Driving Cars With Auto Transmission

[Arrods]

Although I have driven cars with auto transmission, this will be the first we have owned.

Does it harm the transmission if, when stationary for a while (e.g. traffic lights just changed to red), to keep it in drive with foot on the brake or is it better to go into neutral? And footbrake or hanbrake?

Is there a right and wrong way? Appreciate your help.

[Zacs-Master]

Just leave it in gear. It wouldn't be automatic if you had to mess with the gearstick.

[SlackAlice]

Just leave it in Auto, it'll be fine.

I always use 'handbrake' from force of habit. It does help to prevent unintentional 'creep' from the autobox. Must admit that people who use the footbrake annoy me especially at night when their Brake lights glare at me!

[ToraToraTora]

I usually leave it in D, it's an automatic, no need to mess about! Welcome to civilised driving, PS you've probably aready discovered this but drive wih 1 foot.

[Kathyan]

I always leave mine in gear. The only time I use the handbrake is when it's in park!

[TWR]

Foot on foot brake, no damage to the transmission.

[Paul22118]

Keep the selector in D for drive for your whole journey, no matter how long. If you are stationary for a 'prolonged' stop such as massive accident jam, then switch off or select P for park. But advised to be sensible and use handbrake when stationary rather than blind he following motorist with you high level brake light, unless stop is momentary.

[petegeoff]

There is some strain on the gearbox when stopped in gear except for very short periods. There is also a safety aspect as well. You take your foot off the brake by mistake and your car will move forward. Not good!