What Is Cruise Control & How It Works

A cruise control system automatically controls the speed of a car. It’s usually engaged by a switch on the steering wheel and can be set to maintain a constant speed or to slow down the vehicle gradually. It uses sensors to detect the vehicle’s speed and adjust the throttle. 

Cruise control has a feature that allows the driver to set a distance from the car in front so that it will use the brakes automatically, if necessary. So, how to use cruise control in a car? Keep reading to find out.

What is cruise control in a car?

Cruise control is a feature that allows drivers to maintain a consistent speed without having to hold down the accelerator pedal. It can be extremely helpful on long trips or in stop-and-go traffic. The cruise control system in a car uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s speed and adjust the throttle.

Some latest vehicles have adaptive cruise control. This system uses sensors to maintain speed and keep a set distance from the car in front of you. This can be especially helpful in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

While cruise control offers you great convenience, it does not free you from paying full attention to the road. Drivers should always be prepared to take over if necessary.

Know More: Car Driving Tips

How to use cruise control in a car?

When driving on the highway, it’s nice to take the foot off the gas and let the car cruise. That’s what cruise control is for. But how does it work?

There are two main types of cruise control systems in cars: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical cruise control systems use a cable connected to the throttle to control the vehicle’s speed. Electronic cruise control systems use sensors and computers to observe and adjust the throttle.

Most modern vehicles have electronic cruise control systems. These systems are more accurate and easier to use than mechanical systems.

Set the desired speed using a switch or button on the dash to use cruise control. The system will then take over and maintain that speed until the brake is applied or cruise control is turned off. Some systems will also allow setting a distance so if there’s a slower car in front, the vehicle will automatically slow down.

Related Article: Top 10 Safest Cars in India

Benefits of cruise control

Cruise control can be a great safety feature. Here are some benefits of using cruise control:

1. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can be useful in bad weather conditions.
2. It also helps avoid speeding tickets.
3. If we tend to get drowsy when driving, setting the cruise control can help keep you awake and alert.
4. Cruise control can also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle as it helps avoid frequent use of the accelerator and brake.

Dangers of cruise control

Cruise control is a great feature that can help make long drives more bearable. However, it’s important to use it properly and understand the dangers that come with using cruise control.

One of the dangers of cruise control is that it can give us a false sense of security. We need to pay attention while driving and not become complacent.

Another danger of cruise control is that it can lead to speeding. It’s easy to set the cruise control at a speed that’s too fast for the conditions. Hence, it is required to maintain the speed even with cruise control on.

Finally, let’s not forget that cruise control is just a tool!

Also Read: Long Distance Driving Cars in India

Cruise Control Tips

• Use cruise control when driving on highways and other long, straight stretches of road. It’s not meant for stop-and-go traffic or city driving.
• To set the desired speed, push the “set” button on the cruise control stalk until the correct number appears in the display. Then, release the button.
• If you need to change the speed while in cruise mode, use the “+” and “-” buttons. 
• To exit the cruise control mode, tap the brake pedal or push the “off” button on the stalk.

Cruise Control vs Adaptive Cruise Control 

When it comes to cruise control, there are two main types: traditional cruise control and adaptive cruise control. So, what’s the difference between the two?

Traditional cruise control is a feature that allows drivers to maintain a set speed without having to press the accelerator pedal continuously. Adaptive cruise control, on the other hand, uses sensors to monitor traffic and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Both cruise control systems can be extremely helpful when driving on long stretches of highway. However, adaptive cruise control is generally considered to be safer since it can help you avoid rear-end collisions.

Conclusion

Cruise control is a feature on many modern cars that allows the driver to maintain a constant speed without keeping their foot on the accelerator. It can be engaged by pressing a button on the dash or steering wheel and then setting the desired speed using a knob or lever. The cruise control system will then take over and maintain that speed until it is disengaged.