cruise control manual or automatic

Advertisement

How Cruise Control Systems Work

  • Share Content on Facebook
  • Share Content on LinkedIn
  • Share Content on Flipboard
  • Share Content on Reddit
  • Share Content via Email

cruise control

Cruise control is an invaluable feature on Ameri­can ­cars. Without cruise control, long road trips would be more tiring, for the driver at least, and those of us suffering from lead-foot syndrome would probably get a lot more speeding tickets.

­Cruise control is far more common on American cars than European cars, because the roads in America are generally bigger and straighter, and destinations are farther apart. With traffic continually increasing, basic cruise control is becoming less useful, but instead of becoming obsolete, cruise control systems are adapting to this new reality -- soon, cars will be equipped with adaptive cruise control, which will allow your ­car to follow the car in front of it while continually adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance.

In this article, we'll learn how a conventional cruise control system works, and then we'll take a look at adaptive cruise control systems that are under development.

What Cruise Control Does

Cruise control acceleration and deceleration, controlling the cruise control, adaptive cruise control.

cruise control manual or automatic

The cruise control system actually has a lot of functions other than controlling the speed of your car. For instance, the cruise control pictured below can accelerate or decelerate the car by 1 mph with the tap of a button. Hit the button five times to go 5 mph faster. There are also several important safety features -- the cruise control will disengage as soon as you hit the brake pedal, and it won't engage at speeds less than 25 mph (40 kph).

The system pictured below has five buttons: On, Off, Set/Accel, Resume and Coast. It also has a sixth control -- the brake pedal, and if your car has a manual transmission the clutch pedal is also hooked up to the cruise control.

  • The on and off buttons don't actually do much. Hitting the on button does not do anything except tell the car that you might be hitting another button soon. The off button turns the cruise control off even if it is engaged. Some cruise controls don't have these buttons; instead, they turn off when the driver hits the brakes, and turn on when the driver hits the set button.
  • The set/accel button tells the car to maintain the speed you are currently driving. If you hit the set button at 45 mph, the car will maintain your speed at 45 mph. Holding down the set/accel button will make the car accelerate; and on this car, tapping it once will make the car go 1 mph faster.
  • If you recently disengaged the cruise control by hitting the brake pedal, hitting the resume button will command the car to accelerate back to the most recent speed setting.
  • Holding down the coast button will cause the car to decelerate, just as if you took your foot completely off the gas. On this car, tapping the coast button once will cause the car to slow down by 1 mph.
  • The brake pedal and clutch pedal each have a switch that disengages the cruise control as soon as the pedal is pressed, so you can shut off the cruise control with a light tap on the brake or clutch.

cruise control manual or automatic

The cruise control system controls the speed of your car the same way you do -- by adjusting the throttle position . But cruise control actuates the throttle valve by a cable connected to an actuator , instead of by pressing a pedal. The throttle valve controls the power and speed of the engine by limiting how much air the engine takes in (see How Fuel Injection Systems Work for more details).

In the picture above, you can see two cables connected to a pivot that moves the throttle valve. One cable comes from the accelerator pedal, and one from the actuator. When the cruise control is engaged, the actuator moves the cable connected to the pivot, which adjusts the throttle; but it also pulls on the cable that is connected to the gas pedal -- this is why your pedal moves up and down when the cruise control is engaged.

cruise control manual or automatic

Many cars use actuators powered by engine vacuum to open and close the throttle. These systems use a small, electronically-controlled valve to regulate the vacuum in a diaphragm. This works in a similar way to the brake booster , which provides power to your brake system.

cruise control manual or automatic

The brain of a cruise control system is a small computer that is normally found under the hood or behind the dashboard. It connects to the throttle control seen in the previous section, as well as several sensors. The diagram below shows the inputs and outputs of a typical cruise control system.

A good cruise control system accelerates aggressively to the desired speed without overshooting, and then maintains that speed with little deviation no matter how much weight is in the car, or how steep the hill you drive up. Controlling the speed of a car is a classic application of control system theory . The cruise control system controls the speed of the car by adjusting the throttle position, so it needs sensors to tell it the speed and throttle position. It also needs to monitor the controls so it can tell what the desired speed is and when to disengage.

