Common driving modes on cars

The ability to customize different driving modes is becoming more common across vehicle lines.

With the advancement of technology and electronic aids, cars are becoming easier to drive and more user-friendly.

One of the most popular features for this claim is the ability to customize different driving modes on the car - equipment that has become popular on most car models across all segments.

The introduction of many different driving modes to diversify the customer experience.

Why is it necessary to equip the car with multiple driving modes?

Basically, each car when designed will have different operating characteristics depending on the segment, price or development direction of the manufacturer. There are cars designed to optimize comfort, smoothness and lightness.

There are also car models that emphasize sporty characteristics, thereby sacrificing some comfort and quietness during operation.

The introduction of many different driving modes aims to diversify the customer experience on the same car model without losing the original characteristics and orientation from the manufacturer.

For models with multiple driving modes, owners can experience different operating characteristics and change them according to their preferences through the button system or switches on the dashboard.

Theoretical basis of driving mode change system on automobiles

In theory, the mode change feature works based on the fact that many of the control and operating components on today's cars are operated by sensors and electronic signals rather than traditional mechanical mechanisms.

Typical examples include electronic accelerator pedal, electric power steering, automatic transmission, exhaust control valve or even more advanced electronically controlled suspension system on luxury cars such as Mercedes S-class, BMW 7-series...

Signals from these systems are sent to the central control unit (ECU). From there, the ECU will analyze and control the above systems based on the driving mode selected by the user to bring the final result of different experiences in terms of throttle sensitivity, gear shifting time, smoothness or stiffness of the vehicle...

Common driving modes on cars

Normal:This is the default mode on the car, neutral and balanced between smoothness, quietness and performance of the car. This is also the mode that shows the original characteristics that the manufacturer wants to bring to the user.

Comfort:This is the mode where all the vehicle's electrically controlled operating components are optimized by the ECU for comfort, smoothness and quietness for the vehicle's occupants.

Changes that can be felt in this mode include: reduced throttle sensitivity (greater acceleration delay), increased steering assist, and earlier gear changes to keep the engine rpm as low as possible. For vehicles with electronic suspension, the dampers are also fine-tuned to provide the smoothest feeling.

Sport:In contrast to Comfort mode, Sport mode optimizes operating components to prioritize performance and a sporty feel in the vehicle.

The throttle response is increased to reduce acceleration lag, the gearbox dips in gear longer, shifts later to optimize power and acceleration, the exhaust sounds louder and more exciting, the steering wheel is heavier and more solid, the suspension system also becomes more rigid to increase cornering grip. Thereby, the driver must accept sacrificing some of the comfort and smoothness of the car.

Sport+ (Track):This mode usually only appears on car models that are designed by the manufacturer with a strong, sporty orientation. As the name suggests, this mode is only suitable for operating in beautiful and ideal road conditions such as the track.

All systems are increased to be as rigid, stable and solid as possible, even driver-assist safety technologies such as Traction Control System (TCS) or Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can be turned off so that "advanced" drivers can demonstrate their full potential.

Eco (Econ):Short for economy. As the name suggests, this is a mode that helps optimize the economy, or more specifically, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

In this mode, the ECU can partially limit the vehicle's power, prevent sudden acceleration, stabilize the air conditioning system and prioritize the use of the highest possible gear to save fuel.

This mode is very popular on hybrid gasoline-electric cars. However, Honda has now also equipped it for popular cars such as City, Civic with direct instructions for drivers to save fuel for the car most effectively.

Individual: As the name suggests, this is a mode that allows the driver to customize the operating parameters according to his or her preferences and driving style. You can combine custom characteristics of sensitivity, smoothness of control components and turn on/off support equipment to create a separate and most suitable driving mode for yourself.

Currently, most of the famous car brands from Germany such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi have equipped the driving mode change system for their car lines. In the popular segment, Korean car lines with abundant advantages in equipment are not left out when bringing different driving modes to car lines familiar to Vietnamese customers such as: Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai SantaFe or Kia Cerato, Kia Sorento, ...

Meanwhile, Japanese manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota focus on fuel-saving driving modes such as Econ Mode on Honda City, Honda Civic or Eco mode on Fortuner...