Should You Use P or N Gear When Stuck in Traffic?

[StArya]

Use N gear when stuck in traffic. Automatic transmission gear shifting: Automatic transmission vehicles have protection and interlock mechanisms for gear shifting. Accidentally shifting from D gear to R gear or P gear while driving can be dangerous. However, you can freely switch between D gear and N gear, even while driving. Avoid coasting in neutral: Coasting in neutral with an automatic transmission vehicle does not save fuel. Prolonged coasting in neutral can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the automatic transmission, which not only increases friction and reduces lubrication effectiveness but also damages the friction plates inside the automatic transmission.

[OCameron]

I've been driving for ten years, and during traffic jams, people often ask whether to shift to P or N gear. I think it mainly depends on how long the traffic is at a standstill. If I'm stopped for a few minutes without moving, I'll shift to N gear and engage the handbrake because N is neutral, allowing the wheels to move freely. In case of a rear-end collision, the transmission won't be damaged. P gear is for parking—it locks the wheels, making them prone to damage in a collision, and repairs can be extremely costly. Keeping it in D gear while holding the foot brake is also an option, but over time, it can strain your foot, waste fuel, and risk overheating the transmission. N gear is worry-free, energy-efficient, and helps reduce fuel consumption—just make it a habit. For short stops, like at a red light for a few seconds, staying in D gear with the brake pressed is fine—no need to constantly shift. The key is to prioritize safety to avoid unexpected damage.

[SanAxel]

As someone who prioritizes vehicle maintenance, I recommend shifting to Neutral (N) gear during traffic jams for optimal efficiency. In automatic transmission design, Park (P) is intended for leaving the vehicle, while using P during daily traffic congestion may cause rear-end collisions and damage the transmission system, potentially costing thousands in repairs. Keeping the car in Drive (D) while holding the brake for extended periods increases engine load, fuel consumption, and accelerates wear. Shifting to N allows the engine to idle, improving fuel economy – tests show saving a bit of fuel even during two-minute stops, which adds up significantly over time. Additionally, N gear gives the transmission a rest, cooling components and extending lifespan, especially crucial during hot summers to prevent overheating. For brief stops, remain in D, but for pauses exceeding thirty seconds, using N with the handbrake proves both economical and safe. Since adopting this habit, my vehicle has remained trouble-free for years.

[SadieLee]

When I was learning to drive, my coach repeatedly reminded me that in traffic jams, I should shift to N (Neutral) and avoid P (Park). P is for parking and locking the wheels; if you shift to P in a traffic jam and get rear-ended, the transmission could be directly damaged. Keeping it in D (Drive) and stepping on the brake for a short time is fine, but for longer stops, shifting to N is more convenient. The practical operation is simple: stop the car by stepping on the brake, shift to N, and engage the handbrake—this keeps the wheels free and avoids damage. When I first drove on the highway and got stuck in traffic, I kept it in D and my foot got exhausted; switching to N made it much easier. Remember the basic principle: P is only for complete stops and turning off the engine, while N is the right choice in traffic jams to avoid extra problems.