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I own a Nissan Avenir....old. Mainly used for inner city driving. Basically the ex insisted that I put the hand break on and put the car into park EVERY TIME there is a red light or a long stop in traffic. He insisted that it saves wear and tear on the foot breaks and is safer. I think this is misguided, the handbreak just wears out instead, as well as annoying and time consuming as the wait for light changes is sometimes pretty quick.
What is your opinion on best driving practice?

I’m on your side on this one. Moving the gear selector from ‘Park’ to ‘Drive’ consistently is only going to create more wear and tear on the transmission.

It only takes light foot brake pedal application to hold an automatic car at the lights etc.

You could use the handbrake at times when stopped on a steep incline but even then you would leave the auto selector in the ‘D’ position.