What is the correct method for stopping at a red light with an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
When encountering a red light with an automatic transmission, the stopping method is as follows: 1. For short red lights, you can simply press the brake pedal without shifting gears. 2. If the light has just turned red or the remaining time is long, shift to neutral (N). 3. Do not shift to Park (P) when waiting at a red light. Driving precautions for automatic transmissions are as follows: 1. Accelerate gently when starting; always start in Park (P) or Neutral (N), and avoid coasting in neutral. 2. Shift to Neutral (N) when waiting at a red light or briefly stopping, and shift to Park (P) when parking. 3. Do not shift into Park (P) while driving. 4. When reversing, ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into Reverse (R).
Having driven for decades, the correct way to stop at a red light with an automatic transmission is actually quite simple: slow down in advance when you see the red light, firmly press the brake to come to a complete stop, and then keep the gear in D while waiting for the green light. Don’t worry too much about transmission issues—modern vehicles are designed to handle this state, and holding the brake in D won’t cause overheating. However, if the red light lasts a long time, say over 30 seconds, I shift to N and engage the handbrake or footbrake, which reduces engine load, saves fuel, and improves comfort. The key is to make it a habit—avoid repeatedly shifting gears (e.g., into P) while stopped, as a rear-end collision could severely damage the transmission. Road safety comes first, so ensure any action doesn’t distract you from driving.
I usually pay great attention to energy conservation and emission reduction, and the correct way to handle automatic transmission at red lights significantly impacts fuel consumption. The best method is: after stopping at a red light by pressing the brake, immediately shift to N (Neutral) gear and engage the handbrake. This will slightly reduce the engine RPM, saving some fuel. Many new cars now come with auto start-stop functionality. If this feature is activated, simply press the brake, and the vehicle will automatically shut off. Upon pressing the accelerator at a green light, it will automatically restart, offering convenience and environmental friendliness. However, remember that safety comes first—avoid shifting gears on slopes or in congested areas to prevent rolling or rear-end collisions. Adopting this habit will help maintain better vehicle condition—just a small trick.
