Nowadays, cars may be designed to include dynamic driving modes that allow your car’s computer to alter its mechanical output based on your driving needs. These modes are often named something like “sport,” “snow” or “eco.”
While something like snow mode is fairly self-explanatory, what does “eco” mean in a car? Simply put, eco is short for “economical,” and this driving mode prioritizes fuel efficiency over performance.
But how does eco mode change how your car drives, and when should you use it? Let’s learn more.
The purpose of eco mode, or “economical mode,” is to improve your car’s fuel economy as you drive. You can switch eco mode on and off by simply pressing a button that you can find near the steering wheel.
Eco mode enhances energy efficiency by limiting the engine’s output as well as air conditioning.
What is ECO Mode?
Eco mode is one of 6 basic driving modes equipped on cars. Eco mode can automatically control fuel economy when driving and stopping, helping to improve fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Currently, modern cars, especially electric cars, all are equipped with Eco modes with outstanding performance. The term “Eco Mode” actually stands for the economical mode in the car.
With its button on the left of the steering wheel, its function is to alter certain features of the car mechanically. It is mainly used while driving so that maximum miles can be covered with a gallon of gas or a liter of fuel.
Technically, it inhibits the performance of transmission and engine, by reducing the throttle response in favor of fuel economy. Consequently, the acceleration of the vehicle becomes less responsive and leads to less fuel consumption.
What does eCO mode do?
A car’s eco mode is designed to improve fuel efficiency by temporarily reducing how much energy is used by your car’s engine.
While driving with this setting could help you save money on gas, the car may feel a little different when you’re behind the wheel.
Typically, eco mode lowers a car’s agility and response time in favor of a smoother, more fuel-efficient drive. Here are some of the mechanical changes eco mode might make:
- Throttle response: Eco mode may reduce how reactive your gas pedal is to pressure, which might desensitize your car’s throttle to sudden inputs. As a driver, you may feel that your car generally performs a little smoother but accelerates more slowly.
- Transmission mapping: In eco mode, your car may adjust how often it switches gears to focus on stability and fuel efficiency. You might hear differences in your engine as it revs between gear shifts compared to how it normally does.
- Electrical output: In eco mode, your car may restrict how much power is delivered to your car’s electrical components including air conditioning, heating and ADAS features like cruise control. As a driver, you might notice your air conditioner blowing harder intermittently, rather than consistently, from your car to save power.
When to use eCO mode
Eco Mode should be used for vehicles driving at low or moderate speeds. For instance, going on a drive to get a coffee, taking a trip to the park, or any drive at low speeds are perfect conditions for using eco mode.
On that note, eco mode isn’t suitable for drives across town or any long-distance driving. So if you need to go on a long trip and save your gas somehow, eco mode isn’t the best option for those drives.
advantages of eCO mode
- Improved fuel economy: Depending on the make and model of your car, your driving habits, and driving environment, you may use less gas and get more miles per gallon when using eco mode correctly.
- Fewer harmful emissions: A decrease in fuel consumption also means your car won’t emit as many toxic chemicals into the air.
- Less pressure on the car’s engine and battery: When you switch eco mode on, the engine doesn’t work as hard and decreases the demands on the car’s battery.
disadvantages of eCO mode
- Reduced performance: The less responsive throttle of eco mode limits acceleration and power. If you value high performance, eco mode’s restrictions may be a poor fit for your driving preferences.
- Unsafe in certain conditions: Certain driving conditions or situations call for acceleration and power, such as merging onto highways, passing, or navigating steep roads. In those situations, eco mode could put you and other drivers in a dangerous situation if you’re unable to accelerate as needed.
- Frustrating driving experience: Eco mode encourages more conservative driving habits, which can be frustrating for drivers who are unable to adjust to a less responsive throttle.
How Effective Is ECO Mode at Saving Fuel?
Across the industry, eco mode results in fuel economy improvements generally ranging from 5-15%. In ideal highway conditions, some drivers may see up to 25% gains.
However, the impact diminishes significantly in stop-and-go traffic, cold weather operation, while towing, and with aggressive driving styles.
In a Ford test, strict use of eco mode resulted in a reported “real-world” mileage gain of 24 mpg vs 19 mpg, a 26% jump. However their simulated route was 55 mph steady highway cruising, representing close to the maximum possible performance.
In contrast, Consumer Reports tested a Hyundai Sonata under variable conditions both with and without eco mode enabled. They registered an average efficiency improvement of only 4 mpg overall, or just a 6% benefit.
So why this disparity in potential fuel savings? There appear to be several key factors:
- Driving conditions – The engine modifications are clearly optimized for steady state speeds around 30-60 mph. Inconsistent momentum works against efficiency improvements from cylinder and transmission changes.
