Which gear should I shift to when stopping at a traffic light?
3 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, it is generally recommended to shift into N gear, which is neutral, when waiting at a red light. Shift into neutral and then engage the handbrake, allowing the driver to relax for a while. If you keep the gear in D and press the brake pedal, the driver will become fatigued. Here is some related information about automatic transmissions: 1. Introduction: An automatic transmission, as the name suggests, does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, and L. 2. Automatic Principle: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, the more gears there are, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle becomes.
After driving for so many years, when it comes to stopping at traffic lights, I usually shift the gear to N and firmly pull up the handbrake. The main reason for doing this is safety and protecting the car. Although keeping it in D and stepping on the brake is convenient, if the traffic light is long, the transmission can easily overheat and cause wear, especially in summer or at congested intersections—even a two-minute stop can accelerate internal component fatigue. I've seen transmission issues in some older models caused by frequently stopping in D gear. Of course, on slopes, I prefer shifting to P for extra security to prevent rolling. Once you get used to this habit, starting up is also smoother—just release the handbrake and lightly press the accelerator without holding up traffic. If new drivers ask, I always recommend trying the N gear method—it's safe, fuel-efficient, and can save a lot on repair costs.
When driving an automatic transmission car for daily commuting, I always shift to neutral (N) and engage the handbrake when stopping at red lights. I choose this approach mainly to save fuel and protect the transmission. Keeping the car in drive (D) while braking increases engine load and fuel consumption, which is also not good for the engine, especially in urban areas with frequent red lights. I once compared and found that shifting to N saves about 1% in fuel consumption compared to staying in D and braking, which adds up to around ten dollars in fuel savings per month. Of course, for short red lights or temporary stops, I might stay in D and lightly brake for quicker starts, but for long red lights, I definitely shift to N. It's also important to regularly maintain the brake system to ensure the handbrake fully locks the wheels and prevents slipping, ensuring driving safety.
