What is the correct way to use an automatic transmission when stopping at a red light?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission when stopping at a red light is the correct way to use: shift to neutral and pull the handbrake or shift to D gear and step on the brake. The method of shifting to neutral and pulling the handbrake is suitable when the red light has just turned on, or when the remaining time of the red light is long. The method of shifting to D gear and stepping on the brake is suitable when there are about ten seconds left for the red light, or when stopping while moving. This allows for a timely start and avoids frequent gear shifting. The automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms for shifting, which can automatically shift gears based on the degree of the accelerator pedal and changes in vehicle speed. The driver only needs to operate the accelerator pedal to control the speed, reducing manual operations for the driver.
When I first started learning to drive, I would stupidly stay in D gear at red lights without moving, which made my legs sore and numb, and I even worried if the car would break down. Later, an experienced driver taught me that the best way to handle red lights with an automatic transmission is to shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. This way, my foot could relax without constantly pressing the brake. He explained that staying in D gear for extended periods could wear out the transmission and cause overheating issues, while shifting to N gear avoids this. Now, I always do this at red lights, especially during long waits—it even saves a bit on fuel and makes the car more durable. After forming this habit, driving has become much more comfortable. New drivers, give it a try and avoid my early mistake—protect your car while staying comfortable yourself.
I drive to and from work every day, and waiting at red lights for dozens of seconds is common, so I've gotten used to shifting to Neutral (N) and pulling the handbrake when stopping. This saves fuel and effort. I didn't know this before and just kept pressing the brake, which resulted in slightly higher fuel consumption and exhausted my foot. The design of automatic transmissions is such that the engine keeps running when stopped in Drive (D), wasting fuel. Shifting to Neutral (N) allows the engine to idle, reducing fuel consumption and protecting the engine. It's also safe—the handbrake ensures the car doesn't roll, which is much better than shifting to Park (P), as P can damage the transmission in case of a rear-end collision. Sharing this tip—everyone driving in the city should pay attention. When the light turns green, start quickly to avoid affecting traffic.