- Driving style – An aggressive driver who frequently brakes hard negates the eco mode benefits compared to someone with an easy, steady acceleration profile.
- Vehicle size & type – Bulkier crossovers and trucks see a wider eco mode influence over their substantial power drain, while smaller cars already operate very efficiently in baseline mode.
If you are curious just how substantial the eco mode effect is in your particular vehicle, conduct an empirical test! Fill up the tank and reset your trip meter.
Drive for at least 50-100 miles in standard mode, recording the odometer at each fill up. Then repeat the process exclusively in eco mode, trying to replicate the same routes. Compare the before and after MPG – the difference is your real-world benefit.
Is ECO mode bad for your car?
Regardless of the advantages of the economic mode (Eco Mode) feature in vehicles, constant wrong use of this mode can critically damage your vehicle’s engine.
Automobile professionals are convinced that it only injures the main units of your car when used recklessly.
Like the transmission system, for instance, shifts modes and changes gear less frequently than usual. This results in your engine’s speed rising to a significant level, reducing your fuel pump’s efficiency.
Further results of this lead to a shortage of oil in the engine system, which puts the entire engine system at risk of total damage.
There are certain driving conditions in which Eco Mode shouldn’t be used. This answers anyone asking is it ok to drive in eco mode all the time. You now know better.
Should I drive with ECO on or off?
Like we highlighted earlier, there are certain conditions when you shouldn’t turn on Eco Mode in your vehicle.
#1. While driving uphill.
Whenever you drive up a hill or on a sloppy road, your vehicle needs to shift gears to drive smoothly up the hill, which helps your fuel economy, and this shifting is being restricted when you have eco mode ON.
So you have to be aware that your vehicle will consume more gas with Eco Mode enabled when driving uphill.
Without eco mode, a particular skill is required to drive a car or over a hill without having the vehicle roll backward, and this is more difficult in manual cars than automatic.
#2. While driving on highways.
On highways, you need to attain a high speed while driving, and your eco mode ON will only make your vehicle travel slowly.
Hence, speeding becomes very difficult. So it would be best if you put off eco mode while driving on highways, so you can quickly get your desired speed and later turn it ON when you are off the highway.
#3. During a hot and sunny day.
No one would love to reduce their vehicle’s AC level on a hot day just to reduce fuel consumption. Why? It’s because it can leave us sweaty and uncomfortable.
To be chilled while inside your vehicle, it’s not advisable to use eco mode, it makes your air conditioning system less effective.
What cars have eCO mode?
Due to the effectiveness and relevance of the eco mode, most modern vehicles are now built with this feature, increasing the durability and functionality of the vehicles. We will review what cars have eco mode.
#1. Toyota Eco Mode.
If you own a Toyota vehicle with the eco mode feature, do not be surprised by the automatic regulation of your vehicle’s cabin controls as you put ON your eco, including the air conditioner. It’s normal for all Toyota vehicles to have this system.
With this mode ON, your engine will not work so hard anymore, so your car consumes much less fuel. Toyota advises that its customers use the eco mode Toyota function for any stop or slow driving.
#2. KIA/HYUNDAI Eco Mode.
Some Kia owners might wonder what does eco mode mean in a Kia car. Well, an active eco mode in Kai or Hyundai vehicles is a feature that really helps in giving the vehicles high gas mileages. This mode takes control of the engine and transaxle.
Immediately the driver presses the eco button; a green light comes up, indicating that the vehicle is in economic mode.
#3. Ford Eco Mode.
It’s no news that Ford has a unique eco mode system. The eco mode feature installed in this brand gives its drivers a frequent evaluation of their driving behavior relating to their vehicles’ fuel consumption rate.
Ford’s eco mode feature analyzes the drivers’ gear shifting, speed, and braking. Even more, it evaluates the number of trips you can make with your vehicle. This particular eco mode system operates together with a trip computer.
While driving in eco mode, this system acquires information and then sends data to the driver via the displays on the vehicle’s dashboard.
As a ford owner with the eco mode system, you should be able to know the ratings of your fuel economy through three symbols representing anticipation, gear shifting, and speed.
With Ford’s Eco Mode system, you should also be able to save a lot of gas, especially with the right driving style.
#4. Lexus Eco Mode.
Every Lexus car owner with an eco-mode system should enjoy an economic ride. Lexus version of eco mode is called the Drive Mode Select.
This is an all-inclusive system that gives Lexus owners the option of choosing between five drive modes, but this is based on the type of Lexus car you own.
These modes include EV, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, and Eco mode. Each of these modes is being customized to suit your driving behavior.
#5. Chevrolet Eco Mode.
