Can the car ECO mode be kept on all the time?

[Gabrielle]

The car can keep the ECO mode on all the time. ECO mode, also known as the economy mode, is particularly effective for fuel saving when the vehicle frequently operates in congested urban traffic conditions. Under ECO mode, the amount of carbon deposits in the engine is roughly the same as in the normal operating mode, so the ECO mode can be kept on continuously. The main principle of the 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 be supplied to the engine for operation, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to the normal driving mode. Simply put, it controls the engine speed with reasonable gear positions to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. ECO is an abbreviation, with the Chinese translations being Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and passive ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator on the dashboard lights up, it means the vehicle's economy mode is activated. The ECO mode is divided into active and passive types, with the difference being 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 lights up, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. The passive ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the ECO indicator on the dashboard lights up, it serves only as a reminder function. The ECO mode automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator. Most cars use the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. Therefore, the ECO mode can be activated during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to activate the ECO mode when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not reflect the fuel-saving characteristics of the ECO mode and could also affect the vehicle's power. In addition, the ECO mode usually becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car will prioritize speed, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate. During idle parking or in N/P gear or manual mode, the ECO mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing hills, the engine's computer will prioritize ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not function either.

[JeffreyLee]

I've been driving for several years and always keep the ECO mode on, which I find quite practical. The ECO mode is designed for fuel efficiency, and it works perfectly fine for daily city commuting, significantly reducing fuel consumption, especially during traffic jams where the acceleration is smoother. However, don't think it's a cure-all. For instance, when you need to overtake on the highway or climb a steep slope, the ECO mode responds a bit slower, and the power isn't as robust. In such cases, you should turn it off, or it might drive you crazy. Occasionally, when I want to speed up or carry heavy loads uphill, I switch to the normal mode. Using ECO mode daily doesn't harm the car, and the engine won't be damaged—it just reduces some driving fun, but you get used to it. Remember to check tire pressure and engine oil regularly to keep the system in optimal condition. In short, unless you're after thrilling drives, keeping ECO mode on for daily commutes is fine—it's fuel-efficient and eco-friendly.