It is acceptable to frequently activate the ECO mode in a car. ECO mode, also known as Economy Mode, is particularly effective in saving fuel when driving in congested urban traffic conditions. Under ECO mode, the amount of carbon deposits produced by the engine is roughly the same as in normal operating mode, so the ECO mode can be kept on continuously. The primary principle of ECO mode is not overly complex. It involves a comprehensive analysis and judgment 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 optimal amount of fuel to supply the engine for operation, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving modes. Simply put, it controls the engine's 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 modes are further divided into active ECO driving mode and non-active ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it signifies that the vehicle's economy mode is activated. ECO modes are 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 turns on, it merely serves as a reminder function. ECO automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles employ the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, we can activate the ECO mode. However, it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, 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 but also compromise the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the system prioritizes speed considerations, causing the ECO mode to deactivate automatically. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, ECO may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as during hill climbing, the engine's computer prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not function in such scenarios.
