Cruise control still feels very futuristic to many drivers, and we understand how it can seem a little daunting at first. It’s one of those things you see in sci-fi movies where you just sit back and let the car do the work for you. We aren’t quite at that point yet, but cruise control has come a long way since it was first developed.
It’s a standard in most new vehicles now, which means you’ll find it’s become quite common. You don’t have to use cruise control in your car, but if you decide to do so, then you might want to learn a little more about how it works to ensure you’re prepared. It’s good to know as much as possible about your car, and that’s part of why we’re here with guides like this.
What is Cruise Control and How Does it Work?
Cruise control is an electronic system in your car that allows you to set a speed you wish to maintain so that the car can keep it there until you’re ready to take back full control. You can take your foot off the pedal for this, which makes it similar to using autopilot but in a car. It was designed for use on motorways and A-roads that don’t have frequent stops or turns.
It’s actually quite common now, which is a huge change from back in the day when it could only be found in luxury cars. It makes long journeys more comfortable, and it is easy for you to reach and set so that you can drive safely. However, you still have to keep your hands on the wheel and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a more advanced form of cruise control technology. It allows you to set a specific speed while the system reads traffic and automatically adjusts it for you to help keep you at a safe speed and distance from other road users. It does this using radar sensors that are mounted at the front of the car.
When the system senses a change in the vehicle ahead of you, it will either accelerate or brake according to the action the car takes. This way, it is able to return to maintaining the speed you set when it has resolved the current situation. It’s pretty clever technology, although it’s still in the early phases of development and release.
Who Uses Cruise Control?
It turns out that the majority of young drivers either have cruise control and love it or wish they had it in their car. While there are many who are still wary of technology like this, it’s good to have it there as a form of assistance when you need it. You just have to remember that cruise control doesn’t mean you can kick back and relax. You still need to drive.
Does it Help You Stick to Speed Limits?
If you set the cruise control to the speed you need to stay at, you’ll find it does just that. If you’re driving in a 40 zone, all you need to do is set it to 40, and it will maintain a steady speed for you. Obviously, you still need to remain aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant, but it does help you stay within the speed limit if you find you might struggle with that.
Can You Save Money on Fuel?
Cruise control can help you save money on fuel because you’re keeping it at a steady speed and pace. This is because you’re not using the accelerator to speed up and the brakes to rapidly slow yourself down. Speeding down the road costs you a lot more money, and cruise control can keep you in check.
How to Set Your Cruise Control
There are five very simple steps to help you set your cruise control and get it going. All you need to do is follow this advice and glide your way to a smoother drive:
- Build your speed to at least 30mph
- Switch on cruise control once you’re at your desired speed
- Set the cruise control to hold the current speed
- Use the up arrow or plus button to increase the speed
- Use the down arrow or minus button to decrease the speed
When Shouldn’t You Use Cruise Control?
You should never use cruise control in heavy traffic, on slippery roads, or late at night when you feel tired. These scenarios can have dangerous consequences when cruise control is on because you don’t have the quick reaction times you need to avoid things like ice or slow down and refocus your attention on the road.
Pro Tip: Cruise control makes it harder to stay awake when you’re tired because there is nothing for you to focus on.
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