Hi Scotty! A couple questions I can't find good answers to, both pertain to my 2023 Toyota Corolla SE. First, does the proactive driver assist system use engine braking or does it apply the actual brakes? I'm wondering if it accelerates brake wear? Two, do the drive modes (eco, normal and sport) actually make any difference? They explain them vaguely in the manual, but I can't tell if each mode differs in any way.
I'm wondering if it accelerates brake wear?
I mean you would be braking anyway, wouldn't you? I'm not sure why it would accelerate wear unless you were intentionally driving around faster.
Two, do the drive modes (eco, normal and sport) actually make any difference?
Oh yes. You will feel it.
I was just thinking that it reacts differently and more proactively than some drivers. I guess if you have to brake anyway, it really just creates a smoother braking situation. Just something new I’ll have to get used to. I certainly like it and wouldn’t pass it up now that I have it. With the modes, I’ll have to try them. Never had options in a car like those before.
if you're a good driver and leave lots of space, then the system won't do anything at all. It'll be as if it's not there. If you aggressively tailgate, or drift out of your lane without signalling, then you will feel it start gently braking or taking the wheel.
If it's not an emergency (about to slam into a wall), then it's subtle . I wouldn't expect any abnormal brake wear.
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I'm sure details are in the manual.
Actually, I read the manual on it and unfortunately there really isn’t a lot of detail. You’ve given me more than the manual. That’s why I posed the question here.
The driver assist uses the actual breaks.
No it does cause faster wear since it's only used in certain situations
All the modes make a difference. Here is the short version of each
Eco reduces engine power also transmission rpms and shift points are reduced for best mpg
Normal is just normal. Power level and transmission operate at a standard level for a mix of power and fuel economy .
Sport unlocks all the power the car has. The Rmps and shift points are higher and hrottle is snappier. Some cars all drive aides shut off for max performance, I'm not sure if this car does that.
Thanks! I was curious because sometimes it was applying brakes before I felt it was necessary, and other times it was proactively braking. I like it, but guess I just need to get used to it. On the modes, I’ll try them all. Thanks for the clarification!
do the drive modes (eco, normal and sport) actually make any difference?
Yes and no. If you drive like a maniac, eco and normal mode won't do much for you.
Eco, normal, and sport, from experience, seem to change the shift points of the transmission, and the throttle response from the throttle.
For example, it's a little harder to accelerate in Eco mode, you have to push the throttle a little more than usual. But that's why it is eco mode. Eco mode prefers saving gas rather than going fast. And it will shift not necessarily to accelerate, but for the best fuel economy.
Normal, is well, normal.
Sport makes the throttle more responsive, and holds the shift, so you get the most acceleration and speed before it shifts to the next gear.
If you know how to use them, they can make a difference.
I usually keep it in normal mode for the most part. I just don't like the lack of acceleration in eco mode. When I am entering the freeway, or need to overtake someone on the freeway, I will jump to sport mode. But when I am back cruising, I go to normal mode.
I rarely use eco mode intentionally. I did use eco mode unintentionally in a friends car, because it was preset for eco. And it was so sluggish. But I get it, some people are okay with sluggish, because it saves gas.
Thanks! I’m going to try each mode. I really wasn’t too clear on how they differ!
Let us know how it goes!