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, you should keep the car in D gear. If the red light is expected to last for a longer duration, you can shift to N gear. An automatic transmission typically refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the control system of the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and manual gear-shifting operations. The automatic transmission uses a planetary gear mechanism to change gears automatically according to the degree of the accelerator pedal and changes in vehicle speed. The driver only needs to control the speed by operating the accelerator pedal. Generally, an automatic transmission has six gears: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low).
I've been driving for many years and have the habit of shifting to neutral at red lights, especially when waiting for a long time. This allows the engine to rest, prevents the transmission from overheating, and saves a bit of fuel. On flat ground, you can also just step on the brake, but shifting to neutral plus using the handbrake is safer to prevent rolling. I've seen many fellow drivers waiting in D gear for extended periods, with the engine constantly humming, which can accelerate component wear. For short red lights, I don't bother changing gears—just stepping on the brake is more convenient. Remember, safety first: always use the handbrake on slopes and don't be careless. Developing good habits is beneficial for your vehicle's lifespan.