For Chevrolet vehicles and most other general vehicles designed with the Eco-mode function, this mode will lock the torque converter of the vehicles, forcing the driver to drive at low speeds.
It also stops the vehicle’s engine speed during idling, and the engine begins to lug when approaching 50 mph.
Application Of ECO Mode On Electric Cars
Currently, Eco mode is widely applied to electric cars to help the car operate more efficiently and still save fuel.
#A. Operate more efficiently.
Eco is a particularly important mode and is very suitable for electric cars. When using Eco mode, the car will move smoother, be quieter, and save more electricity, so the driver can safely drive without worrying about fuel consumption.
#B. Increase the moving range of electric cars.
Drivers can use Eco mode in combination with regenerative braking, tires, … to increase the range of movement for electric cars.
During the braking and deceleration process, the electric car brake will generate energy and convert it into electricity to store in the battery.
This helps to extend the range of electric cars by about 20% through the optimized use of regenerative braking.
Some Important Tips for Driving in ECO Mode
Since you are now aware of eco Mode’s functions, it’s time you know how to optimize this feature and utilize its function optimally. Here are some important that will help make driving in Eco Mode better.
#1. Before driving.
Examine your air filters.
Air filter inspection is usually done when changing your engine oil. Replacement of faulty or clogged air filters can really help in gas mileage.
Use the proper engine oil.
You need to ensure that you always use the appropriate engine oil for your vehicle. You can either consult your dealer or leave the job to a professional mechanic.
Using the right oil plays a significant role in improving gas mileage. Your engine should be turned up properly.
Ensure your engine is turned ON properly, so it doesn’t fail the emissions test. That could be bad.
Inflate your tires correctly.
Tires that are correctly air gauged have proven to be more durable than tires that aren’t gauged. A properly air-gauged tire contributes to high gas mileage in a vehicle.
#2. While Driving.
Do not idle excessively.
Idling excessively consumes a lot of gas in most vehicles, especially vehicles with large engine systems. So to get the best from your eco mode, you shouldn’t be idling so much.
Do not drive at high speed.
This is the first rule when using eco mode; the reasons are because speeding defeats the whole aim of the eco mode feature. Usually, gas mileage falls while driving above a speed of 60mph.
So, when you drive at that speed or a higher speed, you should slow down, or you can think of how you will spend more money on purchasing gas.
Also, constantly driving at high speed on eco mode can cause your vehicle to develop engine problems.
Do not drive roughly.
Rough driving definitely gives low gas mileage. This shouldn’t be an option. It will only lead to fuel wastage.
To have a better fuel economy when your eco mode is ON, you need to develop good driving behavior; else, your eco mode becomes useless. Always drive calmly.
Use cruise control.
Setting your vehicle on cruise control keeps your vehicle at a constant speed, and this helps save gas.
Are There Downsides to Using ECO Mode?
Eco mode aims to save fuel, not thrill you with performance. By dulling throttle response and keeping the engine out of its power band it can have some detrimental ride impacts:
- Acceleration lag – That Prius in eco mode is not going to snap your head back when the light turns green.
- Power deficiency – Trying to pass on a two-lane road takes careful planning.
- Shift behavior – The transmission may seem to “hunt” or suddenly downshift.
Additionally, while climate settings are optimized for efficiency, not comfort. Some drivers in hot weather report the AC simply can’t keep up. This frustration over sluggish acceleration or an overheated cab may outweigh any small gas savings.
Eco mode also requires a light touch to operate safely. You simply won’t have the same snappy power if trying to accelerate around an obstacle or merge into traffic. Drivers need to be alert to potential safety limitations.
And while manufacturers state eco mode does not cause undue wear or damage, you still don’t want the transmission constantly hunting for gears or the engine straining under sudden throttle stabs. We advise the following precautions with eco mode:
- Avoid frequent starts and stops
- Use sparingly if towing or under heavy loads
- Monitor the engine temperature
- Shift back to normal mode if conditions require full power
How to Get the Best Fuel Economy
Eco Mode is designed to improve fuel economy, but your driving habits will significantly impact your MPG. Here are a few helpful tips to get the best fuel economy:
- Practice smooth driving: Accelerate slowly and steadily and avoid riding the brakes.
- Avoid high cruising speeds: The faster you go on the highway, the worse your MPG will be.
- Use cruise control: Cruise control helps keep your vehicle traveling at a consistent speed, which can help save gas.
- Turn off your air conditioning when you don’t need it: If it’s a cold, dry winter day, you don’t need AC.
- Avoid unnecessary cargo: Every extra pound in your car can cut fuel economy.
- Improve your aerodynamics: Take it down if you’re not using that cargo container on your roof.
