Should You Use Cruise Control?
Use cruise control on highways and long straight roads in good conditions - it saves fuel (2-6% improvement) and reduces fatigue. Do not use it in rain, snow, ice, heavy traffic, winding roads, or hilly terrain. Cruise control can cause hydroplaning in wet conditions and does not respond to changing road situations as well as an attentive driver.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise control maintains a steady speed, eliminating the unconscious acceleration and deceleration that wastes fuel.
- Some adaptive cruise control systems work in stop-and-go traffic, making commutes easier.
- Mountainous terrain can reduce fuel savings as cruise control may downshift unnecessarily.
Explanation
Cruise control maintains a steady speed, eliminating the unconscious acceleration and deceleration that wastes fuel. Studies show 2-6% fuel savings on highway driving. It also reduces leg fatigue on long trips and helps avoid unintentional speeding. For optimal efficiency, set it at a steady, moderate speed rather than constantly adjusting.
Safety concerns arise in poor conditions. On wet or icy roads, if tires lose traction, cruise control may try to accelerate to maintain speed, worsening a skid. The driver's foot is off the accelerator, slightly delaying reaction time. It is also problematic in heavy traffic where constant speed adjustments are needed.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is safer - it uses radar or cameras to maintain distance from vehicles ahead, automatically slowing and accelerating. However, even ACC should not be used in bad weather or relied upon as a substitute for driver attention. It is a convenience feature, not autonomous driving.
Things to Know
- Some adaptive cruise control systems work in stop-and-go traffic, making commutes easier.
- Mountainous terrain can reduce fuel savings as cruise control may downshift unnecessarily.
- Speed limiter is different from cruise control - it caps maximum speed but does not maintain a set speed.