What Gear Should an Automatic Transmission Be in at a Traffic Light?

[LaElliana]

When waiting at a traffic light in an automatic transmission car, if the expected wait time is within 20 seconds, you can use D gear with foot brake; if the wait time is more than 30 seconds due to traffic congestion, shift to N gear with hand brake; if the expected wait time exceeds 2 minutes, use N gear with hand brake and finally turn off the engine to reduce vehicle wear. Introduction to the automatic transmission gear positions: 1. P gear is the parking gear, also known as the parking position. 2. R is the reverse gear. 3. N is the neutral gear. 4. D is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear. 5. S or 2 gear represents sport mode. 6. L or 1 is the low gear, also known as 1st gear.

[LaAna]

When waiting at a red light, I choose the gear based on the waiting time. For short waits, like under 30 seconds, I simply keep it in D (Drive) gear while holding the brake – it's convenient and allows quick acceleration when the light changes. For waits exceeding 30 seconds, I shift to N (Neutral) gear and engage the handbrake to give the transmission a rest, preventing system overheating from prolonged D-gear braking, especially since my car is a few years old – this habit helps protect mechanical components. Some drivers shift to P (Park) gear, but I don't recommend it because if rear-ended, the locked transmission in P gear is prone to damage, and acceleration is slower too. Developing good driving habits like maintaining safe distances and staying ready to move is particularly useful in urban traffic congestion.

[DiRemington]

As an energy-conscious individual, I believe shifting to neutral (N) gear during prolonged stops at traffic lights is more beneficial, as it reduces engine load and consequently lowers fuel consumption. For short stops, keeping the transmission in drive (D) while braking is sufficient, but shifting to neutral for waits exceeding one or two minutes can save approximately 10% in fuel based on my measurements. This practice is both environmentally friendly and economical, preventing unnecessary energy waste. Of course, using park (P) gear is strongly discouraged—not only does it increase fuel consumption, but it also raises accident risks, such as delayed reaction time during rear-end collisions. After adjusting my driving habits, I've noticed not only fuel savings but also extended vehicle lifespan, provided smooth acceleration is maintained during starts.

[McKevin]

As a new driver, my instructor taught me to keep the automatic transmission in D gear and step on the brake at red lights for convenience and quick response—just accelerate when the light turns green. If waiting for over a minute, I shift to N gear and engage the handbrake to avoid foot fatigue and ensure safety. Initially, I worried it might be wrong, but now that I'm used to it, I find using D gear briefly works well. Shifting to P gear isn't suitable because it slows down the start and feels unsafe. After forming this habit, driving has become much smoother. I recommend new drivers start simple too, focusing on road conditions without distractions.

[RhettMarie]

From a safety perspective, when stopped at a red light, my first choice is to keep the car in D gear while holding the brake, ready to move at any moment to respond to emergencies. The second option is to shift to N gear while firmly applying the handbrake to prevent rolling. I absolutely avoid using P gear because in case of a rear-end collision, the locking mechanism could suffer severe damage, making rescue difficult. Modern cars come with an auto-hold feature that automatically locks the car in place, which I recommend enabling for peace of mind. I always check my surroundings to ensure there's enough space, and I'm extra cautious during heavy rain or on slopes, as preventing accidents is paramount.