How to Turn Off Eco Mode on Car? And Why Is It Reapplied Again Every Time?

Recently, many new cars have started coming with a feature included called eco mode. Eco mode is a useful feature that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by modifying the car's performance. It does this by adjusting the car's throttle response. However, some drivers might not enjoy Eco mode and would prefer to turn it off. This could be because they need more power, or they just don't like how the driving feels with the modes' restrictive features. How can you turn off eco mode if you need to?

The exact method of turning off eco mode is going to vary depending on the make and model of your car. In some cars, it's turned off by pressing a button. And in other cars, you may need to navigate through menus on the infotainment system before you can turn it on or off. Generally, the owner's manual of your car will provide specific instructions on how to turn on and off eco mode in your car.

In this article, we will go into more detail about how to turn Eco mode off in your car, as well as why it might be reapplied every time you start your engine.

What is Eco Mode?

Eco mode means Economic Mode and is a driving mode that can usually be activated with a button on the steering wheel in most vehicles. The purpose of Eco mode is to decrease the fuel consumption and emissions of the vehicle by altering certain aspects of the vehicle's performance.

Eco mode works by reducing the response of the throttle, decreasing the consumption of fuel. This results in a drop in engine power, which makes Eco mode more suitable for long-distance driving, or for driving at low speeds.

Eco mode will also adjust how your transmission shifts. Generally, Eco mode will make your car shift less aggressively to maximize efficiency over performance.

Finally, it can also adjust the settings of some electrical systems in your car, including the air conditioning, to reduce the amount of work the engine needs to do.

How to Turn Off Eco Mode on My Car?

While Eco mode helps you save money by reducing the amount of fuel your car uses, it isn't to everybody's taste. Some drivers dislike Eco mode because it limits the power you can get out of the engine. A lot of drivers aren't fond of Eco mode because it makes the car handle differently, and it doesn't feel as responsive as they would like.

If you aren't a fan of how Eco mode affects your driving experience, you can turn it off at any time. The process of turning it off changes depending on the make and model of your car.

Generally, Eco mode is turned off through a button on the steering wheel, on the dashboard, or the car's center console. This button will be labeled something along the lines of "Eco" or "Eco Mode".

Some cars require Eco mode to be turned off by accessing the vehicle's settings through the infotainment system.

If you are unsure of how to turn off Eco mode in your car, consult the owner's manual to find specific instructions on how to disable it.

Why Is It Reapplied Again Every Time?

If you dislike Eco mode and have decided that you prefer not to drive with it, it can be really frustrating when you turn your ignition and your car decides to start itself in Eco mode. There are a few different reasons why your car could be switching back into Eco mode when you start the engine, even after you've turned it off.

1) Memory Function

Some cars have a memory function that stores different settings for different drivers that use the same car. While most cars use this function to remember different driver's seat positions, some will remember other settings, including the driving mode.

In many cases, if your car is automatically turning Eco mode back on when you start the car, it means your car is using the default setting in which Eco mode is turned on.  

To fix this, you will need to create a new memory setting where Eco mode is turned off and set that as the default setting. You can consult the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out the steps to follow.

2) Software Malfunction

If Eco mode is turning on automatically, it could mean there is a software problem with your car. This is especially likely if Eco mode is turned on through the infotainment system or any other electronic menu.

This problem could be caused by a software glitch or a hardware problem with your infotainment system's computer. To fix this, you should check if there is a software update available for your car's infotainment system that might address the issue.

If updating the system doesn't fix the problem, then you may need to take your car to a dealership to see if there is any faulty software or hardware that needs to be replaced.

When Should You Use Eco Mode?

There are certain moments where Eco mode is preferable to any other driving mode. Here we'll take a look at the conditions where using Eco mode provides the most benefit.

1) In Slow Traffic

Eco mode is very useful in slow traffic. Since you won't be driving at high speeds, the reduced power and performance will have no effect, while the improved efficiency of the driving mode will help make sure that you aren't burning too much fuel while idling.

In some cars, Eco mode comes with an auto start/stop feature. This turns off the engine to save fuel when it idles for too long. Once you release the brake, the engine will automatically start up again and allow you to keep driving.

2) On Leisurely Drives

Eco mode is also useful on leisurely drives. If you're driving through streets where you don't require much speed, then Eco mode's restricted performance won't hinder you, but you'll still reap the benefits of its improved performance.

This makes Eco mode well suited for driving at low speeds through residential areas and city streets.

3) On Road Trips

Eco mode is useful when driving for long distances at steady speeds, such as on highways. Using Eco mode on road trips can help you optimize your fuel usage and save you a considerable amount of money throughout the entire trip.

Eco is useful in many different driving situations, but it's important to remember that it is not always the best choice in every situation. You should always use your judgment and consider the specific driving conditions to determine whether Eco mode is appropriate at the moment.

Where Shouldn't You Use Eco Mode?

While Eco mode is useful for helping you save fuel, it isn't suitable for every driving scenario. Here are some situations where Eco mode shouldn't be used.

1) Hills

Eco mode reduces the responsiveness of the throttle, so it isn't suitable for use on hills or in areas with steep gradients. The vehicle's responsiveness will be significantly reduced, which will cause it to struggle on inclines.

2) When You Need Fast Acceleration

Eco mode shouldn't be used in any driving situation that requires high speeds and quick acceleration. This makes it less useful when merging on highways or trying to accelerate to overtake another vehicle.

3) Towing or Carrying Heavy Loads

If you are towing a trailer or carrying heavy cargo, Eco mode may not provide enough power to safely tow or carry the load. In these situations, the best thing to do is to turn off Eco mode and continue driving in a setting that delivers more power.

4) In Extreme Hot or Cold Weather

Eco mode reduces the amount of power available to the engine and also applies a cut-off to the car's air conditioning. This could prove risky or even hazardous in hot weather, as the air conditioning system will not cool the car as effectively as it should. This could cause the cabin of the car to reach unsafe temperatures.

In cold weather, the opposite problem could occur. The reduced power to the engine could prevent the engine from heating up quickly enough, and could cause the heating system to work insufficiently. The reduced engine temperature could also result in reduced fuel efficiency, defeating the purpose of using Eco mode.

Conclusion

Turning off Eco mode in your car is usually a very simple process that can be done by pressing a button on the dashboard, steering wheel, or center console. In some cases, eco mode is turned off through the settings in the car's infotainment system. However, sometimes you might find that the commode turns itself back on when the car is restarted.

There are many reasons why the feature might be reapplied automatically when you restart the car, such as memory settings, or a software malfunction. If you prefer to drive your car without Eco mode, it is essential to understand the reasons why the feature is being reapplied and take appropriate measures to disable it permanently, if possible.