Can ECO Mode Be Used Frequently?

[SebastianLynn]

You can frequently use the ECO mode in your car. ECO mode, also known as economy mode, is particularly effective for fuel savings when driving in congested urban traffic. Under ECO mode, engine carbon buildup is roughly the same as in normal driving mode, so ECO mode can be left on continuously. The main principle of ECO mode is not complicated. It involves comprehensive judgment and analysis of factors affecting fuel consumption during driving, such as automatic transmission gear, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit calculates the optimal fuel amount to supply the engine, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving mode. Simply put, it controls engine speed with appropriate gear selection to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. ECO is an abbreviation, with its Chinese translation representing Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and passive ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economy mode is activated. ECO mode can be either active or passive. The difference lies in the fact that active ECO mode has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to enable it. When the driver presses the ECO mode button, the dashboard indicator light turns on, and the vehicle automatically adjusts settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Passive ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light turns on, it serves merely as a reminder. ECO mode automatically evaluates your driving behavior. If your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will display the ECO indicator light accordingly. Most vehicles use active ECO driving mode, meaning there is a dedicated switch button. Therefore, ECO mode can be enabled during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to activate ECO mode when driving over 120 km/h, during idling, in N/P gear, or in manual mode—especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not only fail to demonstrate the fuel-saving characteristics of ECO mode but also affect performance. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, the system prioritizes speed, causing ECO mode to deactivate automatically. During idling or when in N/P gear or manual mode, ECO mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes delivering sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and ECO mode will not function in such scenarios.