Shifting to Neutral at Stoplights Isn’t Saving You Gas—And Might Even Cost You More

Many drivers believe that shifting to neutral at stoplights saves fuel—a habit that seems sensible at first glance. After all, if the engine isn’t actively moving the car, it should be burning less fuel, right? Not exactly.

If fuel efficiency and vehicle health are your goals, it’s time to rethink this myth. Here’s why keeping your car in drive may actually be the safer—and smarter—choice.

The Myth of Fuel Savings

Many drivers swear by shifting to neutral at stoplights, claiming it saves gas. The logic seems sound – if the engine isn’t working to move the car, it must be using less fuel, right? Wrong.

Modern vehicles are designed to be incredibly efficient, even when idling in drive. Shifting to neutral can increase fuel consumption as the engine may need to work harder to maintain idle speed without the transmission’s assistance. 

So, if you’ve been religiously shifting to neutral at every red light, you might want to reconsider your strategy.

Wear & Tear on Your Transmission

Every time you shift gears, you’re subjecting your transmission to wear. While it might not seem like much, constantly shifting between drive and neutral can add up over time, potentially leading to premature transmission wear.

Automatic transmissions are designed to stay in the drive even when the vehicle is stopped. 

By frequently shifting to neutral, you’re disrupting this natural state and potentially causing unnecessary stress on your transmission components. Is the minimal perceived benefit worth the risk of costly repairs?

Safety Concerns

In an emergency, every second counts. When your car is in neutral, you lose the ability to accelerate if needed quickly. This could be crucial if you need to avoid a sudden hazard or move out of the way of an emergency vehicle.

Additionally, if you forget to shift back into drive when the light turns green, you might revive the engine without moving. 

This wastes fuel and could lead to a dangerous situation if other drivers aren’t expecting your delayed start.

What You Should Do Instead

So, if shifting to neutral isn’t the answer, what should you do at red lights?

The simplest solution is often the best – just keep your car in drive and your foot on the brake. This allows your vehicle to operate as designed and prepares you for any situation.

If you’re concerned about fuel efficiency, focus on other driving habits that have a more significant impact. 

Smooth acceleration, maintaining proper tire pressure, and reducing unnecessary idling are more effective ways to improve your fuel economy without risking damage to your vehicle.

The next time you’re tempted to shift to neutral at a red light, remember that sometimes the best action is no action. By keeping your car in drive, you’re ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity for your vehicle.

Isn’t it time you shifted your thinking to this common driving habit?