What is the ECON function in cars?
2 Answers
The ECON in cars refers to the economy mode, with its full English name being ECONOMY. During vehicle operation, it comprehensively evaluates and analyzes factors affecting fuel consumption such as automatic transmission gear shifts, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit then calculates the optimal fuel quantity to supply the engine, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving modes. Simply put, it controls engine speed through appropriate gear selection to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. When the automatic transmission operates in economy mode, its shifting pattern ensures the engine frequently runs within the economical speed range during driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The name ECO is derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). ECO is commonly referred to as the economy mode (energy-saving mode). Some manufacturers may call it "ECON," but both can be understood as abbreviations for economy. ECO modes are divided into active and passive types: Active ECO mode has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the ECO mode button is pressed, the dashboard indicator lights up, and the vehicle automatically adjusts settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Passive ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator lights up, it serves as a reminder. The ECO system automatically evaluates driving behavior, and when the current driving operation achieves optimal fuel supply, the dashboard simultaneously displays the ECO indicator. Modern automatic transmissions are designed with different shift logics in the electronic control unit to meet various driving requirements and adapt to different road conditions. A mode selection switch is provided on the control panel, allowing drivers to choose the transmission control mode. Common automatic transmission control modes include the following: Standard Driving Mode (NORMAL): This is the most commonly used mode in cars. In this mode, all aspects of the car's performance are balanced, including fuel efficiency, quietness, and power. It achieves the optimal balance between fuel economy, quietness, and power performance, making it suitable for urban driving. All aspects of the car's performance are balanced, including fuel efficiency, quietness, and power. Power Mode (POWER): This control mode is designed to maximize the car's power performance. In this mode, the automatic transmission's shift pattern ensures the engine frequently operates within the high-power range during driving, thereby enhancing the car's power performance and climbing ability. Snow Mode (SNOW): Some automatic transmission models have a "snowflake" button near the gear shift lever, which is the snow mode activation button. It uses automated programming to make the transmission start in second gear, ensuring smoother and gentler torque output and reducing the likelihood of tire slippage on icy roads. Sport Mode (SPORT): The electronic control unit increases the engine speed to maintain sufficient torque and enhance power performance, though this consumes more fuel. It temporarily increases engine power for instant acceleration, essentially functioning as an acceleration gear, climbing gear, or overtaking gear. In sport mode, the engine speed rises sharply. Additionally, the high engine speed in sport mode can help clear carbon deposits from the engine. However, it should not be used continuously, as the transmission experiences increased load, higher temperatures, and accelerated wear in this mode.
I've driven a car with an ECON function before. It's just a button; when pressed, the vehicle automatically adjusts power output and the air conditioning system to save fuel. For example, the engine RPM decreases, the transmission shifts earlier, and the air conditioning cooling becomes weaker. It's especially suitable for driving in city traffic jams, saving some fuel costs and reducing emissions, which is environmentally friendly. However, the acceleration is slower, and overtaking isn't as satisfying. This feature is quite practical, especially for long-distance driving or when fuel prices are high. Just remember not to expect fast acceleration from it.
