* When it's active: Traction control intervenes by reducing engine power or braking individual wheels to regain traction. This temporary reduction in power means the engine isn't working as efficiently, leading to slightly higher fuel consumption.
* When it's not active: When traction is good, traction control isn't active and has no impact on fuel economy.
In most driving situations, the fuel consumption increase from traction control is minimal and likely overshadowed by other factors like driving style and road conditions. Only in situations with persistent wheelspin or loss of traction (e.g., driving on ice or snow) would the impact become noticeable. Think of it like this: the small amount of extra fuel used to prevent a skid is far less than the fuel wasted from an uncontrolled skid.
