What is the correct procedure for an automatic transmission car at a red light?

[DiPaislee]

Automatic transmission cars have two methods when waiting at a red light: shifting to neutral and applying the handbrake, or staying in D gear while pressing the brake pedal. The neutral and handbrake method is suitable for situations where the light has just turned red or when the remaining red light duration is long. Shifting to neutral cuts off engine power, and applying the handbrake prevents the vehicle from moving, thus freeing the right foot from continuously pressing the brake. The D gear and brake method is suitable when the red light has about ten seconds left or in stop-and-go traffic, allowing for quick acceleration without frequent gear changes. Never shift to P gear when waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car. If you shift to P gear and the vehicle behind fails to react in time, causing a rear-end collision, the locking mechanism could be damaged, and in severe cases, the transmission could be rendered useless.