Automatics - what gear should I use at the traffic lights? | Ask Honest John

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Automatics - what gear should I use at the traffic lights?

What's the best gear to use on an automatic when stopped at traffic lights? I drive a 2006 Jaguar XJ and generally use 'D'. I used to use 'N' and apply the electric handbrake but have now switched to 'D' and use the footbrake. Which is best?

Asked on 28 January 2014 by ThePI

Answered by Honest John

Sit in D with your foot on the brake and you not only blind the driver behind with your brakelights you leave the transmission churning against the brakes and that is not good for it.

Best change to N, but only use the electric parking brake if the car is likely to roll. Don't bother if the car doesn't move. These electric braking systems are suffering quite heavy wear from the aggressive way they release, necessitating frequent rear pad, disc and even calliper/motor replacement.

Tags: automatics technical issues

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