Traction control affecting fuel economy

[Tycho]

A colleague has been told by his mechanic that turning off TC will improve fuel economy. Now I think that this is complete bks and couldn't impact fuel economy at all unless TC is malfunctioning but he won't believe me.

Can you guys (and gals) help me convince him that the mechanic as utterly wrong?

[Tycho]

odyssey2200 said:

Tycho said:

A colleague has been told by his mechanic that turning off TC will improve fuel economy. Now I think that this is complete bks and couldn't impact fuel economy at all unless TC is malfunctioning but he won't believe me.

Can you guys (and gals) help me convince him that the mechanic as utterly wrong?

99% of the time your traction control is doing sweet FA so will not effect fuel economy.

When TC cuts in it limits the revs and stops the wheels loosing traction and the engine revving.

It would possibly be more reasonable to say thet having TC stop the engine revving is improving fuel economy but in reality your friend is deluded if he thinks that there will be any measureable difference in fuel consumption either way.

That's what I said, similar to turning the radio off in terms of savings at the very most. Unfortunately I think this is going to be an uphill battle as it is difficult to prove a negative.

Edited by Tycho on Tuesday 14th April 18:21

[Tycho]

jaik said:

It was definitely traction control and not cruise control, right? Not questioning you, more the person who would think turning off TC would improve fuel economy.

That's what my colleague said the mechanic told him. Personally I think that the mechanic meant air con but even that would only make about 1 mpg difference at best I would think.