Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in when waiting at a red light?
2 Answers
Which gear an automatic transmission car should be in when waiting at a red light depends on the duration of the wait. If the wait is short, you can stay in D (Drive) gear without shifting, just by holding the brake pedal. For longer waits, you can shift to N (Neutral) gear and engage the handbrake. If on a slope, you can shift to P (Park) gear and hold the brake. Automatic transmission means the driver doesn't need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. Typically, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. P stands for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive, S for Sport mode, and L for Low gear.
I've been driving for over thirty years, from old models to new ones. When it comes to shifting gears at a red light, there are some things to pay attention to. Don't shift into P (Park), because if you get rear-ended, your transmission could get stuck and be ruined, and repairs could cost thousands or even tens of thousands. The best option is to shift into N (Neutral) and keep your foot firmly on the brake—no issues at all. For short waits of just a few seconds, staying in D (Drive) with your foot on the brake is the easiest. For long red lights over half a minute, shifting into N lets the transmission rest, reducing wear and extending its lifespan. Pay attention in daily driving—frequent gear shifts at city red lights are no problem, and developing good habits puts safety first, preventing accidents and protecting your car. Cars with Auto Hold function are even more convenient—just press a button to hold the brake, saving effort.
