What Gear to Use When Waiting at a Traffic Light?

[LeAddyson]

When waiting at a traffic light: For automatic transmission vehicles, if the expected waiting time is less than 30 seconds, keep the gear in D and use the foot brake; if the expected waiting time is more than 30 seconds, shift to N and use the handbrake; if the expected waiting time exceeds 2 minutes, shift to N, use the handbrake, and turn off the engine. Below are related details: 1. For manual transmission vehicles during short waits, press the clutch and brake fully in first gear; for longer waits, shift to neutral and use the handbrake. If the stopping time is short, the gear lever can remain in D, and only the foot brake pedal needs to be pressed—lifting the foot will allow the vehicle to start moving again. 2. For slightly longer waits, the gear lever can still be kept in D, but avoid following too closely, and use both the foot brake and handbrake to prevent contact with the vehicle ahead. For extended waits, shift the gear lever to N and use the handbrake to reduce driver fatigue and prevent ATF (automatic transmission fluid) from overheating, which could affect its quality.