What are the pros and cons of ECO mode?
2 Answers
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of ECO mode: 1. Advantages: The biggest benefit of activating ECO mode in a car is fuel savings, which reduces vehicle operating costs. 2. Disadvantages: The vehicle may experience slightly insufficient power during driving, and prolonged use of ECO mode can increase engine carbon buildup. Below are two operation methods for ECO mode: 1. Button-activated: Pressing the button activates the energy-saving mode. 2. Screen prompts: Informs the driver whether the operation is fuel-efficient. Daily usage primarily involves the button method. After enabling ECO mode, even excessive pressing of the accelerator pedal will be controlled by the system to restrain fuel consumption. Under ECO mode, throttle response may feel less sensitive as it controls the engine and transmission to operate strictly in the most fuel-efficient manner, featuring rapid gear shifts and smooth acceleration.
The biggest advantage of ECO mode is, of course, fuel efficiency. When activated, the throttle response becomes less sensitive, acceleration isn't as aggressive, and fuel consumption can be reduced by 10% to 15%. I use it every day for my commute, and a full tank of gas can take me an extra 70-80 kilometers. However, the downsides are quite noticeable – the air conditioning cooling becomes weaker, and the steering feels too light. Last time it rained, I almost couldn't complete an overtake because the power was so restricted, which was frustrating. Now, I turn it off in advance when encountering slippery roads. By the way, prolonged use of ECO mode in some cars can lead to carbon buildup in the throttle body. I now take a highway drive every three months to clean out the carbon deposits.
