What does ECO mean on an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
ECO in an automatic transmission car refers to the economic driving mode. ECO is an English abbreviation formed by combining Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The Eco mode is further divided into active Eco driving mode and non-active Eco driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economic mode has been activated. Eco mode can be 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. The non-active Eco mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light illuminates, it merely serves as a reminder function. The Eco system automatically evaluates 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. 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 negatively impact the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, the Eco mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car prioritizes speed, causing the Eco mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, the Eco mode may also become ineffective. When a high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the Eco mode will not function in such cases.
I often use the ECO button while driving, which stands for Economy Mode, designed to help us save fuel. After pressing ECO, the vehicle automatically adjusts engine output and transmission shift timing to make power delivery smoother, avoiding increased fuel consumption caused by rapid acceleration. I've tested it, and it can save 10%-15% on fuel costs on highways or during steady-speed driving, especially useful during urban commuting in traffic jams. However, the downside is that you may feel a lack of power when trying to overtake or climb hills. I usually only turn on ECO in smooth traffic conditions, otherwise, it affects the driving experience. In the long run, regular maintenance can maintain the ECO effect, such as engine optimization. This mode is quite practical.
