Should You Shift to P or N Gear at a Traffic Light?
2 Answers
Shift to N gear at a traffic light. Below is a detailed introduction to car gears: 1. R gear (Reverse gear): When this gear is engaged, the hydraulic system's reverse oil circuit is connected, causing the drive wheels to rotate in reverse for backward movement. Never force the shift into "R" gear when the vehicle is not completely stopped, as this may damage the transmission. 2. N gear (Neutral gear): When neutral is engaged, the planetary gear system idles without power output. 3. D gear (Drive gear): When the gearshift lever is in this position, the hydraulic control system automatically connects the corresponding forward gear oil circuit based on throttle opening and vehicle speed signals. It can automatically shift up or down with changing speeds, achieving automatic transmission functionality. 4. P gear (Parking gear): This uses a mechanical device to lock the rotating part of the car's tires, preventing the vehicle from moving.
Before, I always shifted to P (Park) gear when waiting at a red light, thinking it was the safest way to prevent the car from rolling. But later, a friend told me about his rear-end collision incident. His car was in P gear when hit from behind, and the transmission gears got jammed and damaged, costing thousands to repair—it still hurts to think about it. Since then, I’ve switched to N (Neutral) gear. N gear is the neutral position, allowing the car to move freely without transmitting impact to the internal transmission, making it safer. For long red lights or on slopes, I engage the handbrake to ensure stability. Remember, for short waits, just keep it in D (Drive) gear and hold the brake—it’s effortless and fine. Safety first—develop good habits to protect yourself and your car.
