Vehicles have evolved since they were created in 1886. They used to simply be machines designed to get you from point A to point B. 

Now, they are gas-powered engines with different modes, options, and add-ons. From sun and moon roofs to dual wheels and superchargers, a car is easily able to be customized to the liking of the owner.

These add-ons help to customize and make it different from another car of the same make and model. However, some customizations are a little confusing if you don’t know what they are. 

One of these customizations is something called Driving Modes. Drive modes are the ability a car has to change certain aspects of its functionality so that it can drive “better”. Some modes allow for better fuel efficiency, while others affect the way that car drives in general. 

What is Drive Mode in your Car?

These different modes in your car come from an Engine Control Unit (ECU). This system controls your car’s main components and allows them to change the handling, efficiency, and dynamics of the vehicle.

This allows for certain drive modes to make your car have better drive efficiency. It also makes it so that your car can accelerate quicker. These are all customizations that are sought after.

Unfortunately, this can cause some issued with higher fuel consumption.

What is Sport Mode on a Car?

Sport mode can be found in some cars that are capable of handling it. This means that the car is capable of handling a more sensitive throttle response, which allows for a hair-trigger engine response.

The transmission will allow for downshifting earlier and the car should hold revs for a longer time. It could also cause a quicker response from the steering system and open the throttle for faster reaction time. 

When activating Sport mode, all you have to do is push the sport button or switch. Then you should be able to notice all of the differences in how the car feels between normal and sport mode almost immediately. 

When Should I Use Sport Mode?

Sport mode should generally be used on the open road or a highway setting. Although this is not always the case, and it can be used easily in dangerous situations.

It is most commonly used when passing someone, or when speeding up to catch up with someone. This is not recommended, as many dangerous things can be hiding on the road, including black ice, puddles of water, and other hazards that could cause an accident. 

If speed is something you like, and whipping your car around turns and other cars is what you are interested in, then sport mode is something that you might want to look into. 

What is Eco Mode on a Car?

Eco mode on a car stands for “Economical Mode”. This mode is mostly used to make sure you get the most miles out of every ounce of gas used. 

This is done by inhibiting the throttle to give you improved fuel efficiency. Accelerating would then become less responsive, which would cause less fuel consumption. 

While there are other options to reduce fuel consumption, eco mode is the best way to do this. It is just turning it on and letting it run while you drive.

When Should I Use Eco Mode?

Eco mode should be used when not at high speeds, as it generally turns itself off after a certain mileage. This is the only stipulation to having eco mode on.

Most people have an eco mode on at all times, except for when they want to go higher speeds. It is great for mileage and saves you money. 

What are the Negatives of Drive Modes?

Drive modes are a nice form of customization in your car that allows you to have better fuel economy, drive faster, and other benefits. 

Drive modes need to manually be turned on and off, which could be easily forgotten about. Although eco mode tends to shut itself off with high speeds, if you don’t reach those speeds, it is constantly on. 

However, you have to give up some things to have your customizations. Unfortunately, this is the case for almost all drive modes.

While eco mode saves money on gas, it doesn’t allow you to drive fast. If you are the kind of person that takes speed into account when you drive, the eco mode might not be your first choice. 
Sport mode allows you to drive like you have a sports car but can have a bad effect on your gas efficiency. It can also cause your tires to lose their tread easier than normal. However, making sure that the tires are always taken care of should prevent this issue from arising.

Blog By Brooke Lazar