What does the ECO display mean in an automatic transmission car?

[Mackenzie]

In an automatic transmission car, ECO stands for the economic driving mode function. 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 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. The Eco mode is categorized into active and non-active types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to enable it. When the driver presses the Eco mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately illuminates, 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 illuminates, it serves merely 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 utilize the active Eco driving mode, which means they have a dedicated switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, we can enable the Eco mode. 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 performance. Additionally, the Eco mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, the system prioritizes speed, causing the Eco mode to deactivate automatically. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, the Eco mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as during hill climbing, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the Eco mode will not function in such scenarios.

[Caroline]

When driving an automatic car, I often see the ECO light come on, indicating that the economy mode is activated. It mainly achieves fuel-saving effects by optimizing the working methods of the engine and transmission through the computer, such as making acceleration smoother, shifting gears earlier, and keeping the RPM lower, thereby reducing fuel consumption. It is particularly suitable for daily commuting or city driving, such as frequent stops and starts in traffic jams, where fuel consumption can be reduced by about 10%. I can save over a hundred yuan on fuel each month. However, occasionally, the acceleration might feel a bit slower, as if it's being restricted, so you can press a button to turn it off when driving on highways or needing quick acceleration. ECO also affects the air conditioning, which might not blow as strongly, but overall, it's quite practical. I recommend using it in combination with regular vehicle maintenance.

[ElisaLynn]

As an ordinary office worker, when the ECO indicator light comes on, I know the economy mode is at work. It is essentially designed for fuel savings, with the system automatically controlling throttle response, delaying acceleration, and making the gear shifting process smoother to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption increases. I find it most effective when driving in the city, especially during frequent stops at traffic lights or in traffic jams, where there's no need for rapid acceleration—comfortable and cost-saving, saving me dozens of yuan in fuel costs over a month. Activating ECO also reduces emissions, making it a bit more environmentally friendly, though sometimes I feel the power is a bit lacking, so I temporarily turn it off when climbing hills or overtaking. It's advisable to regularly check the engine and transmission to ensure the ECO system operates efficiently without affecting daily driving.

[Paul]

When the ECO indicator lights up, it means the automatic transmission vehicle has entered economy mode. It adjusts engine output and shift logic to save fuel by moderating acceleration and upshifting earlier, such as delivering gentler power response when pressing the accelerator. This can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10%, saving fuel while reducing emissions. I prefer driving with it enabled, ideal for commutes or traffic congestion, but note that acceleration performance may be slightly weaker. It can be easily turned off when necessary.