of safety, when in neutral, I always step firmly on the brake to prevent the car from rolling in case of a rear-end collision. For short red lights, I don't bother shifting and stay in D gear for convenience. Overall, this habit makes driving more comfortable and worry-free, and it also helps protect the engine's lifespan. I recommend beginners start with short red lights to develop this good habit.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I recommend always shifting to neutral at red lights. This allows the engine to relax, prevents transmission overheating and damage, and saves a bit of fuel. More importantly, it's safer: when in neutral, you must press the brake or engage the handbrake, otherwise the car may roll or lose control if hit. I once saw someone who didn't shift to neutral get rear-ended at a red light, causing their car to lurch forward and nearly cause an accident. For manual transmission cars, shifting to neutral protects the clutch by reducing wear, and it's the same for automatic transmissions—it reduces shaking and makes passengers more comfortable. Once you make it a habit, switching to neutral when stopping at a red light becomes effortless, saving resources and giving you peace of mind. Never be careless—safe driving should always come first!
