Tech & Auto
What Does Your Car's Eco Mode Actually Do?
By LYNNAE WILLIAMS
Switching on your car's eco mode should make it more fuel-efficient, cutting back on how hard the engine works and slowing down acceleration.
If you tend to have a lead foot when driving, eco mode can help slow you down because it reduces the throttle response and limits how fast the engine can rev.
It adjusts to your vehicle's transmission so that it shifts at lower RPMs, so you may notice that your car shifts into higher gears sooner than in standard mode.
In some vehicles, eco mode might reduce the capacity of or turn off energy-consuming features like air conditioning, heated seats, and steering.
In hybrids and EVs, eco mode maximizes battery usage and overall efficiency. In modern gas and diesel cars, eco mode helps drivers save fuel and reduce emissions.