Myths at the traffic light: should the gear shift be moved to neutral or park?
Seasoned drivers often claim a trick about stopping at a red light. They say that letting the automatic transmission sit in neutral or park at the moment the light turns red will help the system last longer. The idea is simple: offload the engine a bit, reduce load, and maybe extend the life of components tucked inside the gearbox. Yet practical experience and the careful word of engineers tell a different story.
At the moment the car is already at a standstill at a traffic light, the obvious temptation is to move the selector into neutral or park. Formerly, when automatic transmissions were still relatively new, such adjustments were common practice. The logic behind it was straightforward: by disengaging the transmission, the engine would not have to work as hard to stay running in place. In theory, this could save a little fuel and reduce wear on the drivetrain. But the real picture is not so neat, and there are real risks involved.
Experts emphasize that at modern traffic lights there is little to gain from shifting away from drive or park. In the past, drivers often switched to neutral to avoid engine load when parked briefly. However, this is no longer advisable for most vehicles. The reason is simple: contemporary transmissions and engine control units are designed to cope with frequent stops without requiring manual gear changes. Modern automatics already optimize engagement, lubrication, and torque distribution. Intervening manually can disrupt these finely tuned operations and, in some situations, create more risk than benefit.
Practitioners point out that the most justified case for using neutral might be when a vehicle must be held for a long period with the parking brake engaged and the engine off. In such a scenario, the gear selector in park can offer convenience and a stable lock for the wheels. Still, moving to neutral under normal conditions is not recommended. Shifting back and forth during a short stop can lead to unintended gear engagement, a momentary loss of control, or issues with the transmission’s clutches and valve bodies. In other words, what seems to save a little effort can introduce unnecessary wear or even faults later on.
For those who do not believe the guidance of engineers, the best course is to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Manufacturer notes are the authoritative source for what is safe for a specific model. It is essential to follow those instructions rather than rely on old habits or unverified anecdotes. The goal is reliability and the prevention of avoidable damage. The risk is not merely theoretical; improper use of the gear selector at a stop can result in gear disengagement, transmission slipping, or unexpected movement of the vehicle when the driver is not prepared to react. In daily use, the drivetrain is designed to handle many kinds of stops without requiring manual intervention at each light.
There can be a perceived benefit, but the evidence is mixed and the engineering consensus tends to be cautious. The interviewed technicians acknowledge that some stop scenarios might make neutral seem attractive, yet they also note that the potential payoff is small. The broader takeaway is simple: rely on the vehicle’s built in systems, and avoid frequent manual gear changes during ordinary stops unless a specific condition, like extreme engine heat or an unusual parking scenario, truly calls for it. More information and deeper explanations from experts and manufacturers are a useful resource for drivers who want to understand the nuances of their own car’s transmission behavior.
• “Driving” and related discussions are available in video formats, offering practical demonstrations and expert commentary. [Citation: Expert interview with a transmission specialist]