Turning on cruise control: the basic steps
To turn on cruise control, locate the stalk or button on your steering column or steering wheel — most cars have it on the left side of the wheel, either as a lever you pull toward you or a button labeled "CC" or "Cruise." Push or pull it to the "On" position. The dashboard will show a light or icon confirming cruise control is now active and ready to use. At this point, cruise control is armed but not yet holding your speed.
Once cruise control is on, accelerate to the speed you want to maintain — typically between 25 and 55 mph, though your car's manual will specify the minimum. When you reach that speed, press the "Set" or "Resume" button (usually on the stalk itself or a nearby button). Your car will now hold that exact speed without you pressing the gas pedal. The dashboard display will show the speed being maintained.
Different car brands use slightly different names and placements for these controls. Toyota calls the button "Main," Chevrolet uses "On/Off," and Ford labels it "Set/Coast." Check your owner's manual or the small text on the stalk itself to confirm which button does what in your specific vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise control is turned on using a stalk or button on your steering column, usually on the left side, set to the "On" position.
- You must accelerate to your desired speed first, then press "Set" or "Resume" to lock in that speed.
- Cruise control should only be used on highways and open roads where you can maintain a constant speed for extended periods.
- You can cancel cruise control when ready by tapping the brake pedal, pressing "Cancel," or moving the stalk to "Off."
- Never use cruise control in heavy traffic, on wet roads, on hills, or when you are tired or distracted.
When cruise control is safe to use
Cruise control works best on flat, straight highways with light traffic and dry road conditions. Use it during long drives on interstates or rural highways where the road ahead is clear and you can see far ahead. Cruise control is designed to reduce fatigue on these predictable stretches, not to replace your attention to the road.
Avoid cruise control in rain, snow, or fog — wet roads reduce traction, and your car may not brake smoothly if it needs to slow down suddenly. Do not use it in heavy traffic, on winding roads, on hills, or in construction zones. Cruise control cannot judge whether it is safe to maintain your current speed in these situations, and you need full control of acceleration and braking.
How to adjust or cancel cruise control
Once cruise control is holding your speed, you can adjust that speed without turning it off. Most cars have "+" and "−" buttons (or "Accel" and "Decel") on the stalk that let you increase or decrease the set speed by 1 mph per press, or by larger increments if you hold the button. This is faster than turning off cruise control, accelerating manually, and turning it back on.
To cancel cruise control when ready, press the brake pedal — this is the most common way to disengage it. You can also press the "Cancel" button on the stalk, or move the main stalk to the "Off" position. Pressing the gas pedal does not cancel cruise control on most cars; it will only override it temporarily, and cruise control will resume the set speed once you release the pedal.
Common mistakes that cause problems
The biggest mistake is forgetting that cruise control is still on. If you press the gas to pass another car and then release it, your car will slow back down to the set speed — this surprises drivers who thought they had turned it off. Always confirm the dashboard light is off before you assume cruise control is no longer active.
Another common error is using cruise control on roads where speed needs to change frequently. Cruise control cannot predict curves, hills, or traffic ahead. If you are in an area where you need to brake or adjust speed every few seconds, turn cruise control off and drive manually.
Do not rely on cruise control to keep you alert. Cruise control reduces the physical task of maintaining speed, but it does not reduce your responsibility to watch the road, check mirrors, and stay ready to brake. Drowsy driving is still drowsy driving, even with cruise control on.
Adaptive cruise control versus standard cruise control
Many newer cars have adaptive cruise control (sometimes called "intelligent" or "dynamic" cruise control), which uses radar or cameras to detect the car ahead of you. Adaptive cruise control automatically slows down if traffic slows and speeds back up when traffic clears. Standard cruise control does neither — it holds a fixed speed no matter what is happening around you.
Adaptive cruise control is turned on the same way as standard cruise control, but it has additional buttons to set the following distance (how far behind the car ahead you want to stay). Check your owner's manual for the exact button locations, as they vary by manufacturer. Even with adaptive cruise control, you must stay alert and ready to brake manually if the system does not respond quickly enough.
What to do if cruise control will not turn on
If the cruise control button does nothing, first check that your car is moving at least 25 mph — most cars will not set up cruise control below this speed. Next, confirm the stalk or button is actually in the "On" position; it is straightforward to move it partway and think it is on when it is not.
If cruise control still will not set up, check your owner's manual to see whether your car has a separate master switch or if cruise control is disabled in certain driving modes. Some cars disable cruise control when the transmission is in manual mode, when traction control is off, or when the car is in sport mode. If none of these explore and cruise control still does not work, have a mechanic inspect the system — a faulty stalk or electrical connection may need repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cruise control in the rain?
No. Wet roads reduce your tires' grip, and cruise control cannot sense this loss of traction. If your car needs to brake suddenly on wet pavement, cruise control may not respond fast enough, or your car may skid. Turn off cruise control and drive manually whenever the road is wet, icy, or foggy.
What happens if I press the gas pedal while cruise control is on?
Your car will accelerate, but cruise control will not turn off. Once you release the gas pedal, your car will slow back down to the set speed. If you want to pass another car, either press the brake to cancel cruise control first, or use the "+" button to temporarily increase the set speed.
Is cruise control bad for my car's engine?
No. Cruise control does not harm your engine. It may actually reduce wear in some cases because it maintains a steady speed rather than the constant small adjustments a driver makes manually. However, cruise control is a convenience feature, not a way to improve fuel economy — real savings depend on your driving habits and road conditions.
Can I use cruise control on city streets?
Not safely. City driving requires frequent speed changes, turns, and stops. Cruise control is designed for long, straight stretches where speed stays constant. Using it in stop-and-go traffic or on winding roads forces you to cancel and reset it constantly, which defeats the purpose and increases the chance you will forget it is on.
Why does my car slow down when I use cruise control on a hill?
Standard cruise control maintains speed by controlling the gas pedal, not by downshifting or using engine braking. On an uphill grade, your engine may not have enough power to maintain the set speed, so your car will slow down. Adaptive cruise control or a transmission with manual downshift control can help, but standard cruise control has this limitation on steep hills.