Which gear is best for an automatic car when waiting at a red light?

[CharlesAnn]

When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, the following gear options are available: 1. D gear, hold the brake: Quick start, brake light stays on, prolonged braking can cause foot fatigue, consumes more fuel, and may cause car vibration. Recommended for short stops (a few seconds). 2. Shift to P gear, engage the handbrake: Slower start, safest option. Shifting from D to P usually passes through R gear, causing the reverse light to flash briefly. Recommended for slightly longer stops (around a minute). 3. N gear, hold the brake: Moderate start, safe, brake light stays on, slightly better for the car compared to D gear with braking. Can be adopted.

[VonGage]

When waiting at a red light, my personal habit is to shift to Neutral (N) and then engage the handbrake or electronic brake. The reason is quite practical: safety first. Parking in P (Park) might sound reasonable, but if the car behind accidentally rear-ends you, the transmission's locking mechanism could get damaged, and repairs would be ridiculously expensive. Keeping it in D (Drive) and just stepping on the brake is also an option, but if the wait is long, the engine remains active, wasting fuel and heating up the transmission. For waits over 30 seconds, switching to N lets the car rest in neutral, making things much easier. On a related note, I’ve heard some drivers accidentally shift into P and end up with high repair costs after a collision—developing this good habit saves hassle and ensures safety. In city driving with frequent stops, using N more often reduces stress. Over time, this also minimizes wear and tear, keeping the car running smoother. In short, for long red lights, use N; for short ones, stay in D and brake.

[Seth]

From the perspective of fuel and cost savings, it's best to shift to Neutral (N) gear when waiting at a red light. When the car is in Drive (D) gear with the brake pressed, the engine is still struggling against the transmission, wasting fuel and increasing wear. Shifting to N gear reduces engine load, naturally lowering fuel consumption, especially noticeable when using air conditioning in summer. For red lights longer than 20 seconds, I shift to N and engage the handbrake—small savings add up to significant annual fuel cost reductions. Park (P) gear is even less suitable as it locks the transmission, making it difficult to move in emergencies. Modern automatic transmissions are designed this way; developing this habit protects your car and the environment. This economical driving method offers tangible benefits—give it a try to see for yourself.

[VonValerie]

When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission, simplicity and convenience are key. For short stops of just a few seconds, I usually stay in D gear and press the brake to avoid the hassle of shifting. For longer red lights, say over 15 seconds, I shift to N gear. Engaging the handbrake or electronic brake makes it effortless and stress-free. P gear is too cumbersome—accidentally engaging it locks the transmission, requiring readjustment when starting. The trick is to develop a rhythm: stop and brake, stay in D for short stops, shift to neutral for long ones. This saves time and effort without affecting traffic flow. A practical little habit that makes driving more efficient.