The most important input is the speed signal; the cruise control system does a lot with this signal. First, let's start with one of the most basic control systems you could have -- a proportional control .

In a proportional control system, the cruise control adjusts the throttle proportional to the error, the error being the difference between the desired speed and the actual speed. So, if the cruise control is set at 60 mph and the car is going 50 mph, the throttle position will be open quite far. When the car is going 55 mph, the throttle position opening will be only half of what it was before. The result is that the closer the car gets to the desired speed, the slower it accelerates. Also, if you were on a steep enough hill, the car might not accelerate at all.

Most cruise control systems use a control scheme called proportional-integral-derivative control (a.k.a. PID control). Don't worry, you don't need to know any calculus to make it through this explanation -- just remember that:

  • The integral of speed is distance.
  • The derivative of speed is acceleration.

A PID control system uses these three factors -- proportional, integral and derivative, calculating each individually and adding them to get the throttle position.

We've already discussed the proportional factor. The integral factor is based on the time integral of the vehicle speed error . Translation: the difference between the distance your car actually traveled and the distance it would have traveled if it were going at the desired speed, calculated over a set period of time. This factor helps the car deal with hills, and also helps it settle into the correct speed and stay there. Let's say your car starts to go up a hill and slows down. The proportional control increases the throttle a little, but you may still slow down. After a little while, the integral control will start to increase the throttle, opening it more and more, because the longer the car maintains a speed slower than the desired speed, the larger the distance error gets.

Now let's add in the final factor, the derivative . Remember that the derivative of speed is acceleration. This factor helps the cruise control respond quickly to changes, such as hills. If the car starts to slow down, the cruise control can see this acceleration (slowing down and speeding up are both acceleration) before the speed can actually change much, and respond by increasing the throttle position.

Two companies are developing a more advanced cruise control that can automatically adjust a car's speed to maintain a safe following distance. This new technology, called adaptive cruise control , uses forward-looking radar , installed behind the grill of a vehicle, to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it.

Adaptive cruise control is similar to conventional cruise control in that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, unlike conventional cruise control, this new system can automatically adjust speed in order to maintain a proper distance between vehicles in the same lane. This is achieved through a radar headway sensor , digital signal processor and longitudinal controller . If the lead vehicle slows down, or if another object is detected, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking system to decelerate. Then, when the road is clear, the system will re-accelerate the vehicle back to the set speed.

The 77-GHz Autocruise radar system made by TRW has a forward-looking range of up to 492 feet (150 meters), and operates at vehicle speeds ranging from 18.6 miles per hour (30 kph) to 111 mph (180 kph). Delphi's 76-GHz system can also detect objects as far away as 492 feet, and operates at speeds as low as 20 mph (32 kph).

Adaptive cruise control is just a preview of the technology being developed by both companies. These systems are being enhanced to include collision warning capabilities that will warn drivers through visual and/or audio signals that a collision is imminent and that braking or evasive steering is needed.

For more information on cruise control, check out the links below.

Cruise Control FAQ

How does cruise control work, how does adaptive cruise control work, will adaptive cruise control stop the vehicle, when would you use cruise control, how useful is cruise control, lots more information, related articles.

  • How Car Engines Work
  • How Brakes Work
  • How Manual Transmissions Work
  • How Fuel Injection Systems Work
  • How Radar Detectors Work
  • Ignition System Quiz

More Great Links

  • BMW: Cruise-control-equipped motorcycle
  • Cruise Control Block Diagram
  • Cruise Control Installers' Instructions
  • Cruise Control Service Tips

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

  • Free Practice Tests

Get Started

  • Introduction

Start Driving

  • Knowledge test prep

Driving basics

  • Traffic signs

Drive Better

  • Safety tips

Emergency procedures & tips

  • Advanced maneuvers
  • Tech & navigation
  • Cruise control
  • Eco-friendly driving

Routine maintenance

  • DIY repairs

On The Road

  • International driver's license
  • Hydroplaning explained

How to Use Cruise Control: Specific Things You Need to Know Well

Discover expert insights and practical tips on using cruise control effectively. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic operations to advanced features, safety tips, and troubleshooting.

cruise control manual or automatic

Written by Andrei Zakhareuski. With over 16 years of expertise, Andrei leads Driving-Tests.org, a top online resource for driver education. His leadership has established vital partnerships with over 2,600 libraries, educational bodies, and state agencies.

