Motor Expo 2026

Not true! Because automatic transmissions in general cars are designed to be able to switch between different positions hundreds of thousands of times without the transmission breaking down. So, no matter how frequently you switch from D to N, the transmission can handle it comfortably. In cases where you are stuck at a red light for a long time, you should shift to neutral (N) every time and engage the handbrake. This is best.

"When stuck at a red light... we can shift to N at any time, and if you're unsure if the car will roll on an incline, just keep the handbrake engaged." In the case of keeping the gear in D while pressing the brake, whenever the air conditioner compressor cycles, the engine RPM will fluctuate due to idle speed compensation, resulting in increased engine torque (especially in diesel engines). At this moment, if we don't press the brake with enough force, the car has a chance to move forward and hit the car in front. In this case, changing the gear position from D to N and engaging the handbrake is probably the safest, and it also helps save fuel.

Is it true that frequently switching gears from D to N will cause the gearbox to break down quickly? If you think this way, change your mind. Car manufacturers design and test these components hundreds of thousands of times to ensure they won't have problems during actual use. Some old cars over 20 years old have never had their automatic transmission repaired even once. Therefore, if the transmission were to break down, it would likely be due to other reasons, such as abrupt acceleration, choosing a gear inappropriate for the speed, or not changing transmission fluid as scheduled.

In short, when stuck at a red light or on any road in the world, we can shift to N at any time, and if you're unsure if the car will roll on an incline, just keep the handbrake engaged. All of this depends on individual behavior, but above all, safety must be the primary consideration.

Cr. Column: They say so... is it true? FORMULA MAGAZINE April issue