Fast Facts on Cruise Control | Matthews Tire (2024)

FAQs

What's the minimum speed for cruise control? ›

The primary purpose of cruise control is to enable you to maintain a minimum speed of 25 mph or greater without holding down the accelerator. When to NOT use your cruise control: Cruise control can be dangerous when you CANNOT drive safely at a steady speed.

Drivers may find it challenging to respond quickly to unexpected changes in traffic or road conditions when cruise control is engaged. Impact on Reaction Time: Cruise control can potentially impact a driver's reaction time.

Any issues with your car's electrical components can cause the cruise control to stop working. These issues could be something as simple as a loose wire or connector, or something more complicated like a damaged alternator, starter, or electrical short circuit.

Once you've selected your desired speed, you can remove your foot from the accelerator and the vehicle will maintain “cruise” at that speed. Most cruise control systems require a minimum speed of 25mph for them to work and are typically controlled by a button mounted on the steering wheel.

Cruise control is not suited for low speeds, making it not suited for slow-moving traffic. When the road conditions require you to start and stop, such as heavy traffic, cruise control may cause you to rear-end another vehicle.

There is typically also an “Off” button, which will automatically shut off the cruise control when pressed. Most cruise control systems typically won't activate below a certain speed limit. The exact limit may vary by car but is often somewhere in the range of 30-40 miles per hour.

The constant speed can increase the chance that your tires will hydroplane and you could lose control of your vehicle. Only use your cruise control when the roadways are dry and clean, and never during rainy or icy conditions.

Cruise control is best suited for long drives on large, straight roads such as an interstate highway with cars traveling at a relatively constant speed. It's inappropriate in stop-and-go traffic; when weather conditions are snowy, icy, or even heavy rain; on narrow, curvy roads; or with frequent speed limit variations.

One of the most important times you should avoid using cruise control is during adverse weather conditions. Because, rain, snow, ice, and even heavy fog can create slippery road surfaces. And this can reduce traction.

One of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning cruise control system is a blown fuse. Fuses are designed to protect electrical components from power surges and prevent damage. If the fuse for the cruise control system has blown, it will prevent the system from functioning.

What sensor affects cruise control? ›

Issues with the Speed Sensor

Some vehicles display this information on a tachometer. A speedometer displays who quickly your vehicle is moving down the road and is monitored by a transmission speed sensor. You'll notice cruise control issues if there is a problem with either of these sensors.

The cruise control system will be reset to the speed you are travelling when you release the knob. For a quick reset, accelerate with the accelerator pedal to the desired speed, then press and release the "SET/COAST" button. Press and hold the "SET/COAST" button to decelerate.

Can you install cruise control in a car? Well, the answer is yes as well as no. There are aftermarket cruise control kits available for old cars that don't rely on an ECU to control the engine. However, the system doesn't work as smoothly as it does on modern cars that come factory-fitted with it.

You must only engage the cruise control system when travelling at a safe speed. Usually, the system can only be operated at speeds over approximately 30 mph / 48 kph, but you should make sure that the speed you set does not exceed the legal speed limit and is appropriate for the conditions.

Not only maintains your set speed, but your following distance as well; provides some limited braking. What It Does: Automatically speeds up and slows down your car to keep a set following distance relative to the car ahead. Provides some braking.

Your current speed must be approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or higher. Keep the CRUISE ON/OFF button "OFF" (the CRUISE MAIN light is not lit), unless you are using the system. The security alarm system is designed to protect your vehicle and valuables from theft.

Usually, the system can only be operated at speeds over approximately 30 mph / 48 kph, but you should make sure that the speed you set does not exceed the legal speed limit and is appropriate for the conditions.

If you set your cruise control while in 5th gear, your vehicle will maintain your set speed in 5th. If you depress the clutch to shift up to 6th, CC will disengage, but will return to its set speed when you activate reset. I have owned several cars since the 80s with a manual and cruise control.

Many cars do not allow cruise control to be activated below 25mph or 30mph, as in most instances it is unlikely you would need to drive at a low fixed speed such as this for an extended period of time, unlike a motorway where you could expect to maintain a fixed speed for some time and distance.