Cruise control is a valuable feature in many modern vehicles, enhancing convenience and efficiency, especially during long drives. This guide delves into the intricacies of using cruise control, offering expert insights, technical details, safety tips, and more.

Photo of a car dashboard with the cruise control stalk

​ Understanding Cruise Control

​ what is cruise control.

Cruise control is an electronic system that allows a vehicle to maintain a steady speed set by the driver . Cruise control is designed to be used on roadways without frequent stops. It’s ideal for use on highways and long stretches of road with minimal stops or turns.

​ Types of Cruise Control

  • Standard cruise control maintains a set speed until manually overridden.
  • Advanced systems, like adaptive cruise control , automatically adjust speed based on traffic conditions.

​ Operating Cruise Control

Adjusting speed.

Before activating cruise control, ensure conditions are safe. It’s not advisable to use cruise control in hazardous weather or heavy traffic.

Cruise control activation

​ Safety Tips

Remain vigilant and ready to deactivate cruise control instantly in case of an emergency or changing traffic conditions.

Speed Limits

Always adhere to speed limits. Cruise control should not be used to maintain speeds above legal limits.

​ Advanced Features

Adaptive Cruise Control

This modern feature uses sensors and radar to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed automatically.

​ Troubleshooting Common Issues

System Not Activating

If your cruise control doesn’t activate, start with the basics. Ensure it’s turned on and you’re at the right speed (usually above 25-30 mph). If these aren’t the issues, it might be a blown fuse, a faulty brake pedal switch, or a defective speed sensor. Check your vehicle’s manual for fuse information and consider a professional inspection of the brake pedal switch and speed sensor.

Failing to Maintain Set Speed

Trouble maintaining the set speed often points to sensor issues. Speed sensors inform the cruise control system. If these sensors are dirty or malfunctioning, the system might not maintain the speed. Cleaning sensors and checking for obstructions can help. Also, consider checking wheel alignment and tire condition, as these can affect performance.

Erratic Speed Changes

If your vehicle experiences erratic speed changes with cruise control engaged, this could indicate a problem with the throttle control system or the vehicle’s computer system. These complex issues generally require professional diagnostics and repair.

Adaptive Cruise Control Problems

With adaptive cruise control, problems can arise from blocked sensors or system malfunctions. Ensure that the sensors, often located in the front grille or under the mirrors, are clean and unobstructed. For system malfunctions, professional diagnostics are essential, as these systems involve advanced electronics and software.

​ Comparative Analysis of Modern Cruise Control Systems

In the realm of modern vehicles, cruise control systems have evolved significantly, offering a range of functionalities tailored to enhance driving experience and safety. Here’s a comparative analysis of several popular systems.

Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta

Tesla’s FSD Beta represents a leap forward in autonomous driving technology. It’s not just a cruise control system but an advanced driver-assistance system capable of navigating complex driving scenarios. Key features include automatic lane changes, stop sign and traffic light recognition, and the ability to navigate city streets. While it offers substantial automation, it still requires driver supervision and isn’t fully autonomous.

GM's Super Cruise

General Motors’ Super Cruise system is available in select Cadillac models and provides hands-free driving assistance on compatible highways. It uses LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, and a driver attention system to ensure safety. Unlike Tesla’s FSD, it’s limited to highway use but excels in hands-free driving comfort and safety.

Ford Co-Pilot360

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering. It’s less about hands-free driving and more about reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety. This system is excellent for everyday driving, offering features like speed sign recognition and evasive steering assist.

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT

Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system pushes towards Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to hand over control under certain conditions, like heavy traffic or on highways. It uses a sophisticated array of sensors and cameras, offering a smooth and intuitive driving experience. It’s more advanced than traditional systems but still requires driver attention.

BMW's Driving Assistant Professional

BMW offers the Driving Assistant Professional system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assistant, and traffic jam assistant. It’s designed for convenience and safety, providing a balanced mix of automation and driver control.

