What Gear Should an Automatic Transmission Car Be in When Waiting at a Red Light?
4 Answers
Automatic transmission cars should be in different gears when waiting at a red light depending on the specific situation: 1. If the red light is less than 30 seconds: Simply keep the brake pedal pressed; 2. If the red light lasts between 30 seconds and 1 minute: Shift to N (Neutral) gear; 3. If the red light exceeds 1 minute: Shift directly to P (Park) gear. Automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver doesn't need to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears of an automatic transmission car are: 1. P (Park) gear is specifically for parking; 2. R (Reverse) gear is for reversing; 3. N (Neutral) gear is the neutral position; 4. S (Sport) mode is for sporty driving; 5. L (Low) gear is for low-speed driving; 6. M (Manual) gear is the manual mode for semi-automatic vehicles.
When driving an automatic car, I usually keep it in D gear and firmly press the brake at red lights to hold the car still—it's safe and hassle-free. This avoids the risk of transmission damage from a potential rear-end collision if parked in P gear, and allows quick acceleration when the light turns green. With frequent red lights in city driving, this method is simple and effortless. For unusually long red lights over a minute, I occasionally shift to N gear and engage the handbrake for a brief rest. After adopting this habit, I've noticed less engine strain and slightly better fuel efficiency, saving a bit of gas each week. Ultimately, safety comes first—no need for unnecessary maneuvers.
As a long-distance driver, I usually shift to neutral and engage the handbrake at red lights. This is because keeping the transmission in drive (D) keeps it tense, slightly increasing fuel consumption. Shifting to neutral (N) allows the engine to relax, improving fuel efficiency. My experience shows that saving a little each red light adds up over time, benefiting both my wallet and the environment. For short red lights, I simply stay in drive (D) and hold the brake—quick and easy. For longer stops, I shift to neutral to prevent engine vibration or wear. Additionally, maintaining consistent habits reduces mistakes and avoids rushed starts.
After learning about car structures, I found that it's best to stay in D gear and press the brake when waiting at a red light. In an automatic transmission, the clutch is partially engaged in D gear, and brief operations while waiting don't cause wear; shifting to N gear disconnects the transmission, which is suitable for long stops. If you shift to P gear, locking the gears can lead to damage in case of a rear-end collision. It's recommended for beginners not to follow old methods, as modern car designs are matched with this habit. Keeping it simple is more convenient and safer.
