The basic steps to set up cruise control
Cruise control turns on with a dedicated stalk or button, usually on or near your steering wheel. On most cars, you'll find a lever on the right side of the steering column (or sometimes the left, depending on the model) that you push up or pull toward you. Some vehicles use a button pad on the steering wheel itself. Once you push or pull the control, the system activates—you'll see a light on your dashboard that says "Cruise" or shows a speedometer symbol.
Before you can set a speed, your car must be moving. Cruise control won't engage if you're stopped or going below about 25 miles per hour, depending on your vehicle. Once you're at the speed you want to maintain, you press a "Set" or "Resume" button (usually on the same stalk or wheel control) to lock in that speed. The car will then hold that speed automatically until you press the brake or cancel the system.
The exact location and style of controls varies by manufacturer and year. Check your owner's manual for the precise button layout in your specific car—it's usually a quick reference that takes two minutes to find.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise control activates with a stalk or button on or near your steering wheel, usually marked with a speedometer or "Cruise" symbol.
- Your car must be moving at least 25 miles per hour before you can set cruise control; it will not engage while stopped.
- Once moving at your desired speed, press the "Set" or "Resume" button to lock in that speed and let the car maintain it.
- Pressing the brake pedal when ready cancels cruise control on all vehicles, returning full control to you.
- Your owner's manual shows the exact button locations for your car's model and year.
Where the controls are located on your steering wheel or column
Most vehicles have cruise control on a stalk that extends from the steering column—usually on the right side, below the turn signal lever. You'll push it up to turn on the system, or pull it down, depending on your car's design. Some newer cars, especially luxury models, have moved the controls to buttons on the steering wheel itself, often grouped with other driving functions like lane-keeping information or adaptive cruise.
If you can't find the control, look for a symbol that looks like a speedometer with a checkmark, or the word "Cruise" printed on the stalk or wheel buttons. The symbol is usually small but visible once you know where to look. If you're renting a car or driving someone else's vehicle, the owner's manual in the glove compartment will show you exactly where it is.
Setting your desired speed once cruise is on
After you've activated cruise control with the main button or stalk, you need to reach the speed you want to maintain. Drive normally using the accelerator pedal until you hit that speed—say, 55 miles per hour on the highway. Then press the "Set" or "Resume" button (usually a separate button on the same control) to tell the car to hold that speed.
Once you press "Set," you can take your foot off the accelerator. The car's engine will adjust automatically to maintain the speed you locked in. If you need to go faster or slower while cruise is active, you can usually press "+" or "-" buttons to increase or decrease the speed in small increments—often 1 mile per hour at a time. Some cars let you hold the button to change speed more quickly.
How to cancel or turn off cruise control
Cruise control cancels when ready when you press the brake pedal. This is the most common way to stop using it, and it works on every vehicle. Pressing the brake gives you full control of your speed right away—the car doesn't coast or gradually slow down.
You can also cancel cruise by pressing a "Cancel" button on the stalk or wheel control, or by moving the main stalk to the "Off" position. If you cancel without braking, the car will stop holding the speed but won't slow down on its own; you'll need to use the brake if you want to actually reduce speed. Some cars also turn off cruise if you shift into Neutral or if the engine speed drops below a certain threshold.
Adaptive cruise control versus standard cruise control
Newer cars often have adaptive cruise control instead of standard cruise. Adaptive cruise uses radar or cameras to detect the car ahead of you and automatically slows down if that car slows down, then speeds back up when the road clears. It turns on the same way as standard cruise—with the main stalk or button—but it has an extra feature: you can set a following distance (how far back you want to stay from the car in front).
Standard cruise control, by contrast, holds a fixed speed no matter what. If a car pulls in front of you, standard cruise won't slow down; you have to brake manually. Adaptive cruise is more convenient on busy highways because it handles speed changes for you, but it requires your attention—you should always be ready to take over if the system doesn't respond as expected.
Your owner's manual will tell you which type your car has. If you see buttons for "distance" or "following distance" on your steering wheel controls, you have adaptive cruise.
Safety tips when using cruise control
Cruise control is designed for highway driving on straight roads, not for city streets, heavy traffic, or bad weather. Use it only when you're alert and paying full attention to the road. Even though the car is holding the speed, you're still responsible for steering, watching for hazards, and being ready to brake.
Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads. If your wheels lose traction, cruise control can make the car harder to control because it may try to maintain speed even as you're sliding. In rain or snow, turn it off and drive manually.
Don't use cruise control if you're tired or drowsy. The temptation to relax too much is real, and cruise control can lull you into inattention. It's a convenience tool, not a substitute for active driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cruise control in the rain or on wet roads?
No. Turn off cruise control in rain, snow, or any slippery conditions. If your wheels lose grip, cruise control can make it harder to regain control because the system may try to maintain speed even as you're sliding. Always drive manually in bad weather.
What happens if I press the brake while cruise control is on?
Cruise control cancels when ready when you press the brake. You regain full control of your speed right away. The car doesn't coast or gradually slow—it responds to your brake pressure just as it normally would.
Can I adjust the speed up or down while cruise control is running?
Yes. Most cars have "+" and "-" buttons on the cruise control stalk or steering wheel that let you increase or decrease the set speed in small increments, usually 1 mile per hour at a time. You can also hold the button to change speed more quickly.
Does cruise control use more or less fuel than driving manually?
Cruise control typically uses slightly less fuel on the highway because it maintains a steady speed without the small accelerations and decelerations that happen when a person drives manually. However, the difference is usually small—a few percent at most—and depends on road conditions and your driving style.
What's the difference between cruise control and adaptive cruise control?
Standard cruise holds a fixed speed you set. Adaptive cruise uses radar or cameras to detect the car ahead and automatically slows down if that car slows, then speeds back up when the road clears. Adaptive is more convenient in traffic, but both require your full attention and active control of the vehicle.