Each system has its strengths and caters to different driving needs and preferences. Tesla’s FSD Beta is at the forefront of autonomy but requires active supervision. GM’s Super Cruise excels in hands-free highway driving, while Ford’s Co-Pilot360 focuses on safety and driver assistance for everyday use. Mercedes-Benz and BMW offer systems that blend convenience, safety, and a step towards higher autonomy, maintaining a balance between automated and manual driving.

This comparison highlights the diversity in cruise control technologies, illustrating how each brand tailors its system to specific driving experiences and safety standards.

​ Real-World Impact

Cruise control technology not only adds convenience to driving but also significantly impacts safety and efficiency. This section delves into the real-world implications of using cruise control, supported by safety statistics and research findings.

The integration of cruise control in vehicles has been a game-changer in terms of driving safety and efficiency. Here are some key impacts:

Reduced Driver Fatigue : Continuous concentration over long drives can lead to driver fatigue, a leading cause of road accidents. Cruise control allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without constant pedal adjustment, reducing the physical and mental strain during long journeys.

Improved Fuel Efficiency : By maintaining a steady speed, cruise control helps in reducing fuel consumption. Studies have shown that erratic speed variations can lead to higher fuel consumption, whereas maintaining a consistent speed optimizes fuel efficiency.

Safety Statistics : Research indicates that the use of cruise control can lead to a reduction in speed-related accidents. However, it’s crucial to note that over-reliance on cruise control in inappropriate conditions (like city driving or in heavy traffic) can negate these safety benefits.

Impact on Traffic Flow : When used widely, cruise control can contribute to smoother traffic flow on highways. Consistent speeds help in reducing the frequency of braking and acceleration among vehicles, leading to less congestion and smoother traffic movement.

It’s important to balance the use of cruise control with active driving engagement, ensuring that safety is always the top priority.

For a deeper understanding of cruise control and its various aspects, it’s always beneficial to refer to your vehicle’s manual and seek guidance from automotive professionals.

Was this page helpful?

  • Understanding Cruise Control
  • What is Cruise Control?
  • Types of Cruise Control
  • Operating Cruise Control
  • Safety Tips
  • Advanced Features
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues
  • Comparative Analysis of Modern Cruise Control Systems
  • Real-World Impact
  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Driving Vehicles
  • Efficient Driving

How to Use Cruise Control on a Car

Last Updated: February 20, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Simon Miyerov . Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 475,531 times.

Many cars come with cruise control systems, a great feature that will automatically keep a car driving at a set speed. This gives your feet a rest, and helps you save gas and avoid speeding tickets. Familiarize yourself with your car's cruise control switches, located on or near the steering wheel. Make sure to use cruise control only in safe conditions, and to stay focused on the road. Once you know how to operate cruise control, you're ready for a comfortable, efficient drive!

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH

We’re sorry we don’t support the car you are looking for. Please enter its make, model, and year below so that we can add support for it.

Operating Cruise Control

Step 1 Locate your car's cruise control switches.

  • Check your car's operating manual if you are unable to find the cruise control switches.

Step 2 Study the layout of the switches.

  • Many cars have additional buttons to increase or decrease speed (marked by a +/-) when using cruise control.

Step 3 Drive your car until you reach your desired speed and hit “SET.”

  • For some car models, cruise control will not operate below a certain speed, such as 40 miles (64 km) per hour.

Step 4 Stop cruise control whenever you need to.

  • To stop cruise control briefly (such as when a car in front of you brakes), just press the brake as you normally would.
  • If you are driving a manual, you can also disengage cruise control by pressing the clutch.
  • If you are completely done using cruise control, you can press the “OFF” or "ON/OFF" switch.
  • If your car has a cruise control “CANCEL” switch, you can also press that to stop it.

Step 5 Resume cruise control, if you want.

  • If your car has a +/- button for cruise control, press this when you want to raise or lower your car's speed.

Using Cruise Control Safely and Efficiently

Step 1 Reserve cruise control for the open road.

  • Using cruise control on busy streets can also be dangerous. Since you yourself are not in complete control of your car, you may be paying less attention. You might brake or react to other cars more slowly than normal, increasing the chance of an accident.

