Which gear is appropriate for automatic transmission at a red light?
3 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, when waiting at a red light, it is generally recommended to shift into the N gear, which is the neutral gear. Here is some relevant information: 1. Auto Hold function: However, if the vehicle is equipped with the ATUO-HOLD function (Auto Hold function), when the speed is 0, the vehicle will automatically apply the handbrake, so the driver does not need to perform any gear operation, and the vehicle will not move even if it is in the D gear. 2. Precautions: When the engine starts, the automatic transmission also has restrictions on the gear position. This is an adjustment made by the manufacturer for safety considerations. Generally, the engine can only be started when the gear lever is in the P or N position.
What gear should an automatic transmission be in at a red light? Having driven for decades myself, I always recommend staying in D (Drive) with your foot on the brake as the safest approach. This allows immediate acceleration when needed, reducing unexpected risks. Putting it in P (Park) is a serious mistake - if rear-ended, it could damage the parking pawl inside the transmission, with repairs costing thousands. Automatic transmissions are designed to handle brief stops in D gear without extra wear. In city driving with frequent traffic lights, there's no need to shift for short red lights. For longer stops (over one minute), I might consider shifting to N (Neutral) and using the parking brake to rest my foot, but must ensure the parking brake prevents rolling. Some drivers worry about fuel consumption in D gear, but engine idle consumption differs minimally between D and N - don't compromise safety for marginal fuel savings. New drivers especially should develop good habits, focusing on driving rather than unnecessary gear changes. Safety must always come first - avoid flashy maneuvers that increase accident risks.
When driving in the city and waiting at a red light, I always keep my automatic transmission car in D gear with the brake pressed. It's very convenient—once the light turns green, I can accelerate directly without wasting any time. Shifting gears frequently is tiring, especially during traffic jams with one red light after another. Putting it in N gear prevents the car from rolling forward, but you still have to shift back to D gear, which is troublesome. Never use P gear unless you're in a parking lot—if you get rear-ended, it could damage the transmission, leading to costly repairs. Some friends used to rest in P gear and ended up regretting it. Modern cars come with smart features like automatic start-stop systems that shut off the engine at red lights, saving fuel and being more eco-friendly. For daily driving, D gear is the most hassle-free—don’t overcomplicate things. At red lights, just listen to music or chat to relax. Once you get used to this habit, driving becomes much more comfortable—don’t stress over minor details.
