What does the ECO indicator on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The ECO indicator on the dashboard refers to the vehicle's driving in economy mode. When this switch is turned on, the vehicle operates in economy mode. ECO mode is divided into active and passive types, with the difference being 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 will illuminate, and the vehicle will automatically begin adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Principle of ECO mode: Once ECO mode is activated while driving, the vehicle's onboard computer will intervene, extracting and calculating data such as speed, RPM, and transmission to determine the optimal fuel amount for the engine to operate, ultimately achieving fuel savings.
When the ECO icon appears on the dashboard, it indicates the vehicle has entered the fuel-saving economy mode. As an experienced driver of many years, I often see it light up during city traffic jams. This mode allows the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently, consuming less fuel and saving money. Especially during steady-speed cruising or slow city driving, ECO automatically optimizes throttle response and shift points to reduce unnecessary acceleration waste. From personal experience, driving with ECO on a highway trip can save dozens of yuan in fuel costs compared to normal driving. However, note that acceleration may be slightly slower at times. If you're in a hurry or climbing hills, you can manually deactivate it; the button is usually located near the steering wheel or center console. Developing this habit not only saves money but also protects the environment by reducing exhaust emissions. Small changes add up over time, making it worth a try.