Step 2 Avoid using cruise control in hazardous conditions.

  • Wet or snowy roads
  • Hilly, steep, or mountainous areas
  • Winding roads

Step 3 Stay focused on the road.

You Might Also Like

Calculate Fuel Consumption

Expert Q&A

Simon Miyerov

  • ↑ Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
  • ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKtBSFoAYlg
  • ↑ http://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/cruise-control/

About This Article

Simon Miyerov

If you want to use cruise control on your car, make sure you're on the open road, such as a freeway or highway. Additionally, avoid using cruise control in rainy or snowy conditions, or if you're driving through a city, since you'll need to change speed and turn regularly. When you're ready to switch to cruise control, press the "Set" switch, which is usually found on the steering column or on the wheel, when your car reaches the desired speed. To stop cruise control, press on the brake or push the clutch if you're driving a manual car. To learn when to avoid using cruise control and how it can help you save on fuel, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Joseph Adizero

Joseph Adizero

Dec 17, 2020

Did this article help you?

Suraj Sinha

Suraj Sinha

Jun 17, 2016

Ashish Vohra

Ashish Vohra

Oct 17, 2017

Elvis Fon

Jul 26, 2017

Alejandro Martinez

Alejandro Martinez

Jul 25, 2016

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy Your Early Teen Years

Trending Articles

120 Heartwarming Messages to Send Your Bestie on Their Birthday

Watch Articles

Aerating Wine: Benefits, the Breakdown, & Which Wines You Can Skip

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

'Rust Bros' drive big-block 1968 Chevy from B.C. to Toronto’s Motorama

Porsche faces lawsuits—did its ev battery catch fire and sink a ship, heavily charged opinions: the internet reacts to the new 2024 dodge charger, reflected glory: 4 movie cars whose stars didn't shine off-screen, 10-year challenge: is the 2024 honda odyssey better than my 2014, what is cruise control a comprehensive guide.

When the system is set, cruise control will maintain a steady speed for your vehicle

Article content

Your vehicle’s cruise control system unlocks numerous benefits at the touch of a button — but according to web search data, drivers still have plenty of questions about what it is, what it does, and how it works.

What is Cruise Control? A Comprehensive Guide Back to video

Below, we’ll answer some of the most popular Internet search questions about cruise control, so you can make the best use of this important system.

What is Cruise Control?

With cruise control, your vehicle will maintain a steady speed when the system is set.

What is adaptive cruise control?

With adaptive cruise control, the vehicle will also automatically slow down and speed up to maintain a safe position in traffic.

How does cruise control work?

Cruise control work with a manual transmission just the same way it does with an automatic.  Drivers set their cruising speed with a button press, and the system works the throttle automatically to maintain the desired cruising speed as evenly as possible. In some vehicles with a manual transmission, pressing the clutch pedal to shift gears turns the cruise control off, requiring an additional button press to reengage it after a gear change.

In other cars with a manual transmission, pressing the clutch pedal simply pauses the cruise control system a moment, allowing drivers to complete their gearshift. When they’ve released the clutch, the cruise control picks up where it left off — no additional button press required.

Is cruise control more fuel efficient?

Yes.  Increasing your vehicle’s speed uses fuel. While cruising, even a highly competent driver who isn’t using cruise control will tend to slow down and speed up in a repeated cycle, possibly several times per minute. Though fluctuations in speed may be slight, they do cause your engine to use more fuel than required. Point is, the more time you spend at a steady speed, the less fuel your engine needs.

For most drivers, using cruise control on the highway at 80 km/h can reduce fuel consumption by about 20 per cent. For drivers who find difficulty in maintaining a steady speed and frequently experience big fluctuations, using cruise control can cut fuel use by over 40 per cent.

Depending on what you drive and how fast you drive it, using cruise control could save you between $4 and $20 per hour — based on information from Natural Resources Canada that shows most drivers who don’t use cruise control on the highway will tend to experience a 10 km/h speed fluctuation about three times per minute.

Drivers who have the most difficulty managing their cruising speed could be using 60 per cent more fuel than they need to.

Is cruise control bad for your transmission?

