At its most basic, Cruise Control is an electronic system installed into your car that, when used will maintain the same speed when you’re on a dual carriage or motorway when you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
The use of cruise control allows you to either rest or move your foot and can help to maintain a constant speed when travelling past an average speed camera on a motorway. Cruise control may also improve fuel economy thanks to a constant speed and less use of the accelerator pedal.
How does Cruise Control work?
Cruise Control must be manually activated. It’s usually found on your car indicator levers or controls on the steering wheel. When switched on, it controls the accelerator by automatically adjusting the power required to maintain a constant speed. If you are going uphill, for example, more power will be provided to ensure that your speed is maintained.
Because Cruise Control manages your speed, this means that you don’t need to use the accelerator at all whilst driving.
When should Cruise Control be used?
Cruise Control is a fantastic tool if you cover a lot of motorway miles regularly. It means that you can maintain a consistent speed but are free to move your foot. Long, reasonably straight roads such as motorways and A-roads are perfect
When shouldn’t I use Cruise Control?
Roads that aren’t generally straight are not well suited to cruise control because you would naturally expect to decrease your speed as you enter bends and increase your speed as you exit them, therefore the use of the accelerator would be required. Cruise Control should also be avoided when driving at night. This is because driving at night without having to focus on your speed could become soporific which could lead to a serious accident.
What are the benefits of Cruise Control?
Comfort: Cruise Control can help make a long drive much more comfortable. The joy of being able to take your aching foot off the accelerator during a long drive should never be underestimated! For many, Cruise Control reduces fatigue as they have one less thing ( the speedometer) to monitor.
Speed Compliance: Average speed cameras are becoming increasingly common on dangerous stretches of motorway or during roadworks. Cruise Control is a huge asset in these situations as your speed can be maintained at a constant without you having to think about it. Perfect for those with existing speeding endorsements!
Fuel Economy: It’s well known that if we drive at a constant speed, rather than accelerating and decelerating, we save fuel. Some studies have indicated that savings could be as much as between 8 – 16%. Fantastic savings for individuals, and huge savings for fleet managers!
Kits-n-Bits supply and install Cruise Control systems and can offer advice usually based on the make and model of your vehicle. Call our team on 01446 334 005 or email sales@kits-n-bits.com for details.