The ECON button is a superb feature on Honda. It efficiently helps you save fuel when used correctly. However, at first, I thought I would always keep it on to save a lot of fuel. But can you leave the ECON button on all the time?
Yes, you can leave the ECON button on in your Honda car to save fuel. However, it is not always efficient to use the button. Besides, it has some drawbacks too. Hence, you should keep the ECON mode on only when it’s worth it.
But when is it worth leaving the ECON button on, and when is it not? What are the disadvantages? Calm down for a moment; I will answer all of your questions. Let me drive you through the article and teach you everything about the ECON button.
What is Honda’s ECON Button, and how does it work?
Honda’s ECON button stands for “economics” and is designed to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. It controls the various functions of your vehicle, which, in turn, increases fuel efficiency.
You can press the ECON button to activate the ECON mode. When the button’s light is bright, that means it is activated. There will not be any light when the button is turned off.
Turning the ECON button on affects your vehicle in various ways, such as:
- Cruise control: When your Honda is on cruise control, you can press the ECON button to maintain a constant speed. It will not allow the speed to go too high or too low. As a result, it will save fuel.
- Air conditioning: The ECON mode also controls your vehicle’s air conditioner. The AC consumes the battery when turned on. But turning on the ECON mode will keep the AC on optimum level, saving power.
- Transmission: ECON mode also recalibrates the gear shifts in transmission. It shifts at lower RPMs to save fuel and energy.
In short, the ECON button in your Honda helps you save fuel and money.
Can you leave the ECON button on always?
You can always leave the ECON button on in your Honda vehicle. However, it’s not recommended to do so. The button is designed for specific purposes and specific situations.
Leaving the ECON button has a lot of benefits, such as improving fuel efficiency. It also helps the environment by reducing emissions through efficient driving. Nonetheless, the ECON button ensures less strain on the engine, which increases the engine’s lifespan.
The benefits are so good that you will always want to keep the ECON button on. But the truth is, it is not always helpful to keep it turned on.
Sometimes you will need to turn off the ECON mode to have a better driving experience. Besides, in some situations, the ECON button is not helpful at all.
That is why you need to understand when it is worth keeping the ECON button on and when it’s not.
When it’s worth leaving the ECON button on
You should turn on the ECON button depending on the road or driving conditions and outside temperature.
Following are the scenarios where leaving the ECON button on is worth it:
- Long highway drives
Turn on the ECON mode when you are driving on a long highway. Here, the ECON mode can maintain a constant speed. You will also need to stop less frequently. As a result, the ECON mode can improve fuel efficiency on such trips.
- Flat road condition
The road condition should be flat so that the ECON mode can work efficiently. That is because the vehicle must accelerate faster on steep or inclined roads. It will put more pressure on the engine and consume more fuel.
But you will not face such a situation on a flat road. That is why flat roads are best for leaving the ECON mode on.
- Low traffic areas
Frequent stops consume more fuel than longer trips. That is why it is essential that you travel through low-traffic areas while keeping the ECON button on. You will need to brake less in this situation, and the ECON mode can save you more fuel.
- Mild weather conditions
The weather outside should be mild for the ECON mode to control the air conditioner efficiently. The ECON mode balances the inside and outside temperatures to save energy. Hence, you should turn on the ECON mode when the weather is mild, or else it can make you feel uncomfortable.
- No heavy load
If you are carrying a heavy load in your car, then it will also consume more fuel. That is why you should turn on the ECON mode only when you are not carrying anything heavy.
Drawbacks of leaving the ECON button on
Leaving the ECON button on results in a lot of benefits for your car. But it comes with some drawbacks too.
The first disadvantage of leaving the ECON button on is that it reduces power and acceleration to save fuel. As a result, you can go faster if you are in a rush.
Besides, slower acceleration can also increase wear on the engine and damage it in the long term.
Lastly, the ECON mode tries to keep the AC temperature in balance with the outside temperature. It can make you uncomfortable when the temperature outside is too hot.
When it’s not worth leaving the ECON button on
Because of the disadvantages of leaving the ECON button on, I do not always prefer it. Besides, it is not always efficient in all conditions.
Following are the scenarios where leaving the ECON button off is not worth it:
- Steep inclines or hills
You are driving against gravity when going uphill on hills or on steep inclines. You need a higher speed in these driving conditions to avoid rolling backward. That is why you should not turn on the ECON mode here, or it will slow you down.
Besides, you should not activate the ECON mode when going downhill. That is because you will need to brake more frequently here, or the car can gain a dangerously faster speed without even accelerating.
- Hot or cold weather conditions
As you already know, the ECON mode also influences the AC temperature in your vehicle. When the weather is too hot outside, you will need a lower temperature and vice versa.
But the ECON mode tries to keep the AC temperature balanced with the outside temperature so that it does not need more power. It can be annoying when the outside temperature is too high or low.
- Situations where rapid acceleration is necessary
There can be various occasions when you need rapid acceleration. For example, when you are in a rush or trying to overtake the vehicle in front of you.
You should not use the ECON button in such conditions. That is because ECON prefers a slower acceleration. But it can be dangerous, especially when you are overtaking.
- Carrying heavy loads
The vehicle needs faster acceleration and more power when carrying heavy loads. It goes against the purpose of the ECON mode. Leaving the ECON mode on in this condition is absolutely not worth it.
- Entering or leaving highway roads
You also should not keep ECON mode on while merging onto or off the highway. That is because you will have to accelerate faster in this situation. Keep the ECON button off in this situation and turn it on when you are driving on the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Will leaving the ECON button on drain my car’s battery?
No! The primary purpose of the ECON mode is to save fuel and energy in your car. Hence, it will not drain your car’s battery. In fact, keeping the button on should use less battery power.
- Can leaving the ECON button on cause any damage to my car’s engine?
Leaving the ECON button on, while necessary, will not cause any damage to your car’s engine. But if you unnecessarily keep the ECON mode activated, then it can cause minor harm to the engine.
- Does leaving the ECON button on really help save fuel?
Yes! Leaving the ECON button on really helps save fuel, but only if you use it correctly. If you activate the ECON mode when it is not recommended, then it will not save fuel or energy.
- How much fuel does the ECON button save?
If you use the ECON button efficiently, it will result in improving the fuel economy by one to two miles per gallon. However, how much gas or fuel the ECON button saves depends on various factors, such as how much you are using it and when you are using it.
- Can I turn off ECON while driving?
Yes! You can turn off and turn on the ECON button while driving. Stopping or parking the car to use the button is unnecessary. You can turn it on whenever you need to.