No.  Your vehicle’s engine, transmission and other components are designed to work hand-in-hand with its cruise control system and are extensively tested and integrated with one another for trouble-free performance.

Using cruise control also reduces wear and tear on both your engine and transmission by running things more smoothly and steadily, and reducing workload on both components.

Can you add cruise control to a car?

Yes.  Depending on the year, make and model, cruise control may be available for add-on or retrofit. Professional installation is recommended, and you’ll want to talk to a professional about the specific availability of parts and integration for your vehicle.

In many cases with modern cars, it’s generally easier and more cost effective to just opt for a unit equipped with cruise control from the factory. Cruise control is widely available as standard equipment on most modern vehicles.

Can cruise control get stuck?

Yes , but it’s extremely rare. Older cable-based cruise control systems seem more prone to this rare problem, in which the cable can slip or bind, making the throttle stick into position. More modern vehicles with electronic throttle and monitoring systems make this problem even less likely.

If the cruise control on your car fails to disengage when you want to slow down, slip the vehicle into neutral to disconnect drive power from the wheels, pull over, and address the situation.

However, chances are, you’ll never experience this problem.

When should cruise control be used?

Any time you’re trying to drive at a constant speed.  Whether around town at 60 km/h, in a residential area at 40 km/h, or out on the highway at 105 km/h, switching the cruise control on makes for a smoother and more fuel efficient drive that’s easier on your engine and transmission. it can also help you do your part to maintain the steady and efficient flow of traffic.

Most cruise control systems can be engaged at speeds above 30 km/h.

When should cruise control not be used?

Any time you can’t safely drive at a steady speed.  If the road surface is snowy, icy, slushy or very wet, you’ll want to think twice about switching your cruise control on.

In older cars, having your cruise control engaged on a wet or icy road could allow the vehicle to accelerate or experience wheelspin when driven wheels encounter a low-traction surface. Here, the cruise control system maintains throttle pressure, even in situations where it should be released instead. This could lead to a loss of control.

In more modern vehicles, electronic monitoring is used to automatically disengage cruise control when one of the following happens:

  • one or more wheels slip
  • one or more wheels leave the surface of the road after a major bump or dip
  • the wipers are set to the maximum speed setting in heavy rain

Use your judgement. Safely navigating certain slippery or dangerous driving conditions requires careful manual control of your vehicle’s throttle, and in these situations, you’re best to leave the cruise control off.

What causes cruise control to kick off?

If the cruise control in your vehicle suddenly kicks off, a few things may be to blame.

Sometimes, cruise control disengages automatically when the vehicle’s automatic wipers detect heavy rainfall, or when a wheel spins or (briefly) leaves the surface of the road after a big bump or dip. In other situations, there may be a problem with one or more sensors or switches, including the brake pedal switch, throttle position sensor, or one or more wheel speed sensors.

Your modern cruise control system relies on various sensors and switches to do its job properly. As a failsafe, any problem with these sensors can cause the cruise control system to go offline. If you notice this happening regularly, have your vehicle diagnosed by a professional.

Will the cruise control work with an ABS light on?

Probably not.  Your car’s Antilock Braking System works hand-in-hand with your cruise control system, and any fault with the ABS system will typically take your cruise control offline until it’s fixed.

An ABS warning light in your instrument cluster can indicate one of several major problems or malfunctions, so be sure to have a professional investigate as quickly as possible.

Will cruise control apply the brakes?

No, but adaptive cruise control will.  Standard cruise control (simply called cruise control) holds your vehicle’s speed as constant as possible once set. More advanced adaptive cruise control systems use camera or radar-based sensing to determine the traffic situation in front of your vehicle, and can automatically apply the brakes to maintain a pre-set following distance.

With cruise control, drivers need to brake to slow down as they close in on a slower vehicle in traffic. With adaptive cruise control, the system makes these braking inputs automatically, and the vehicle speeds back up to its pre-set cruising speed once traffic clears.

Before you buy, be sure to determine which type of cruise control system is fitted to the car you’re considering.

What is Super Cruise?

Super Cruise is a next-level driver assistance feature available on certain GM vehicles.

With Super Cruise, the vehicle uses special GPS hardware and sensors to accurately compare its position to a 3D map of pre-qualified highways .

