What does ECO mean in automatic transmission?
2 Answers
ECO in automatic transmission refers to the car's economical driving mode. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the words 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 light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economical mode has been activated. The Eco mode can be either active or passive. The difference lies in the fact that the active mode has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the Eco mode switch, the dashboard indicator light will immediately turn on, and the vehicle will automatically adjust 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 light on the dashboard illuminates, it serves only as a reminder function. The Eco mode will automatically assess 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 a dedicated switch button. In daily driving, we can generally activate the Eco mode. However, there is no need to enable it when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. In such cases, activating the Eco mode would not reflect its economical fuel-saving characteristics and could even impact the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, the Eco mode typically becomes ineffective under the following conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car prioritizes speed, and the Eco mode automatically deactivates. During idle parking or in N/P gear and manual mode, the Eco mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit will prioritize ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the Eco mode will not function.
I've driven automatic transmissions for ten years, and Eco mode is a real fuel-saving helper. Press that button, and the car seems to change its personality—the throttle becomes gentler, acceleration slows down a notch, the transmission shifts up early, and the engine runs lazily. Once on the highway with Eco mode on, I found the car roaring but not moving when trying to overtake, so I had to turn it off. It's quite suitable for city traffic jams, saving a lot on fuel. However, the air conditioning also weakens, which isn't great on hot days. If you want more responsive power, it's best to switch back to normal mode before hitting the highway.
