Cruise Control Basics: What It Does and When to Use It
Cruise control is a system that maintains a steady speed without you pressing the gas pedal. Once you set it to your desired speed, the car's engine automatically adjusts to hold that speed until you brake, press the cancel button, or turn the system off. It works best on flat highways where traffic is light and predictable.
Cruise control reduces fatigue on long drives and helps you maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. However, it is not a substitute for paying attention to the road. You must stay alert and ready to take over when ready if traffic changes, weather worsens, or an obstacle appears.
Key Takeaways
- set up cruise control only on open highways with steady traffic conditions, never in city driving or heavy congestion.
- Set your desired speed by accelerating to that speed first, then pressing the Set or Cruise button on your steering wheel or stalk.
- Pressing the brake pedal when ready cancels cruise control, and you regain full control of the throttle when ready.
- Use the Resume button to return to your previously set speed after braking, or press Cancel to turn the system off completely.
- Modern adaptive cruise control systems can automatically slow down and speed up based on traffic ahead, but require the same attention as standard cruise control.
Step-by-Step: Turning On Cruise Control
First, accelerate your car to the speed you want to maintain. Cruise control sets to your current speed, not to a speed you enter beforehand. Most drivers set it between 55 and 75 mph on highways, depending on the speed limit and road conditions.
Once you reach your target speed, locate the cruise control buttons. On most cars, these are on the steering wheel itself or on a stalk extending from the steering column. Look for buttons labeled "Cruise," "Set," "On," or a symbol that looks like a speedometer. Press the main button to turn the system on—you will usually see a light on your dashboard confirming it is active.
Next, press the "Set" or "Cruise" button to lock in your current speed. The dashboard will display the speed you have set, often with a small icon showing cruise control is engaged. From this point forward, your car will maintain that exact speed without input from you.
Adjusting Speed While Cruise Control Is Active
If you need to go faster or slower while cruise control is running, you have two options. You can press the accelerator pedal to speed up temporarily—when you release it, the car will return to your set speed. This is useful for passing another vehicle on the highway.
To permanently change your set speed, use the "+" or "−" buttons (or "Resume" and "Cancel" buttons, depending on your car's layout). Pressing "+" increases your set speed by 1 mph with each press, or by 5 mph if you hold it down. Pressing "−" decreases it the same way. Make small adjustments to avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration that could startle other drivers.
Some cars allow you to press the accelerator and then press "Set" again to update your cruise speed to the new speed you are holding. Check your owner's manual to confirm which method your vehicle uses.
Canceling and Resuming Cruise Control
Pressing the brake pedal is the fastest way to cancel cruise control. The moment your foot touches the brake, the system disengages and you regain full control of the throttle. This is a safety feature—cruise control always yields to the brakes.
After braking, you can press the "Resume" button to return to your previously set speed without having to accelerate and set it again. Resume works only if you have not turned off the ignition or pressed the main "Off" or "Cancel" button. If you press "Cancel" or turn the system completely off, your set speed is erased and you must start over.
On some vehicles, the "Resume" button is labeled "Accel" or "RES." Refer to your dashboard or owner's manual if you are unsure which button performs this function.
When Not to Use Cruise Control
Never use cruise control in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or in poor weather. Cruise control works best only when you can maintain a steady speed for several minutes without interruption. In stop-and-go traffic, you will be constantly canceling and resuming, which defeats the purpose and increases the risk of missing a hazard.
Avoid cruise control on wet or icy roads, in rain, or in fog. If your car begins to skid or hydroplane, cruise control can make the situation worse because the engine may continue accelerating even as you lose traction. On steep downhill grades, cruise control can cause your brakes to overheat if the system tries to maintain speed by braking repeatedly.
Do not use cruise control on unfamiliar roads or in areas where you need to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, or sudden turns. City driving, residential streets, and mountain passes all require your full attention and when ready control of the throttle.
Adaptive Cruise Control: How It Differs
Adaptive cruise control (sometimes called "intelligent" or "dynamic" cruise control) is a newer feature found on many mid-range and luxury vehicles. Instead of maintaining a fixed speed, it uses radar or cameras to detect vehicles ahead and automatically slows down if traffic slows, then speeds back up when traffic clears.
To use adaptive cruise control, set it the same way you would standard cruise control—accelerate to your desired speed and press Set. The main difference is that you can also set a following distance (usually 1, 2, or 3 car lengths) using the distance button on your steering wheel. The system will maintain that gap automatically.
Adaptive cruise control still requires your full attention. It can fail to detect stopped vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, and it may not slow down quickly enough in an emergency. You must be ready to brake at any moment. Never rely on it as a substitute for active driving.
Common Mistakes and Safety Tips
The biggest mistake is setting cruise control and then relaxing your attention. Your hands should stay on or near the wheel, and your eyes should stay on the road. Cruise control does not drive the car—it only maintains speed. You are still responsible for steering, watching for hazards, and reacting to changes.
Another common error is using cruise control on roads where speed limits change frequently. If you pass a lower speed limit sign and forget to adjust your set speed, you will be speeding. Always check speed limit signs and adjust manually if needed.
Do not assume cruise control will work in all conditions. Test it on a quiet highway first to understand how your specific car's system behaves. Read your owner's manual to learn which buttons do what, because layouts vary widely between manufacturers. Finally, never take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road, even for a moment, while cruise control is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cruise control use more or less fuel than driving manually?
Cruise control typically uses slightly less fuel on flat highways because it maintains a steady speed without the small accelerations and decelerations that happen when a driver adjusts the pedal. However, the difference is small—usually 1 to 2 percent. On hilly terrain, cruise control may use more fuel because the system accelerates harder to maintain speed going uphill.
What happens if I press the gas pedal while cruise control is on?
The car will accelerate to the speed you are holding the pedal at. When you release the gas, cruise control takes over again and the car returns to your set speed. This is the normal way to pass another vehicle while using cruise control.
Can I use cruise control in the rain?
Standard cruise control can be used in light rain, but avoid it in heavy rain, fog, or slippery conditions. Adaptive cruise control should not be used in rain because the sensors may not detect vehicles ahead clearly. In any wet weather, keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to brake when ready.
Why does my cruise control keep turning off?
Cruise control automatically cancels if you press the brake, press the Cancel button, or if the engine stalls. Some systems also turn off if you exceed a certain speed or if the engine temperature rises. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's specific auto-shutoff conditions.
Is cruise control the same as autopilot?
No. Cruise control only maintains speed; it does not steer the car. Autopilot systems (found on some newer vehicles) can steer and maintain lane position, but they still require constant driver attention and are not fully autonomous. Always keep your hands on the wheel and stay alert, regardless of which system you are using.