Automatic driving

[andydubz]

Genuine question here. What is the best to do when stopped at lights for long periods of time?
I'm only used to driving a new automatic with an electric handbrake and all the tech. So in the van is it:

1. Keep your foot on the brake while in D (no handbrake).
2. Put handbrake on while in D (doesn't feel nice this way as the van is trying to move forward).
3. Pop it in N and put handbrake on.
4. Other?

 

[Deaky]

1 or 3 but never 2

 

[Salty Spuds]

When in stop start traffic #1
If in long term stationary traffic, into P and hand brake.

 

[whodat]

I could do a search - but whilst you are all here, (I've never driven an auto), What is the difference between Park and Neutral?

 

[Srea064]

Park locks the gearbox, so holds the van still whilst stationary.

 

[andydubz]

I could do a search - but whilst you are all here, (I've never driven an auto), What is the difference between Park and Neutral?

And in modern autos Park will auto apply the handbrake. Neutral will let the car roll and you can manual apply the handbrake if needed.

 

[Lubrown]

Pretty sure my the handbook from my Golf (which has DSG, van is manual) says not to use neutral apart from in very limited cases.
I’m sure it said don’t do it at traffic lights.

 

[Badjamin]

My old mondeo was an auto. I just put foot on brake whilst in D when in traffic because if the car in front starts to do 3mph you just lift footbreak and the car will creep along with it. Longer than that just put it in P.

when moving the gear stick one notch locks the front wheels, there's not much point using handbrake so I always put in park just watch out for the little lurch when it 'rests' hehe

No point heaving on a rattling ratcheted lever to stretch a metal cable to apply brake pads to rear brake discs that can potentially stick if left longer than a few days after a downpour...

 

[Ali-G]

Please don't just sit with your foot on the brakes, especially in the dark.
I'm fed up with having my retinas lasered by people that do this, especially in modern vehicles with LED rear lights, total lack of consideration for those behind them.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Please don't just sit with your foot on the brakes, especially in the dark.
I'm fed up with having my retinas lasered by people that do this, especially in modern vehicles with LED rear lights, total lack of consideration for those behind them.

I think a lot of cars (possibly those with electric hand breaks) keep the brake lights on by themselves when stopped at traffic lights etc. I know our VW Touran does.

 

[Badjamin]

Please don't just sit with your foot on the brakes, especially in the dark.
I'm fed up with having my retinas lasered by people that do this, especially in modern vehicles with LED rear lights, total lack of consideration for those behind them.

I have used handbrake in the past for night queues to be fair. I can relate to burnt retinas

 

[Ali-G]

I think a lot of cars (possibly those with electric hand breaks) keep the brake lights on by themselves when stopped at traffic lights etc. I know our VW Touran does.

My Golf has an electric handbrake with auto-hold. The brake lights remain on when auto-hold is engaged but not when the handbrake is applied with the switch.
When I'm stopped I always leave the car in Drive but apply the handbrake manually with the switch, therefore avoiding dazzling drivers behind me.

 

[Sasquatch]

Please don't just sit with your foot on the brakes, especially in the dark.
I'm fed up with having my retinas lasered by people that do this, especially in modern vehicles with LED rear lights, total lack of consideration for those behind them.

As we get older our sensitivity shifts to the red end of the spectrum and it isn't nice.

You can get knocked off for this - its an offence to use vehicle lights in a manner that cause dazzle or discomfort to another road user and there is no exemption in the regs for brake lights, and just occasionally the odd driver does get fingered over it.

 

[Ali-G]

As we get older our sensitivity shifts to the red end of the spectrum and it isn't nice.

You can get knocked off for this - its an offence to use vehicle lights in a manner that cause dazzle or discomfort to another road user and there is no exemption in the regs for brake lights, and just occasionally the odd driver does get fingered over it.

You calling me old?

Another thing that p1sses me off is people driving with front fog lights on when it's not foggy because they think it makes them look cool.
AFAIK this is also illegal and probably covered by what you mention above, and alas doesn't seem to be enforced.

 

[andydubz]

From my 20s to my 30s I'm onboard with all the above. I'll consider myself old then

 

[Salty Spuds]

You calling me old?

Another thing that p1sses me off is people driving with front fog lights on when it's not foggy because they think it makes them look cool.
AFAIK this is also illegal and probably covered by what you mention above, and alas doesn't seem to be enforced.

Rear fogs when it’s clear are my pet hate. I do find that factory LEDs on full beam tend to get the message across though…

 

[Sasquatch]

A quick flash from my Laser grille lights makes them think they're driving in to a nuclear detonation.

 

[Ali-G]

Rear fogs when it’s clear are my pet hate.

Which in most modern vehicles means their fronts are on as well.
I've always thought that the fog light switch should be reversed so that the rears come on on the first click, and fronts on the second, might stop a lot of people driving round with fronts on then.

 

[Lubrown]

I think a lot of cars (possibly those with electric hand breaks) keep the brake lights on by themselves when stopped at traffic lights etc. I know our VW Touran does.

They do. It’s a fairly modern thing and no doubt to try and help the drivers behind that are staring at their phones rather than looking out the windscreen.
If people’s eyes are feeling bad from brake lights I’d suggest they need a rest rather than to carry on driving. I dislike bright lights but don’t find sitting behind vehicles with brake lights on is an issue.