What gear should be in when waiting at a red light?
3 Answers
When waiting at a red light, you should shift to N or neutral. The steps for waiting at a red light are: 1. When you see the red light from a distance, gently press the brake to slow down; 2. When you reach the intersection with the red light, press the clutch all the way down; 3. While pressing the clutch all the way down, press the brake all the way down; 4. After the car stops, shift the gear to neutral and pull up the handbrake; 5. Release the clutch and brake, then wait for the red light. The steps for starting the car are: 1. Get in the car and sit properly; 2. Start the car; 3. Press the clutch and brake; 4. Release the handbrake and shift to first gear; 5. Slowly release the clutch; 6. Gently press the accelerator; 7. Fully release the clutch, and the car will start moving.
I always shift to neutral at red lights, especially in manual transmission cars, so I don't have to keep pressing the clutch or brake, which reduces leg fatigue. The same applies to automatic transmission cars - shifting to N gear saves fuel, reduces engine load, and extends transmission life. From my years of driving experience, this also prevents accidental rolling and maintains a safe distance. Of course, it's fine to press the brake for short red lights or traffic jams, but for longer stops, shifting is wiser. By the way, after developing this habit, I've saved significantly on fuel costs and it's more environmentally friendly. Practice this at every intersection and you'll find the overall driving experience more comfortable.
My driving principle is to prioritize environmental protection. I always shift to neutral or N gear when waiting at red lights. Idling doesn't reduce fuel consumption; it just wastes gas and increases carbon emissions. From an energy-saving perspective, shifting to neutral saves 0.5-1 liter per 100 kilometers. As a community member, this small action of mine can also reduce the burden on the environment. Although keeping an automatic transmission in D gear is convenient, the internal components continue to experience friction, whereas shifting to neutral instantly relieves the pressure. For manual transmissions, it's even simpler—just press the clutch and shift to neutral. Give it a try—it makes dealing with city red lights easier and can even save you a little money.
