The demand for improved car efficiency and fuel saving has led to the development of eco mode in cars. With so many companies, making use of this technology in their car’s system, defines it as essential for the city conditions.
But, with this not-so-old technology, some people do not know what is eco light in car. Thus, with their help, the following guide has all, from the introduction of eco mode to its working principle in the car.
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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.
ECO MODE: How Things Work
It is hard to understand the eco meaning in car, when you first press it. Therefore, in this regard, let’s explore its working principle.
1. Car’s computer supporting system for Eco mode
While driving, a person pushes the “Eco” button or makes use of the navigation screen, in order to change from power to Eco mode in the car. This action assists in improving fuel efficiency, which is later enjoyed by the driver.
2. Technical operation
The working of Eco mode in a car is mainly associated with the engine. In simple words, it automatically turns off the engine. For instance, the engine stops working on a pause at the traffic lights for any length of duration. And, as soon the clutch pedal is pressed along with the accelerator, it again starts the engine.
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During this non-functional stage of the engine, it actually closes the throttle valve, which doesn’t allow the fuel to enter the piston, thus preventing its combustion. However, when a person restarts the car, it opens the throttle valve gradually, which again curbs the fuel ignition in the engine.
To understand the difference in its working principle, consider the operation of conventional mode also. In which, there is an increase in fuel consumption on sudden acceleration. Whereas, in the case of eco mode, even when the driver pushes the accelerator pedal suddenly, it doesn’t allow the throttle to open widely. Thus, by controlling the throttle opening, it restricts the entrance of fuel into the piston.
3. Other operational changes
Apart from this, in order to save additional energy, it lowers the shift points of transmission and regulates the AC compressor by putting it on automatic cut-off mode, while in use. Additionally, it reduces the brightness of the car’s light, thus making a move towards saving.
The Role of Eco Mode In Cars
Besides the ability to control fuel consumption, Eco mode also performs many different tasks, contributing to supporting the driver during driving.
Eco mode helps to change the throttle response of the car:
When activating Eco mode, the way of getting air through the throttle valve will be controlled to save fuel. Although engine performance and response will be reduced, the amount of air and fuel entering the engine for combustion will be more effectively controlled.
Eco mode helps change the shifting way
With this mode, the ECU will increase gears at an earlier time to save fuel. Because downshifting will cause the engine to work harder, causing a greater amount of fuel to be consumed. Therefore, choosing Eco Mode will help the ECU limit downshifting when not really needed.
Affect the response of the cruise control system
For vehicles with cruise control technology, the Eco mode will help maintain the desired speed for the driver to save fuel.
In addition, Eco Mode has the role of fine-tuning air conditioning performance by turning off the AC system to save fuel. Instead of operating at 100%, the Eco mode only allows the air conditioner to operate at 70 – 80% to reduce energy sucked from the engine.
Understanding the Eco mode in your car:
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.
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.
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.
So, after knowing about what is eco on a car and when to use eco mode, now it’s easy for you to detect its malfunctioning system. And in case of any such issue, it’s better to ask for the repair and maintenance tips from an expert technician.
Is it advisable to put the automatic car in neutral on a slope to save fuel?
No, definitely not!
Depending on the gearbox:
1) in Drive mode, when you drive downhill and release the gas pedal, the car should stay in gear, thus braking with the engine. It saves your brakes and the fuel consumption will be ZERO while coasting. It’s the same for manual gearboxes – you shouldn’t take the gear out on slopes.
2) excessive use of the Neutral mode while driving may damage the gearbox.
Hi, I purchased my first vehicle with the Eco Mode – 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Is it okay to keep my car in Eco Mode all the time? Certainly I want the fuel efficiency but I’m wondering about any engine, drive train damage from using eco mode all the time. THANK YOU
Eco mode is not advisable when you are driving up slope and or when your car is heavy. You should not use eco mode when you need power.
Just wondering if echo mode in the winter is safe for the engine, living in the north gets real cold and im finding the oil consumption is real bad
Some people are selling echo mode in one’s car . Is this gadget is legal. Can any one foot this gadget in its car.
This gadget is sold on face book. Is it legal in uk.
Please let me know.
Many thanks
I have a Mazda Axela, I feel like my car is dragging itself when on eco-mode especially when in traffick. Kindly advice
The check engine light recently came on steady in my 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This had happened before but it always was caused by a loose gas cap. It has stayed on this time. I have been driving in the ECO mode but noticed the ECO display indicator was no longer coming on . I checked to make certain it was still in that mode.