On these pre-qualified highways, Super Cruise allows drivers to go hands-free for extended periods as the vehicle automatically maintains its cruising speed, adjusts that speed for changing traffic conditions, and even precisely follows the curves in the road. It can even make hands-free lane changes.

Super Cruise is not an autonomous system, and in order for it to work, drivers need to keep their eyes on the road — there’s even a camera that monitors the position of the driver’s eyes to make sure they’re focused on the road ahead.

  • How to jump-start a car using booster cables
  • Testing Mitsubishi’s AWD systems and Snow mode on ice
  • 12 things to know about the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger REx
  • Ministry of Interior Affairs: How the Range Rover Sport SV's seats vibrate to your music
  • The Trust of a Friend: Road-tripping 5,000 km in a borrowed '92 Acura NSX

Justin Pritchard

Justin Pritchard is an experienced motoring expert whose work is read and watched by Canadians across the country on a weekly basis. Starting his career at Auto123.com back in 2005 (while finishing his final year of studies at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario), Justin quickly applied his passion for writing, presenting, and photography, working under some of the most recognized editors in the Canadian motoring scene.

Justin has written one of the largest collections of used car buyer guides on the internet, and his TV program, AutoPilot, has aired over 600 episodes across 16 seasons. Presently, AutoPilot is the only English-language motoring program on Canadian cable TV, though he's lent his informative style and easy-to-identify voice to video features for Youtube, Driving.ca, Autotrader.ca, Motoring TV, and elsewhere. With 4 years as co-chair of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY) program, a passion for vehicle testing shines though in all of his work.

A passion for photography from a young age makes Justin as comfortable behind the camera as in front of it, and capturing motoring memories from the scenery of beautiful Northern Ontario is a priority in much of his work. The particularly harsh winter climate in this part of Canada makes Justin a particular expert on winter driving, winter tires, and extreme-weather safety.

Major awards won by the author

Contact info.

Youtube: @JustinPritchard

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings .

Affordable EVs

Small trucks

Popular Crossover SUVs

Practical 3-row SUVs

Minivans for the whole family

Compact Cars

Luxury SUVs

Affordable AWD SUVs

All things automotive: breaking news, reviews and more. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  • There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

Edit your picks to remove vehicles if you want to add different ones.

You can only add up to 5 vehicles to your picks.

Cruise Control In Cars Explained (And How To Safely Use It)

cruise control manual or automatic

Have you ever wished you could set your car's speed and just sit back and relax while driving on a long stretch of highway? If that's the case, then cruise control is just the ticket you've been searching for—and the good news is, it's a standard feature in most cars these days!

Cruise control is a handy feature for drivers that allows you to maintain a constant speed without having to keep your foot on the gas pedal. In this post, we'll explore how cruise control works, its benefits, and how to use it safely to make your driving experience more comfortable.

Understanding Cruise Control

Cruise control, also known as speed control, is an electronic system that allows you to maintain a specific speed without manually controlling the accelerator pedal. The system uses sensors and electronic components to control the throttle and keep your car moving at a desired speed. First introduced in the late 1950s, cruise control has since become a standard feature in most modern vehicles you see on the road today.

How Does It Work?

At its core, cruise control involves a series of sensors that monitor the vehicle's speed and a control unit that regulates the throttle. When the driver sets the cruise control to a specific speed, the system adjusts the throttle to maintain that speed. If the car begins to slow down because of an incline (e.g. going up a hill), the system will open the throttle to accelerate. Conversely, if the car starts to speed up due to a declin (e.g. going downhill), the system will close the throttle to decelerate.

Modern cruise control systems also come with additional features like adaptive cruise control (ACC), which uses radar or cameras to detect vehicles ahead and automatically adjusts the speed to maintain a safe following distance (more on this BELOW).

The History of Cruise Control

The invention of cruise control can be traced back to the late 1940s and early 1950s, when engineer Ralph Teetor developed the first-speed control system. This innovative feature was designed to help drivers maintain a steady speed, reduce fatigue while driving, and improve fuel efficiency. Over the years, cruise control technology has undergone significant advancements, leading to the development of sophisticated systems like adaptive cruise control.

