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Isn’t it a thrill we all seek every now and then to be cruising down the highway. And enjoy the rhythm of your favorite song?
However, how do you feel about controlling the speed of your car manually? Pressing the accelerator pedal can get tiresome and uneasy if you take long distances.
This is where ‘cruise control’ comes in. Do you wish to know what makes cruise control tick, as well as whether it is worth having? Keep on reading.
What is Cruise Control?
Cruise control involves an auto’s capability to maintain a given pace. These are set by the driver without requiring constant pressure on the accelerator pedal. The car will remain at this speed until either of two actions. Stepping on the brake or depressing gas pedal. This occurs with intention for slowing it down or increasing its velocity respectively.
The purpose of using cruise control is to automate certain aspects. It is involved in maintaining a vehicle’s propulsion. Previous developments used a cable and actuator for regulating the throttle valve.
But many modern vehicles have deployed different sensors linked together by Electronic Control Unit. An input whereby a driver sets his or her desired speed goes through ECU. This processes the information then adjusts throttle correspondingly. Ensuring that regardless of changing road conditions, such speed is maintained by an automobile.
How to Use Cruise Control?
Before setting any speed limit, be sure there are no adverse weather conditions. You should not use it at high speeds while it is raining. Because visibility may go low due to unpredictable road surfaces.
These are:
- Accelerate up to your preferred velocity within recommended limits on roads and expressways.
- Once reaching the needed rate, engage cruise control by pressing the proper button. It is usually located around the steering wheel. Locate this button before engaging cruise control.
- Take away pressure from the accelerator pad. Then the car will keep moving uniformly without further instruction.
Keep watchful anticipation of diversifying states of roads. So that braking will follow when necessary.
- To accelerate, press the “–” button.
- Use the “+” key whenever you want to decrease motion intensity.
- Pressing the brake pedal gently results in deactivation of cruise control.
The buttons used for engaging, acceleration and deceleration. While using the cruise control differ from one vehicle brand to another. Always read your car manual before you start driving.
Advantages of Cruise Control in a Car
Cruise control ensures that long distance drivers do not tire out. Since, it keeps a uniform speed without any manual input. The driver can relax his/her foot as opposed to applying pressure onto the accelerator pedal continuously. This is particularly useful on highways where it can engage for long periods.
Increases Fuel Efficiency
A consistent speed ensures that the engine runs at fixed RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute). Thus, there are no variations in speed and RPM. Thus, it ensures less fuel wastage during extended highway travels.
Improved Safety
On open highways, it allows them to go through high over-speeding levels. Many motorists usually exceed these threshold limits. It enables you to preset a speed below this limit. Cruise control also prevents transport accidents due to speeding.
Effortless Speed Control
When changing your car’s velocity rate, ordinarily you would use gas or brake pedals. But on a highway, one may desire their pace fits road conditions. Use of such systems as those with which set speed is controlled with steering wheel buttons. It allows for adaptive driving behavior within the traffic environment. Top-level vehicles might include adaptive cruise control responding automatically. It is used to change road congestion.
Increasing Number of Miles per Gallon
Driving at constant speeds maintains the automobile’s engine running at steady rates per minute. The consequence of this is smooth power delivery. Therefore, fuel consumption remains low resulting in an increased economy. While covering long distances along freeways.
Promotes Safety
Usually when there aren’t many cars with good visibility around, drivers increase their speed. It is done mostly on straight roads. Meanwhile, cruise control makes it possible for an individual to have a predefined rate lower. It is lower than that allowable by law when traveling safely without breaking any regulation. Especially, regarding maximum speeds imposed upon motorists.
Effortless Speed Control
Adjustments related to the speed of your vehicle are usually made using gas and brake pedals. Driving on a highway, you may be required to adjust your pace as per the conditions on the road. Cruise control systems allow for speed control using buttons on the steering wheel. Thereby, providing adaptive driving in traffic. Some high-end vehicles are equipped with adaptive cruise control features. It adjusts speed based on traffic situations as well.
Disadvantages of Using Control Cruise in a Car
Limitations on Indian Roads
For this reason, cruise control is suitable for broad, long, flat and empty highways. In the UAE, though there are many well-paved roads; you might still face some obstacles. Or find any other unexpected danger that may come your way. Furthermore, many drivers ignore the traffic rules and speed limits. As they can be a potential threat to highway travel.
Increased Reaction Time in Emergencies
On some of the UAE roads, due to their unpredictable nature you may have to stop abruptly. The turning on of the cruise control system may mean that it takes you a little longer to react. And to use brakes hence enhancing accident rates risks.
Potential for Drowsiness
When the cruise control is turned on, the vehicle will continue its constant speed. While also reducing the driver’s active role in this process. As a result, reduced participation can lead to less alertness and sleepiness. It’s recommended that every ten to fifteen minutes drivers should disengage automatic cruise control. It is done in order to remain vigilant.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced form of cruise control. Where car speed adjusts on its own depending upon the preceding vehicle. This feature ensures that even if the front car speeds up or slows down. There is always enough distance between them. For instance, radar sensors calculate relative speeds and distances by changing their settings accordingly. However adaptive cruise control could be commonly found in top-class vehicles. But at present some luxury passenger cars like MG and Porsche are also having this feature.
Adaptive Cruise Control vs. Cruise Control
Cruise Control
- It maintains constant speed without driver intervention.
- Various sensors set up throttle controls.
- Designed for high-speed driving on highways
- This feature is available in almost all cars today.
Adaptive Cruise Control
- Adjusts the vehicle’s speed to keep it safe from other vehicles near it.
- Relative speed and distance are determined by the use of radar sensors.
- It is useful in driving conditions found on a long road as it starts and stops automatically.
- Mostly, available in upmarket vehicles.
Summary
Although cruise control is an attractive feature in cars that have it, it may not be suitable for all. Before buying a car with this technology, one should know its principles of operation. Also understand good and bad sides as well as its compatibility to a particular person. Plus understand environmental aspects concerning his or her transport activities.
