Which gear should the car be in when waiting at a traffic light?
2 Answers
Here are the gears to engage when waiting at a traffic light for both manual and automatic transmission vehicles: 1. Manual transmission models: When waiting at a traffic light, always shift to neutral and press the brake or engage the handbrake. 2. Automatic transmission models: (1) If the wait is short: Keep the gear in D (Drive) and press the brake. The advantage of this is convenience—when the light turns green, simply release the brake and press the accelerator to move forward, making it straightforward and easy. (2) If the wait is longer: If the wait exceeds one minute, shift to N (Neutral) and press the brake or engage the handbrake. Here are some precautions after shifting to neutral: When shifting to neutral, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, as this allows your foot to relax without needing to continuously press the brake. After shifting to neutral, always engage the handbrake or press the brake, as the car's driveshaft is no longer restricted, and any external force could cause the vehicle to move. This is especially dangerous on slopes, where inertia can easily cause the car to move, leading to accidents.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I find it most appropriate to shift into neutral when stopping at pedestrian crosswalk traffic lights. For automatic transmission vehicles, simply shift to N (Neutral), while manual transmissions can be directly pushed into neutral. This allows both feet to fully relax, reducing driving fatigue. Although keeping the foot on the brake in D (Drive) allows for quicker starts, prolonged use can lead to transmission overheating and wear, ultimately affecting the vehicle's lifespan. The duration of the red light is crucial: short red lights are convenient in D, but for long red lights, always shift to N for fuel efficiency and safety. I've encountered several rolling incidents caused by improper gear shifting by novices. Now, I've developed the habit of checking the gear every time I stop, ensuring the car is securely parked before moving. Proper gear shifting isn't just about convenience; it also saves fuel costs and extends the lifespan of vehicle components.
