Cruise Control in a Car: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever been on long road trips where you are the only person who knows how to drive? You are excited about the trip but also dread the long drive you must finish without help. This is where cruise control in a car comes into play.

Cruise control has made long drives comfortable and quick, and highly secure. With various developments in cruise control technology like adaptive cruise control, road accidents have been known to reduce.

When cruise control technology was introduced in the automobile industry, it was more dominant in American and European standard cars. However, in India, it was only found in premium luxury cars like Mercedes, Land Rover, Volvo, Audi, etc.

But that’s not the case in recent years. Now cars with cruise control can be found in an affordable price range along with various other safety and comfort features. Some affordable cars in India which come with cruise control are given in the table below.

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is an electronic system which allows the driver to take their foot off the pedal and lock it at a specific speed. This electronic system is highly intuitive and drives exactly like a human driver. Another pressing question is what makes this electronic device so intelligent and intuitive. The cruise control system uses an actuator which controls the accelerator allowing the car to continue driving at a set speed. The actuator is connected to the throttle via a cable. During cruise control, the cable is not just monitoring the car’s speed but also the power of the engine. It ensures that the engine takes in the exact amount of air required to continue cruising at the set speed. With the advancement in technology, actuator systems have evolved now. In many cars, the actuator is powered by a small electronically controlled vacuum valve instead of being controlled by a cable. The vacuum pressure holds the position of the throttle, allowing hands-free cruising of the car.

When to Use Cruise Control in a Car?

Using cruise control while commuting through a highway in clear weather is advisable. If you wish to use cruise control within city limits, adaptive cruise control will be a better choice.You must note that you do not use the cruise control system in adverse weather conditions like heavy rains, thunderstorms, and snow. During these conditions, the visibility on the road is very low, making it unsafe for the car to cruise at high speed.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

The adaptive cruise control takes the cruise control technology a step ahead. It automatically regulates the cruising speed of the car depending on the vehicle in front. Not only does it control the speed, but it also ensures that there is adequate distance between the car and the vehicle in the front. Adaptive cruise control is very beneficial for people who commute long distances. Another advantage of adaptive cruise control is that it works perfectly fine within city traffic. During peak traffic hours, the driver can save themself from fatigue.

Steps to Enable Cruise Control in a Car

• Step 1: Cruise control is offered in a car to keep driving at a steady pace. To do that, you will first be required to build the car's speed. Depending on where you are going, create a safe cruising speed for the vehicle.

• Step 2: Once the desired and safe speed has been reached, switch on the cruise control. Each car will have its unique cruise control button. Usually, it is found somewhere on the steering wheel or behind it.

• Step 3: Once you have switched the cruise control system, you must also hit the ‘set’ button. This will signal the car at the set speed, and it has to continue cruising at this speed.

• Step 4: While the car is on cruise control, if you want to increase or decrease the speed, you can use the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons on the cruise control system console.

• Step 5: You can simply hit the brake if you have to stop the car. Once you hit the brake, cruise control will automatically switch off, giving you back complete control of the vehicle. This mechanism has also been established to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Step 6: If you wish to switch off the cruise control system manually, you can push the cancel button on the cruise control system console.

It is important to note that each car comes with its specific cruise control system. The positions and names of the buttons might differ slightly. Before you use it for the first time, it is recommended to thoroughly read about the cruise control in the car’s handbook.

Takeaway

Cruise control in a car has been built keeping in mind comfort and safety. However, as a driver driving on cruise control, you must remain attentive with your eyes on the road for a safe drive. Additionally, ensure you have a relevant car insurance policy to protect against third-party liabilities and accidental damages to your car in case of unfortunate events like road accidents and collisions. If you are looking for a car insurance plan, visit ACKO now. You can browse our insurance plans and select one according to your specific needs and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions-Cruise Control in a Car: Everything You Need to Know

Is cruise control useful?

Cruise control is beneficial for those who commute long distances very frequently. It may help the driver ward off fatigue and safely reach the destination.

Can adaptive cruise control completely stop the vehicle?

If the vehicle in the front appears suddenly and comes too close to the car, adaptive cruise control will stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.  

Can adaptive cruise control be used at night?

Using cruise control at night is not advisable because visibility can be abysmal. Allowing the car to maintain the same speed can be risky during night-time.

Is cruise control in a car suitable for Indian roads?

Cruise control can be effectively used on national highways and expressways in India. However, on smaller lanes and state highways, the chances of unforeseeable factors like cattle, dogs, stopped vehicles, etc., are very high, so ensure safety.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.