Question: What does the ECO driving indicator mean?
Answer: The ECO driving indicator lights up to let you know you’re driving in a fuel-efficient way. When this light is on, it means you’re doing things right—like accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, and generally driving in a way that uses less fuel. This handy feature is all about promoting better driving habits to help you get the most out of your tank.
What causes the ECO indicator light to turn on?
ECO mode works by monitoring your car’s throttle engagement, transmission gear shifting, and electrical systems for energy consumption.
Depending on your vehicle, the ECO indicator will illuminate either to indicate you’re engaging in fuel-efficient (low energy consumption) driving behaviors or that you’ve set your vehicle to restrict acceleration and throttle responsiveness to ensure the most fuel-efficient drive.
Pro Tip:Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out how ECO modes work in your specific model.
In some cars, like Toyotas, the ECO indicator displays as a bar—the closer the indicator bar is to the left, the better your fuel economy. These systems measure fuel economy based on accelerator pressure—floor it, and the bar will stretch beyond the ECO zone, making the ECO indicator disappear.
In other vehicles, such as Kias, the ECO indicator light displays when you’ve set your drive mode to ECO. When set to ECO Mode, your Kia’s engine and transmission control logic are adjusted to maximize your miles per gallon (MPG)—but slam on the gas and you’ll still see decreased fuel efficiency.
Benefits of driving in the ECO zone
Whether you select your car’s ECO mode or just ensure you remain in your vehicle’s designated ECO zone, there are several benefits to driving with the ECO indicator light on:
- Fuel efficiency: The main perk of paying attention to the ECO light is that it helps you save on fuel. By following its cues, you can cut down on fuel consumption and keep more money in your pocket.
- Environmental impact: Driving efficiently means fewer emissions, which is great for reducing your carbon footprint and helping to keep the air cleaner.
Tips for ECO driving
To really make the most of your ECO driving indicator, try adopting some of these habits:
- Go easy on the gas pedal and avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Keep a steady speed and use cruise control when you’re on the highway.
- Pay attention to traffic flow so you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.
Pro Tip:Keeping your car well-maintained is also key to driving efficiently. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, get regular oil changes, and keep your engine tuned up. A well-maintained car runs better and is less likely to waste fuel.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
