I am posting this because I was alarmed to read on another forum that using ECO shuts down or reduces the input from a couple of cylinders for the benefit of fuel efficiency, but in doing that begins a cascade of other detrimental occurrences in the engine that are not good for longevity. I am no car expert so will not begin to fake that I understand these occurrences or even try to explain. Something to do with the oil not cooling and burning oil....
Also must give the caveat here that the issue was not on a Land Cruiser so do not panic - it was on an older model Honda Pilot 2009. Still concerning enough for me to stop using ECO until I know more. Does anyone have any knowledge of this subject?
Here is what I found when doing a search - this from JD Power 2023;
The lower the speed at which the engine is running, the lower the volume of oil that passes through the entire engine system. In Eco mode, the engine does not receive enough lubrication. Due to friction and high temperatures in conditions of oil starvation, the wear of engine components increases manifold. At the same time, almost all components of the cylinder-piston group are hit. The cost of replacing them can more than outweigh the savings on fuel.
The transmission also suffers. When driving in eco-mode, the automatic transmission, even at a low speed, switches from a higher gear to a lower one and back again. Such sharp and frequent transitions additionally load the gearbox and all its components. In particular, not only automatic transmissions but also robotized transmissions suffer from such modes of operation.
Also must give the caveat here that the issue was not on a Land Cruiser so do not panic - it was on an older model Honda Pilot 2009. Still concerning enough for me to stop using ECO until I know more. Does anyone have any knowledge of this subject?
Here is what I found when doing a search - this from JD Power 2023;
What Are The Cons Of Eco Mode?
Although Eco mode saves you some money due to decreased fuel consumption, it leads to additional wear and tear. Driving at low speeds and low rpm increases the intensity of engine, clutch, and gearbox wear. Low-volume engines in particular suffer from this, as they have to strain hard and drag a heavy car when operating in Eco mode at low speeds.The lower the speed at which the engine is running, the lower the volume of oil that passes through the entire engine system. In Eco mode, the engine does not receive enough lubrication. Due to friction and high temperatures in conditions of oil starvation, the wear of engine components increases manifold. At the same time, almost all components of the cylinder-piston group are hit. The cost of replacing them can more than outweigh the savings on fuel.
The transmission also suffers. When driving in eco-mode, the automatic transmission, even at a low speed, switches from a higher gear to a lower one and back again. Such sharp and frequent transitions additionally load the gearbox and all its components. In particular, not only automatic transmissions but also robotized transmissions suffer from such modes of operation.
