What gear should an automatic transmission car use in stop-and-go traffic?
2 Answers
For automatic AT transmissions, you can engage the D (Drive) gear in stop-and-go traffic conditions. When you need to move, simply release the brake and press the accelerator. When stopping, just brake the vehicle and maintain the brake pressure. For automatic dual-clutch transmissions, you can shift into manual mode (1st gear). This prevents the transmission from frequently switching between 1st and 2nd gears, which can cause clutch overheating and reduce service life. For automatic CVT transmissions, you can use the D gear. When stopping in D gear, the driving pulley inside the transmission operates in idle mode, causing minimal impact. When stuck in traffic on a slope, you can gradually release the brake pedal to let the car creep forward at idle speed. Since the vehicle is on an incline, the idle speed will be slower than on flat ground - just wait patiently for the idle speed to build up. Remember to maintain a safe following distance.
Actually, with an automatic transmission in traffic jams, there's no need to shift gears frequently. I just keep it in D and control the speed with the brake—it's the easiest way. For red lights lasting over 30 seconds, I press the brake, engage the handbrake, and relax my right foot, which significantly reduces stress on the transmission. When the car in front starts moving, just release the handbrake and lightly tap the accelerator. Many people debate whether to shift to N, but unless you're sure you'll be stopped for over a minute, shifting back and forth can lead to mistakes and increase fuel consumption. Remember not to shift to P—if you get rear-ended, the transmission could be badly damaged.