- Avoid unnecessary idling: If you know you’ll be sitting for over 30 seconds, shut off your engine.
- Maintain your car: Proper tire inflation, a clean engine air filter, and regular tune-ups help your MPG.
FAQs.
Q: Why is my ECO light on?
On a regular scale, illumination of your eco light might mean that your vehicle’s computer system is alerting you that your engine is operating very close to its designated miles per gallon.
Your computer decides when to turn ON your vehicle’s eco light by monitoring your engine RPM, the speed of your car, and the throttle’s position.
On some cars, immediately the eco light comes ON, some aspects of the vehicles’ engine begin to change slightly to improve the eco system’s efficiency and the ignition timing and fuel usage, for instance.
Some newer models of Honda Accords utilize a technique labeled Cylinder Cancellation to reduce gas consumption rate.
The eco light will suddenly come up to tell the driver that some of the engine cylinders have been shut down, which is an entirely normal situation. No need to panic. It’s just the ecosystem trying to save your gas.
Also, note that the eco light does not have similar indications to when your engine check light illuminates. If your engine warning light comes ON, your eco light might never come ON due to the reduction in your engine’s efficiency.
You can still refer to the vehicle’s manual to get precise information on what it means for your Eco light to illuminate.
Q: How do you turn off the ECO driving indicator?
On how to turn off eco mode on a car with an automatic eco mode system like in some Toyota Corolla models, you should be able to turn the eco light off by going to your vehicle’s Settings > Eco driving indicator light > Select Off.
You can turn off the eco-driving indicator on some other vehicle models by holding down the DISP button on the steering wheel. So you see, turning off your eco-driving indicator is that simple.
Q: Does ECO Mode really save gas?
Technically yes, turning ON your vehicle’s eco mode function can help save you some gas, but from a realistic view, always putting your pedal to the metal even when you have your eco mode turned ON won’t save you any gas.
It is similar to a plug-in hybrid, and if you constantly thrash it about, you are definitely going to struggle with saving gas.
This means that if your driving style is not right, your vehicle won’t save fuel, even when your eco mode is ON.
They work together, your driving behavior and the eco mode. It’s convenient to say that the efficiency of a vehicle’s eco mode function relies heavily on the driver’s driving behavior. Now you can answer anyone asking does eco mode saves gas.
Q: What happens if you turn off ECO mode?
Turning off your eco mode means that you are going to be operating on normal mode. You should now be able to accelerate quickly due to faster throttle response.
You won’t have to press your pedal so hard to go more quickly, and you shouldn’t experience any delay before your vehicle changes speed.
With your eco mode off, your Air conditioning system should function properly with no restriction, and the auto climate control should be able to use the highest fan setting.
You might still be able to save some fuel if you have good driving behavior and your engine system is functioning correctly.
Q: How fast can you drive eCO mode?
When you put ON your eco mode function, your eco coast freewheel function is being activated. This function causes engine braking to cease. Hence, your vehicle’s kinetic energy is used for freewheeling during long-distance driving.
When you release your accelerator pedal, your gearbox disengages automatically from your engine, whose speed then reduces to idling speed with low fuel consumption. In this case, your maximum speed should be 140km/h (87mph).
Q: Does ECO mode make cars slower?
Yes, the eco mode function makes a car go slower to help reduce the consumption of fuel. High-speed driving consumes a high volume of gas, so the eco mode is being set to prevent driving at high speed.
This feature does this by making your pedal and engine less responsive to inputs; that’s why when you press down your throttle, your vehicle accelerates much slower than expected. So with the eco mode feature ON, your vehicle will move slower.
Q: Does ECO mode affect AC?
While the air-con will still work when the ECO mode is on, its cooling capacity will likely be lower. This is because its operation is set for better efficiency rather than maximum output.
Still, the air-con should be capable of reasonably cooling down the car and keeping it moisture-free.
In many modern cars, the driver can choose between several modes which change how the vehicle behaves.
For instance, the Sport mode will sharpen up throttle response and gear changes. With a Comfort mode engaged, the steering and suspension will become softer.
But with the high fuel prices we see these days, a so-called Eco mode is probably the most popular.
When on, this mode will improve gas mileage by setting up the engine for fuel-efficient operation.
This may help reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%, but it also reduces the engine’s power output.
Final words
The eco mode is a feature everyone needs to have in their vehicles. It’s undoubtedly an excellent way to save fuel and save money too. Nice and Easy!. With this mode, you also preserve your vehicle, increasing its durability.
You already know what does eco means on a car and that the reckless use of this mode can damage your vehicle.
But as long as you keep to the driving conditions of when to use eco mode, your vehicle shouldn’t develop any problem driving on this mode. Instead, you are sure to have a very high gas mileage.