How to Use Cruise Control

For all the hi-tech bells and whistles on modern cars, one of the most useful features – cruise control – has been around for a while.

The “Speedostat” cruise control system, invented by blind US engineer Ralph Teetor, was introduced into Chrysler cars in the 1950s. It allowed the driver to pick a set speed and when the car reached that speed, a vacuum-driven piston would push back against the accelerator to warn the driver.

These days, cruise control is a bit more sophisticated. As well as allowing the driver to set a fixed speed, adaptive, active or dynamic cruise control systems use radars and cameras to monitor the road ahead and can brake or accelerate to maintain safe distances from vehicles in front. They can also use GPS to keep an eye on speed limits and make sure you stick to them.

Cruise control offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with certain limitations and safety concerns. While it effectively maintains a set speed, it’s important to remain vigilant, continuously scanning the road for potential hazards and being prepared to take immediate action. This is particularly crucial in challenging driving conditions such as winding roads, hilly terrain, wet or poorly lit environments, and heavy traffic. In these scenarios, manual control often surpasses cruise control systems in performance and safety.

How Do You Use Cruise Control?

Exactly how you operate cruise control varies from car to car, but generally speaking, it involves turning on cruise control, reaching your desired speed, pressing the “set” button to set that speed, and taking your foot off the accelerator. Your car should then stick to your desired speed.

You should also be able to use buttons or other controls to set or change your cruising speed and pause, stop or resume cruise control.

If you have adaptive cruise control you may also be able to alter the desired distance between you and the car in front.

You can turn off cruise control by touching the brake, and override it by using the accelerator.

What are the Benefits of Cruise Control?

Driving at a consistent speed, rather than constantly braking and accelerating, is a key eco-driving technique, and can save you money on fuel.

It can also save you a fortune in speeding fines, as well as demerit points, by ensuring you stick to the speed limit.

Modern cruise control systems, which maintain distances from cars in front, can also make you a safer driver – especially when integrated with other safety features, such as lane-keeping assist.

Cruise control is generally used on highways. It can take some of the stress out of long drives, and reduce fatigue. However, it’s important not to get too relaxed...

What are Cruise Control’s Limitations and Safety Issues?

It’s critical to be aware that cruise control is not the same thing as auto-pilot. It can give you a false sense of security and you still need to pay attention to the road, scan for hazards, and keep your foot near the brake.

Cruise control is generally designed for driving at a fixed speed on flat, straight roads. In many circumstances – including on winding or hilly roads, gravel roads, in wet conditions, in very bright or poor light, sharp bends, or heavy traffic – you are likely to perform better than cruise control and should take over.

Even the most sophisticated tech can have trouble identifying other cars for all sorts of reasons. Vehicles that are stationary, slow-moving or coming towards you, for example, can confuse your cruise control system. Always be ready to take charge.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}