Should You Shift to P or N Gear at a Red Light with an Automatic Transmission?
1 Answers
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, it is recommended to shift to N gear, and you can also engage the handbrake if the wait is longer. There is no issue with shifting to N gear for short durations at a red light, but leaving it in N gear for extended periods can damage the car, especially the transmission. The reasons for not recommending shifting to P gear at a red light are: 1. Shifting to P gear without engaging the handbrake can cause damage to certain components; 2. The process of starting from P gear is cumbersome; 3. Frequently shifting to P gear can cause gear grinding in the automatic transmission, damaging the transmission bearings. The correct practice at a red light is: press the brake, shift to N gear, and when the light turns green, shift to D gear to start driving.