What is Cruise Control?
Cruise control is a system that allows a driver to set and maintain a specific speed without needing to keep their foot on the accelerator. Primarily used on highways, it reduces driver fatigue, saves fuel, and ensures consistent speed, enhancing long-distance travel comfort.
Types of Cruise Control
- Standard Cruise Control: This basic system maintains a set speed chosen by the driver.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): A more advanced version, ACC automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, using sensors and cameras.
How Cruise Control Works?
Cruise control functions by electronically controlling the throttle to maintain a set speed. Once engaged, it uses sensors and the vehicle’s onboard computer to hold this speed until manually overridden by the driver.
- Acceleration and Deceleration: In standard cruise control, speed adjustments are manually set by the driver, while ACC manages acceleration and deceleration based on traffic conditions.
- Controlling Cruise Control: The system has controls, typically on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to set, adjust, and cancel speed settings.
How to Use Cruise Control?
Using cruise control is straightforward but requires familiarity with certain controls and conditions to operate it safely.
- Evaluate Weather Conditions: Ensure that the weather is clear and the roads are dry. Avoid using cruise control in rainy, snowy, or foggy weather to maintain optimal control.
- Build Your Speed: Increase your speed to your desired cruising speed, typically over 40 km/h on highways.
- Turn Cruise Control On: Locate the cruise control button, generally marked with “Cruise” or “CC,” and activate the system.
- Set Cruise Control: After reaching your target speed, set the cruise control by pressing the “Set” button. The vehicle will now maintain this speed.
- Watch the Road Carefully: Although your speed is set, it’s crucial to stay alert, as manual braking is required in emergencies.
Safety Tips for Using Cruise Control
Safety is paramount when using cruise control. Following these guidelines can help maximize safety:
- Use It Only on Highways: Cruise control is designed for open highways where speed consistency is ideal.
- Avoid Using in Heavy Traffic: In congested areas, frequent braking and speed changes are necessary, which defeats the purpose of cruise control.
- Avoid Using on Wet or Slippery Roads: Slippery conditions reduce tire grip, making it harder to maintain safe control with cruise control.
- Maintain Safe Distances: Always keep an adequate distance from vehicles ahead, especially when using standard cruise control.
- Hover Your Foot Over the Brake: Stay prepared to deactivate cruise control if needed, keeping your foot near the brake for quick reaction time.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Maintain awareness of vehicles, pedestrians, and changes in traffic flow even when cruise control is engaged.
Understanding Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control takes conventional cruise control a step further, using sensors to detect the vehicle ahead and adjust speed automatically, providing enhanced safety and convenience.
- How ACC Works: ACC uses radar and sensors in the front of the vehicle to measure the distance to the car ahead. When the leading car slows down or speeds up, ACC adjusts the speed accordingly.
- Benefits of ACC: With ACC, drivers experience fewer speed adjustments and enhanced safety, particularly in light traffic where minimal braking is needed.
- Limitations of ACC: ACC may not respond well to certain scenarios, such as sudden lane changes by other vehicles, and drivers should still stay vigilant.
When to Use Cruise Control?
Knowing when to use cruise control is essential for maximizing its benefits and maintaining safety:
- Highway Driving: Cruise control is ideal on open highways where the road is straight, and traffic is light.
- During Long Drives: For extended trips, cruise control can alleviate fatigue by keeping your speed steady.
- Avoid in Curvy or Steep Roads: Curves and slopes require frequent adjustments in speed and control, making cruise control unsuitable in these conditions.
Cruise Control in Wet Conditions
Driving with cruise control during rain or on wet roads can be dangerous. Wet conditions reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. When roads are wet, it’s recommended to avoid cruise control to maintain better manual control over the vehicle.
Cruise Control Cars Available in India
Many car manufacturers in India now include cruise control or adaptive cruise control features in their vehicles. Here’s a list of some popular models:
- Standard Cruise Control Models: Hyundai Creta, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
- Adaptive Cruise Control Models: Higher-end models like the MG Hector, Tata Harrier, and some luxury brands offer ACC options.