When to Turn on ECO Mode?
2 Answers
ECO mode is used when you want to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. The ECO on a car refers to the economic driving mode, where ECO is an English abbreviation formed by combining Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The following introduces the energy-saving principles of ECO mode: 1. Different manufacturers may have different settings for ECO mode, but the basic principle is the same, which is to influence the driving characteristics of the vehicle by changing the computer program. The principle of active ECO mode mainly involves making comprehensive judgments and analyses during vehicle movement regarding factors that affect fuel consumption, such as automatic transmission gear position, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit calculates the optimal fuel quantity to provide to the engine for operation, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving mode. 2. After turning on ECO mode, the throttle opening corresponding to the same accelerator pedal depth becomes smaller (the accelerator becomes less responsive), the transmission shift logic leans more towards economy (shifting up earlier), and some vehicles may also adjust the air conditioning output power simultaneously. 3. After turning on ECO, the vehicle's ECU will limit the throttle and fuel injector, actively reducing the engine's output power, and the transmission response also slows down, favoring low-speed conditions to achieve fuel-saving effects.
Actually, the ECO mode is suitable for daily urban commuting. I often use it on my way to work, especially during morning and evening rush hours when traffic is heavy. The system automatically adjusts throttle response speed, reducing unnecessary sudden acceleration, and keeps engine RPM relatively smooth. However, it's worth noting that with ECO mode on, the air conditioning cooling performance weakens slightly, which might be uncomfortable during hot summer days. I turn it off when driving on highways or needing to overtake, as the slower acceleration can be unsafe. At first, you might not be used to the feeling of the 'heavier throttle,' but after a week of driving, you could save enough for a cup of milk tea.
