If you're in 5th gear and arrive at red light do you downshift into neutral or push on the brake pedal?

Question

then when it's green push the gas pedal

Answer 1

To maintain full control of a vehicle under all conditions you should NEVER select neutral on the move. This is coasting, and leaves you no where to go if the situation changes suddenly. If slowing in normal running you should always select the next anticipated gear and engage the clutch to keep drive to the wheels, this will assist breaking and gives plenty of acceleration when the traffic picks up. If closely approaching traffic lights and they change there is not always a lot of time, and in any case you are unlikely to see them immediately change again. It is better to break, leaving the clutch and gears engaged, as engine breaking will initially assist when you release the gas. Obviously in a high gear you will need to declutch early, or you will bring the engine to a stall. You should simply stop and then select neutral if you may be in for a wait. If you know this particular set of lights is short timed, it is acceptable to select first gear while waiting.  

Answer 2

If you are in 5th gear and are stopping for a red light.

You had better get your feet down on the brake and the clutch.

If it is a panic stop keep both hands on the steering wheel, because you will need them there.

After you stop then if it is an option (after all you may have hit something in the process and be unconscious) then you can worry about what gear to put it into or if you should put it in neutral and wait for a green light.

Answer 3

The easiest way is to shift into neutral and then apply the brake accordingly.  It will save the wear and tear on your clutch from holding it in.