March 24, 2011
Can turning off the “Trac” option on PT Cruisers save on gas use?
I bought a 2001 PT Cruiser and just noticed the “Trac Off” button.
Why would they allow you to turn this feature off anyway?
Wouldn’t having more traction all the time be a good thing?
Should I only have it turned on in the snow?
Can I save on gas if I keep it turned off?
Just trying to figure out exactly what it does…
It didn’t come with an operators manual but I can look it up online. Thanks!
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Filed under Gas Conservation FAQ by on Mar 24th, 2011. Comment. 
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Comments on Can turning off the “Trac” option on PT Cruisers save on gas use?
No that is the traction control feature it will not improve gas mileage it might help you spin your tires a lil bit it thats what you want though
Read the operator’s manual that came with the car, it will have be best explanation of the “Trac” feature then you can decide if you want to leave it off.
No it won’t save you gas
with it Off the tires will spin in wet or icy conditions.
with it ON the computer senses wheel slippage and corrects or stop this from happening it will also help you maintain control in panic situations.
some ppl with rear wheel drive cars find it more fun or spirited to drive with it off but with the Pt Cruiser you have no reason to turn it off.
it does not affect mpg but it might help you avoid a wreck or a spin on a slippery road.
JUSTTURN IT OFF THE WHOLE CAR THAT IS
First what it does for you. In ice, snow wet road conditions it helps you get going by applieing brake to the spinning wheel makeing the traction wheel pull. It also helps keep you from getting stuck. But if you do get stuck you have to turn it off to prevent damage to your brakes as you rock the vehicle out.
And no gas milage is the same on or off. In fact with it on milage is better on slick roads.
As you can read above the traction control will allow you to stop wheel spins (in rain and / or snow). But the secret is HOW.
It applies the brake to the wheel that is slipping (and lowering the throttle). So obviously applying the brake will lower the gas efficiency. But only if you are accelerating so hard to spin your wheels. In that case you got the REAL reason why you are using too much gas.
So forgetaboutit and leave the traction control on.
Good Luck…