Turn on cruise control and set your desired speed
Cruise control lets you hold a steady speed without pressing the gas pedal. To start, accelerate to the speed you want to maintain—usually between 25 and 65 miles per hour, depending on your car's system. Once you reach that speed, locate the cruise control stalk or button, typically on the steering wheel or a lever below it. Press the button labeled "On," "Cruise," or "Set"—your dashboard will show a light or icon confirming it is active.
The moment you press "Set," your car locks in that exact speed. If you are going 45 mph when you press it, cruise control will maintain 45 mph until you tell it to stop. Some cars let you set the speed first and then set up cruise control; check your owner's manual for your specific model, as the order varies.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise control activates at whatever speed you are currently driving, so accelerate to your target speed before pressing the Set button.
- You can increase or decrease your set speed using the + and − buttons on the stalk without turning cruise control off.
- Pressing the brake pedal when ready cancels cruise control, and you must manually reactivate it if you want to use it again.
- Never use cruise control on wet roads, in heavy traffic, or on steep hills, because the system cannot react to hazards the way your foot can.
- Cruise control works best on flat, open highways where traffic is light and road conditions are dry.
Adjust your speed without turning off cruise control
Once cruise control is set, you can raise or lower your speed using the + and − buttons on the stalk. Pressing + increases your speed by 1 mph per click on most cars, though some models jump by 5 mph increments. Pressing − lowers your speed the same way. Your new speed becomes the locked-in target, so if you bump it up from 45 to 50 mph, cruise control will now hold 50 mph.
This adjustment feature saves you from having to turn cruise control off and back on every time traffic or road conditions shift slightly. However, if you need to slow down significantly—such as entering a town or approaching a slower vehicle—it is faster and safer to tap the brake pedal once, which cancels cruise control entirely, and then reactivate it when conditions allow.
Cancel cruise control when you need to slow down or stop
Pressing the brake pedal is the quickest way to turn off cruise control. The moment your foot touches the brake, the system disengages and you regain full control of your speed. Your dashboard light will turn off, showing that cruise control is no longer active. This is the safest method because it puts you back in direct control when ready.
Some cars also have a "Cancel" or "Off" button on the stalk that disables cruise control without braking. Using this button is useful if you want to coast or slow down gradually without the sudden engine braking that sometimes happens when you press the pedal. However, in an emergency, always use the brake—do not reach for a button. Cruise control does not reactivate on its own after you cancel it; you must press "Set" again to turn it back on.
Understand when cruise control is safe to use
Cruise control works best on flat, straight highways with light traffic and dry road conditions. The system maintains speed but cannot steer, brake, or react to obstacles. Use it during long stretches of open road where you can see far ahead and traffic is steady. Highways with gentle grades and predictable conditions are ideal.
Do not use cruise control in rain, snow, or on wet pavement, because your tires have less grip and the system cannot sense slippery conditions. Avoid it in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or on steep hills—your car may accelerate or decelerate unpredictably on grades, and you need the ability to brake when ready if traffic slows. City driving, mountain passes, and congested interstates are not suitable for cruise control. Always stay alert and keep your hands near the wheel, ready to take over at any moment.
Know the difference between standard and adaptive cruise control
Standard cruise control holds a fixed speed you set. It does not detect other vehicles or obstacles. You must watch the road and brake manually if traffic slows ahead. This is the most common type on older cars and many budget vehicles.
Adaptive cruise control (sometimes called "intelligent" or "dynamic" cruise control) uses radar or cameras to detect vehicles ahead. If a car slows down in front of you, adaptive cruise control automatically reduces your speed to maintain a safe following distance. When the road clears, it speeds back up to your set speed. This system is standard on many newer cars and is available as an upgrade on others. Even with adaptive cruise control, you must stay alert—it is not self-driving, and you can override it by braking or steering at any time. Check your owner's manual to see which type your car has and what distance settings are available.
Troubleshoot common cruise control problems
If cruise control will not turn on, first check that you are going at least 25 mph—most systems will not set up below that speed. Make sure the button or stalk is fully pressed; a partial press sometimes does not register. If the light comes on but the speed does not lock in, try accelerating slightly and pressing "Set" again. On some cars, cruise control disables itself if the engine is cold or if the transmission is in a low gear.
If cruise control turns off unexpectedly while you are driving, you may have accidentally tapped the brake or touched the cancel button. Some cars also disable cruise control if the engine temperature rises or if the fuel tank is very low. If the system keeps shutting off, check your owner's manual for warning lights on the dashboard—a flashing icon usually means a sensor needs cleaning or the system has detected a fault. If problems continue, have a mechanic inspect the brake switch and cruise control module.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cruise control in the rain?
No. Wet roads reduce tire grip, and cruise control cannot sense slippery conditions or adjust for hydroplaning. Rain also interferes with radar sensors on adaptive cruise control systems. Always turn off cruise control in rain, snow, or wet conditions and drive manually.
What happens if I press the gas pedal while cruise control is on?
Pressing the gas pedal overrides cruise control temporarily. Your car accelerates, but as soon as you release the pedal, cruise control takes over again and returns to your set speed. This is useful for passing another vehicle—just step on the gas, pass, and let cruise control bring you back to your original speed.
Does cruise control use more or less fuel than driving manually?
Cruise control typically uses slightly less fuel because it maintains a steady speed without the small speed fluctuations that happen when a driver adjusts the pedal. However, the difference is small—usually a few percent. The real benefit is reduced fatigue on long drives, not fuel savings.
Can I use cruise control on a hill?
Standard cruise control on steep hills can cause problems because the car may accelerate or decelerate unpredictably as it tries to hold your set speed. Adaptive cruise control handles gentle grades better, but even then, hills are not ideal. For safety, turn off cruise control when driving uphill or downhill and control your speed manually.
What is the difference between cruise control and lane-keeping information?
Cruise control manages your speed only. Lane-keeping information helps keep your car centered in its lane by steering slightly if you drift. They are separate systems that can work together on newer cars, but cruise control does not steer, and lane-keeping information does not control speed. You still need to steer and watch the road with both systems active.