What is the correct way to stop at a red light with an automatic transmission?
1 Answers
When encountering a red light with an automatic transmission, the correct stopping methods are to shift into neutral and engage the handbrake, or to remain in D gear while applying the brakes. The neutral gear and handbrake method is suitable for situations where the light has just turned red or when there is a long remaining duration for the red light. Staying in D gear and applying the brakes is appropriate when the red light has about ten seconds left or during stop-and-go traffic, allowing for a prompt start without frequent gear changes. Automatic transmission vehicles automatically select the appropriate gear based on the car's speed and traffic conditions, adjusting the transmission according to the degree of accelerator pedal pressure and speed changes. The driver only needs to control the speed using the accelerator pedal.