Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
When waiting at a red light with an automatic transmission car, if the expected waiting time is within 20 seconds, you can use D gear with foot brake. For traffic jams or waiting times exceeding 30 seconds, use N gear with hand brake. Below is relevant information about the N gear in cars: 1. Main purpose: In automatic transmission models, engaging the N gear interrupts power transmission, which is similar to shifting to neutral in manual transmissions, but there are some differences. 2. Precautions: Automatic transmission cars should not coast in neutral under normal circumstances, as it is not only unsafe but can also lead to insufficient lubrication of gears and other components due to inadequate oil supply from the transmission oil pump, potentially damaging the transmission.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I often commute with an automatic transmission. When encountering red lights, I prefer keeping the gear in D mode—just stepping on the brake does the trick, and releasing it to accelerate when the light turns green is super convenient without any delay. Shifting to N might let the engine rest and save some fuel, but frequent gear changes during short stops are troublesome, and the risk of rolling on slopes adds danger. Many modern cars now come with auto start-stop systems that shut off the engine at stops and restart instantly when the light turns green, saving fuel and being eco-friendly. For prolonged traffic jams or red lights, I switch to N or P to reduce engine strain and extend transmission life. Safety always comes first—avoid unnecessary gear shifts to prevent accidents.
