What is the correct operation for an automatic transmission car when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
The correct operation for an automatic transmission car when waiting at a red light is as follows: 1. When the driver estimates that the red light will last no more than 30 seconds, they can simply keep the car in D (Drive) gear and hold the brake pedal. This operation does not impose any additional burden on the driver and will not cause wear to the transmission. 2. When the driver estimates that the red light will last more than 30 seconds or even longer, they can shift to N (Neutral) gear and engage the handbrake. If the vehicle is stationary for an extended period, shifting to N gear disconnects the engine from the transmission, relieving stress on the drive wheels and transmission. Engaging the handbrake allows the driver to relax temporarily.
Having driven for over thirty years, my experience with red lights tells me how to act based on their duration. For short red lights lasting around ten seconds, I usually keep the car in D gear while firmly pressing the brake, allowing me to move immediately when the light turns green without wasting time. However, for long red lights exceeding half a minute, such as during traffic jams or at large intersections, I shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, and turn off the engine to wait quietly. This prevents continuous pressure on the transmission, reducing wear and tear. I remember in my younger days when I didn’t pay attention to this, leading to frequent transmission issues as the car aged and costing me unnecessary expenses. Now, I save both fuel and repair costs. Developing this habit has actually made driving safer—my feet are more relaxed, reducing the chance of mistakes, and it also prevents the car from rolling on slopes. Small driving details add up and can extend a car’s lifespan by a decade or more.
