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Should I leave an auto in neutral when stopped at traffic lights?
I have a Ford Kuga automatic. When stopped for a couple of minutes at traffic lights my habit is to put on the handbrake and select neutral. My adult son is adamant that leaving the car in 'drive' and applying the handbrake is a better choice. I'd worry that leaving the car in drive but using the handbrake might wear the clutch. What's your take on this?
Asked on 11 November 2022 by mungoh
Answered by
Lawrence Allan
The best practice here is not to leave the car in drive because it is trying to creep, straining against the handbrake, potentially causing increased gearbox wear and using more fuel. Personally I find it easiest to just put an automatic car straight into park when waiting longer than few seconds, but selecting neutral and using the handbrake is fine.
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