What Cruise Control Does and When to Use It
Cruise control is a system that automatically maintains a speed you set, so your foot stays off the accelerator. Once activated, the car holds that exact speed until you press the brake, tap the cancel button, or manually override it. It works best on highways and long, straight roads where traffic moves at a steady pace—not in stop-and-go city driving or on winding roads where you need to adjust speed frequently.
The system uses sensors to monitor your car's speed and adjusts engine power to keep it constant. This can reduce fatigue on long drives and, in some cases, improve fuel economy by avoiding the small speed fluctuations that happen when you're controlling the pedal manually. However, cruise control is not a substitute for paying attention to the road—you must stay alert and ready to brake at any moment.
Key Takeaways
- set up cruise control by pressing the main button (usually labeled "Cruise" or "CC"), then set your desired speed using the stalk or buttons on your steering wheel.
- Cruise control works best on open highways with steady traffic; avoid using it in heavy traffic, rain, snow, or on steep hills.
- Pressing the brake pedal when ready cancels cruise control, and you can resume the same speed by pressing the resume button without resetting it.
- Always keep your hands on the wheel and stay focused on the road, because cruise control does not steer or brake for obstacles.
Turning On Cruise Control and Setting Your Speed
First, locate the cruise control button or stalk. On most cars, this is a lever or set of buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, or sometimes on a stalk that extends from the steering column. The button is usually labeled "Cruise," "CC," or has a speedometer icon. Press this button to set up the system—you will typically see a light on your dashboard indicating that cruise control is now ready.
Once the system is active, accelerate to your desired speed using the gas pedal as you normally would. When you reach the speed you want to maintain, press the "Set" or "+" button (exact labels vary by manufacturer). The car will now hold that speed automatically. You should feel your foot come off the accelerator naturally—the engine will take over speed control from that point.
Some cars let you set speed in smaller increments. If you overshoot your target speed slightly, use the "-" or "Coast" button to lower the set speed by 1 mph at a time, rather than braking and resetting. This keeps the system active and saves you from having to reprogram it.
Adjusting Speed While Cruise Control Is Active
If you need to go faster while cruise control is running, you have two options. You can press the "+" or "Accel" button repeatedly to increase the set speed in 1 mph increments, or you can press and hold it to jump up in larger steps. Alternatively, you can straightforward step on the gas pedal—the car will accelerate, and when you release the pedal, cruise control will resume maintaining your original set speed.
To slow down, use the "-" or "Coast" button to lower the set speed, or briefly tap the brake pedal. Tapping the brake will not cancel cruise control; it will only slow the car momentarily. Once you release the brake, the system will resume the speed you had set. If you want to cancel cruise control entirely and return to manual control, press the "Cancel" button or push the stalk away from you (the exact method depends on your car model).
When Cruise Control Cancels Automatically
Cruise control disengages on its own in several situations. Pressing the brake pedal is the most common—this is a safety feature that ensures you can always regain when ready control. Some cars also cancel cruise control if you shift into Neutral, if the engine speed drops below a certain threshold, or if you turn the steering wheel sharply (a sign you are maneuvering, not cruising).
On newer vehicles with adaptive cruise control, the system may also disengage if it detects a vehicle ahead slowing down and cannot match that deceleration safely. In icy or slippery conditions, some cars will disable cruise control automatically to prevent loss of traction. Always check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle, because cancellation triggers vary.
Situations Where You Should Not Use Cruise Control
Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic, even on highways. If traffic is stopping and starting frequently, you will spend more time canceling and resuming the system than you would spend straightforward driving manually. Cruise control is designed for steady-speed driving, not for the constant speed changes that congested roads demand.
Avoid cruise control on wet, icy, or snowy roads. The system cannot sense road conditions the way your brain can, and maintaining a fixed speed on slippery pavement can cause your wheels to lose traction. Similarly, do not use cruise control on steep downhill grades—the system may not brake hard enough to prevent the car from accelerating due to gravity, and you could end up going faster than intended.
Do not use cruise control on winding roads where you need to adjust speed frequently for curves. The system works best on straight stretches where your speed can remain constant for extended periods. Finally, never use cruise control if you are drowsy or distracted—the system is a convenience tool, not a substitute for active driving.
Resume and Memory Features
Most cars have a "Resume" button that lets you return to your previously set speed without entering it again. If you cancel cruise control by tapping the brake, you can press Resume to jump back to that speed when ready. This is useful if you need to slow down briefly for traffic or a curve, then return to highway speed.
Some vehicles store your last-used speed in memory, so if you turn off the engine and restart the car later, the system remembers what speed you had set. Check your owner's manual to see whether your car has this feature and how to access it. Not all models include memory, so do not assume your car will remember your speed from a previous drive.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A Step Beyond Standard Cruise
Adaptive cruise control (sometimes called "intelligent" or "dynamic" cruise control) is an upgraded version available on many newer cars. Instead of maintaining a fixed speed, it uses radar or cameras to detect vehicles ahead and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance. If the car in front slows down, your car slows down too. When that car speeds up or moves out of your lane, your car accelerates back to your set speed.
Adaptive cruise control is more useful in moderate traffic than standard cruise control, but it still requires your full attention. The system can detect obstacles, but it cannot predict sudden stops or hazards the way a human driver can. Always keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to brake manually if needed. Refer to your owner's manual for the specific features and limitations of your car's adaptive system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cruise control use more or less fuel than driving manually?
Cruise control often uses slightly less fuel on highways because it maintains a steady speed without the small accelerations and decelerations that happen when you control the pedal manually. However, the difference is usually small—a few percent at most. On city streets or in heavy traffic, cruise control offers no fuel benefit because you will be canceling and resuming it constantly.
Can I use cruise control in the rain?
Standard cruise control can be used in light rain, but avoid it in heavy rain, thunderstorms, or any condition where visibility is poor or the road is slippery. Wet pavement reduces traction, and maintaining a fixed speed could cause your wheels to hydroplane. If you must drive in rain, keep manual control of your speed so you can adjust when ready if conditions worsen.
What happens if I press the gas pedal while cruise control is on?
The car will accelerate normally, and cruise control will pause temporarily. When you release the gas pedal, cruise control resumes and returns to your set speed. You do not need to cancel the system first—it is designed to let you override it this way without losing your programmed speed.
Is it safe to use cruise control on a downhill road?
No. On a downhill grade, gravity pulls your car forward, and cruise control may not brake hard enough to prevent acceleration. You could end up going faster than your set speed, which is dangerous. Always use manual speed control on steep descents, especially in mountains or hilly terrain.
Can cruise control fail or malfunction?
Yes, like any system, cruise control can develop problems. If the system does not engage, disengages unexpectedly, or maintains an incorrect speed, have it inspected by a mechanic. Do not rely on a malfunctioning system—drive manually until it is repaired. Check your dashboard warning lights for any cruise control error codes.