does driving with traction control on increase fuel consumption?

Question

can you explain or prove your answer

Answer 1

The same as Hev's answer.....No

Answer 2

It depends on how you drive, and how your traction control works.

In normal conditions, it is just an extra piece of software in the car's electronic systems. I doubt it shuts down when you tun it off, but just stops taking action when it senses a loss of traction. Therefore, if your driving never causes the system to activate, it won't actually make any appreciable difference.

However, if you drive in a way that would cause the system, if turned on, to activate to reduce wheelspin, then it will have an effect. Most systems will cut fuel to the engine, and therefore will actually reduce fuel consumption. However some more-crude systems on petrol cars just cut the ignition, allowing unburnt fuel to pass through the engine, which is a waste of fuel (although whether it wastes more than spinning the wheels does I can't say).

Answer 3

Yes, because traction control needs power changes and
this will increase consumption, but a lot depends on your
driving conditions and driving habits.

Answer 4

I think it does.. because traction control although not on all the time is capable of driving all 4 wheels at once as opposed to most cars which only drive 2 either front or rear. so if it is driving all 4 at once it takes more effert to do so therefore increasing the power used from the engine therefore using more petrol to do so.. but I dont think it is a noticeable amount..

Answer 5

This is hard one as it's yes and no, as during everyday use traction control shouldn't come into play, so even if it's on, the extra fuel used to run it would be less than the amount used with it off (driving like you nicked it), as you would brake harder in to corners, and loses more momentum and revs, so accelerate harder to drive out of corner. In which case use more fuel.
So depends on how hard you drive.

Answer 6

Yes, read your manual. It states that all electric operated functions contribute to fuel consumption. Let your engine idle and listen to the tone, turn your lights on and the tone will change as the engine needs to produce more power to keep up.

Answer 7

yes most things increase your fuel consumption even having the windows open or the air con on pretty much everything you do uses more fuel

Answer 8

I wouldn't have thought so unless you are using it all the time, on slippery roads or uneven surfaces.

Answer 9

Oh yes

Answer 10

No