Can ECO Mode Be Kept On for a Long Time?

[LaMatteo]

You can keep the ECO mode on all the time in your car. ECO mode, also known as Economy mode, is particularly effective in saving fuel when driving frequently in congested urban traffic conditions. Under ECO mode, the amount of carbon deposits in the engine is roughly the same as in normal operating mode, so ECO mode can be kept on continuously. The main principle of ECO mode is not complicated. It involves a comprehensive judgment and analysis of factors affecting fuel consumption during vehicle movement, such as automatic transmission gear position, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit calculates the appropriate amount of fuel to supply the engine for operation, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving mode. Simply put, it controls the engine speed with reasonable gear selection to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. ECO is an abbreviation, with its Chinese translation being Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and non-active ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard is illuminated, it means the vehicle's economy mode is activated. ECO mode is categorized into active and non-active types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has its own dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately turns on, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light is illuminated, it serves merely as a reminder function. ECO automatically evaluates your driving behavior. If your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most cars use the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. Therefore, ECO mode can be activated during daily driving, except when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or manual mode, especially when climbing hills. In these scenarios, activating ECO mode would not only fail to demonstrate its fuel-saving characteristics but also affect the vehicle's power. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car prioritizes speed, and ECO mode automatically deactivates. During idle parking or in N/P gear and manual mode, ECO mode may also become ineffective. When a high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine's computer prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and ECO mode will not operate.

[DeWillow]

I drive on highways all year round for deliveries, and the ECO mode is basically always on. This feature mainly saves fuel by limiting throttle response and adjusting shift timing, and you can clearly feel the drop in fuel consumption during long-distance driving. However, it's important to note that prolonged low-RPM driving may increase carbon deposits in the engine, especially in direct-injection engines. Every month, I deliberately turn off the ECO mode and drive a few trips on mountain roads to let the engine run at higher RPMs and clean out carbon deposits. Also, it's best to turn it off when fully loaded and climbing hills, otherwise, the power feels too sluggish. Regular maintenance checks on spark plugs and the throttle body are crucial, so using ECO mode long-term is generally fine with proper care.

[StEva]

From a technical perspective, the ECO mode can be enabled long-term, but usage scenarios should be considered. It achieves fuel savings by reducing throttle sensitivity, delaying gear shifts, and optimizing air conditioning power. Prolonged low-RPM operation may lead to engine carbon buildup, especially in urban congested areas. It's recommended to deactivate ECO mode and drive on highways for about half an hour every 2,000 kilometers to allow complete engine combustion. Under ECO mode, the transmission's gentle shifting over time results in more even clutch plate wear. However, drivers who frequently navigate mountainous roads should use it judiciously to avoid excessive gear changes by the transmission.