Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in during traffic jams?

[SanArthur]

During traffic jams, an automatic transmission car should be in D (Drive) gear. Automatic transmissions do not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears of an automatic transmission are as follows: 1. P (Park) is the parking and starting gear; 2. R (Reverse) is the reverse gear; 3. N (Neutral) is the neutral gear; 4. D (Drive) is the forward gear, also known as the driving gear; 5. L (Low) is the low gear; 6. S (Sport) is the sport mode; 7. OD (Overdrive) is the overdrive gear. The starting steps for an automatic transmission are: 1. Press the start button twice in succession, and the car's computer system will enter self-check mode; 2. Press the foot brake and press the start/stop button to ignite; 3. Release the foot brake to begin warming up the car in place; 4. Press the foot brake and release the handbrake, then shift the gear from P to D; 5. Slowly release the foot brake to start moving; 6. Press the accelerator smoothly according to road conditions to drive safely.

[AmaraDella]

In traffic jams, I think it's best to keep the car in D gear and lightly press the brake or enable the autohold function. This way, the car can still move slowly without getting completely stuck. However, don't keep pressing the brake continuously, as it can easily cause foot fatigue. If the traffic jam lasts particularly long, such as over a minute or two, it's better to shift to N gear and engage the electronic handbrake to give your legs and feet a rest. Many people prefer to shift to P gear, but that's actually not ideal. If the car behind fails to stop in time and rear-ends you, the transmission gears could be damaged, which isn't worth the risk. The key is to adjust according to the actual road conditions, keep your eyes on the road, and avoid getting distracted by using your phone.

[StOscar]

In stop-and-go traffic scenarios, I personally recommend primarily using the D gear along with the foot brake to stabilize the vehicle. This keeps the planetary gear set in the automatic transmission in a ready state, reducing clutch wear from frequent gear shifts. If the stop lasts more than 30 seconds, shifting to N gear and engaging the handbrake is more appropriate to avoid prolonged load on the drivetrain. Some cars come with an Eco mode—activating it during traffic jams makes the transmission more responsive and fuel-efficient. Never select P or R gear; the former risks locking the transmission, while the latter may cause unintended rolling due to misoperation. Always check dashboard prompts and avoid misuse of light signals. For safety, maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle ahead and keep your foot ready on the brake for emergencies.

[VanSavannah]

When driving an automatic transmission in traffic, I keep it in D gear and use the brake to control the distance, making short stops and starts more effortless. For longer stops, I shift to N gear and engage the handbrake to give my right foot a break. The key is not to shift into the wrong gear and cause an accident, so be flexible with gear changes based on road conditions. Safety first—stay focused and avoid negligence.

[VonIsabel]

When stuck in traffic with an automatic transmission, I find using Neutral (N) gear plus the handbrake most balanced. Although keeping it in Drive (D) is convenient, constantly pressing the brake not only tires your leg but also wastes fuel. Actual data comparison shows noticeably higher fuel consumption when staying in D gear during 10+ minutes of traffic. Neutral idling protects the transmission and saves fuel. Of course, frequent starts require switching back to D gear. The autohold function can help reduce brake pedal usage. Aftermarket handbrake systems must also be checked to ensure they don’t fail. Monitor the coolant temperature gauge to avoid overheating, and avoid max AC settings to reduce electrical load. Proper operation is crucial for extending your car’s lifespan.