noob question, first auto I have ever drove, im one month in and wondered:

at long waits at lights do I change to neutral or stay in drive, can one or the other wear the box out faster?
im guessing its an rtm fault im having

stan I have searched, however I only find problem gearboxes

Some help from the ROSPA website, which does say the following.

Quote:

When stationary in traffic, even for many minutes, it is not necessary to move the gear lever into neutral because the torque converter absorbs the engine’s propulsion force but does not transmit it all to the gearbox. No wear is taking place. In fact, more wear will take place if you engage neutral then engage a drive gear when it is possible to move off. Most gearboxes will automatically select first gear when the vehicle becomes stationary.

that's exactly what I needed, thanks very much

Hmmm, I am pretty certain my TD6 ('02) stays in gear when stationary, whilst my Audi will drop out of gear ('04).

I prefer to go to Neutral when stationary as the TD6 starts to vibrate a bit, "telling me" something is straining somewhere.

Also, if you don't put your handbrake on, you are not really "stopped".

Many discussions on forum about this, lots stay in drive at traffic lights, some go to Neutral or Park. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

I have been feeling the strain/vibrate, that's the reason I ask, don't want to kill the gearbox.

I've always switched to park and applied handbrake when stopping in traffic.. for safety and thinking I was prolonging the gearbox..

SWMBO says that the drivers manual recommends selecting neutral or park if stationary for more than 30 seconds. I haven't read it myself and I don't bother though.

Handbrake on and drive for me, unless it's a long stop, thn I'll put it in park and watch BBC news 
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Neutral every time, either with hand or footbrake applied -

Furthermore, on long descents, pop the gearbox over to "sport" to knock it out of top gear - it'll save your brakes -

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

From Owners Manual ('02)

Page 123 Fuel Economy:

"When stationary in traffic, select neutral ('N') to improve fuel economy and air conditioning performance"

Page 134 Using Automatic Gearbox:

"DO NOT allow the vehicle to remain stationary for any length of time with a drive gear selected and the engine running
(always select 'N' if the engine is to idle for a prolonged period)"

Nuff said  .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

its a judgement call with me.. in fast moving junctions i leave it in drive but at roadworks or slow junctions its into park... ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

I shift into neutral as my handbrake is sh**te!!

Neutral and footbrake if its a quick stop, or Neutral and handbrake.

I try and read the road a bit, so can sometimes roll up as the traffic moves and end up not having to actually come to a full stop. Can't do this all the time, obviously.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

I never use Park unless parking. Using Park mean going through Reverse which may flick on rev lights or worse. On TD6 Neutral is always a good bet. TDV8 & V8 are OK in gear for short stops but Neutral for longer stops.

Neutral/Handbrake for me if I think I'm going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds. Otherwise I'll leave it in D with handbrake.