OP's question: Doing that is fine. Your engine isn't using any gas when in gear and your foot is off the gas.

It is ALWAYS safer to stay in gear when coming up to a light. It multiplies your options if another car enters that intersection dangerously.

As said above, you can be rear ended easier. Once stopped I'll actually put the front tires just over the white intersection marker and be completely off the pedals. I've gotten to the point where I'll check behind me ever ~5 secs to make sure in coming cars know I'm stopped.

 

The only option you would have if your in a drive gear (not reverse) is to go forward. How is that multiplying your options?

 

I don't think there is a definite right answer for this question, only opinions. There are pluses and minuses...


If you are a good driver, and downshifting and holding the correct RPM range comes easy to you, that's great. Some people are more likely to misshift, and I've heard horror stories of people going from 5th to 3rd (or 1st) and doing some serious damage.

My last car was the first manual car I've ever owned, I would usually put it into neutral and coast to a stop applying the brakes lightly. I think I was scared out of playing with the engine braking too much.. I'd rather replace the brakes then accidentally damage my engine. Again.. just me.

 

Out of gear you only have the option of slowing down. Its all chance, but you could save your life by punching it one day.

I love rev match downshifting. If you really want to keep the hurt off of your transmission, double clutch downshift. (Matches input/output shaft speeds in between shifts)

At lights in 45mph zones I'll even go 6th -> 4th -> 3rd -> 2nd.

It does put a bit more ware on the car, but it was built to be driven right? A downshifting VQ is sex in your ear aswell.

 

If i was u ill start using the brakes , ijs lol

 

well if you down shift right, you will not hurt your car in anyway. simple as that. we just got off topic beause i mentioned gas savings as well when you downshift and cruise to the light vs. a neutral roll.

 

^but im not asking about down shifting