Types of Cruise Control Systems

Today, drivers can choose from a range of cruise control systems, each with its own unique features and functionalities.

Conventional Cruise Control

Conventional cruise control is like your old reliable friend. It's pretty basic and doesn't have any fancy bells and whistles. You just set the speed you want, and it'll keep your car cruising along at that speed, no problem. It's perfect for those long drives on open highways, but it doesn’t automatically react to other cars on the road.

So, if the car in front of you slows down, you'll need to step in and adjust your speed manually. This trusty system comes standard on most cars and is great for saving some fuel on those long road trips .

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Now, if conventional cruise control is your old reliable friend, then Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is like that friend's tech-savvy younger cousin. ACC isn't just maintaining your set speed, it's also keeping an eye on the car in front of you. If that car slows down, ACC slows your car down to keep a safe distance .

It's like having an extra set of eyes on the road, making highway driving a breeze. Plus, some ACC systems can even handle stop-and-go traffic, bringing your car to a full stop and then picking up speed again when traffic gets moving.

Predictive Cruise Control

Predictive Cruise Control is like the fortune teller of cruise control systems. It uses GPS and map data to see into the future and predict what's coming up on the road, like hills or curves, and adjusts your speed accordingly. This means you get a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency, but it all depends on the quality of the GPS and map data. If that's a bit out of date, your fortune-telling cruise control might not be so accurate. It's usually found in more high-end vehicles where top-notch fuel efficiency is a focus for the engineers.

Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC)

And then we have Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control, or CACC. This is like the team player of cruise control systems. It allows cars to talk to each other, coordinating their speeds to maintain a safe distance. It's like having a well-coordinated team of cars all working together to make the traffic flow smoother and reduce congestion. Picture it like a synchronized dance on the highway, where every car knows its place and keeps the right distance. This tech is still pretty new, but it's got a lot of potential. Imagine a future where traffic jams could be a thing of the past.

Remember, these systems are here to make your drive smoother and safer, but they're not a replacement for your attention. No matter how fancy your cruise control is, these systems can be greatly influenced by external conditions like weather and traffic, and they should always be used as aids, not replacements, for attentive driving.

Common Cruise Control Symbols and Indicators

Understanding the various symbols and indicators associated with cruise control is important for safe and effective usage. These symbols typically appear on the dashboard (or on the side of the steering wheel) and may include a speedometer icon, "SET," "RES" (resume), and "CANCEL". Be sure to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific details and explanations of these symbols.

Benefits of Using Cruise Control

Cruise control offers several benefits to drivers, especially during long road trips or highway driving.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the main advantages of using cruise control is improved fuel efficiency. By maintaining a constant speed, cruise control helps reduce fuel consumption, leading to better gas mileage. Rapid acceleration and deceleration, on the other hand, can lead to increased fuel consumption.

Comfort and Convenience

Cruise control allows drivers to take their foot off the accelerator pedal, reducing fatigue and improving comfort during long drives. It also helps drivers avoid unintentionally exceeding the speed limit by setting a maximum speed.

When used correctly, cruise control can contribute to safer driving. By maintaining a steady speed, it reduces the likelihood of erratic driving behavior and potential accidents. However, it is important to note that cruise control shouldn't be used in certain conditions, such as heavy traffic or slippery roads .

Troubleshooting Common Cruise Control Issues

Occasionally, you may encounter issues with your cruise control systems. Common problems include cruise control not engaging or disengaging unexpectedly. Possible causes may include a faulty brake light switch, malfunctioning sensors, or issues with the control module. If you experience any problems with your cruise control, it's best to have a qualified technician diagnose and repair the issue for you.

Cruise Control and Road Etiquette

Practicing proper road etiquette while using cruise control is essential for a safe and pleasant driving experience. Here are some tips on how to use cruise control courteously:

  • Avoid using cruise control in heavy or congested traffic, as it may hinder your ability to react quickly to changing conditions.
  • Be mindful of other drivers when setting your speed. Avoid setting a speed that's significantly slower or faster than the flow of traffic.
  • If you are in the passing lane and using cruise control, be sure to adjust your speed or temporarily disengage the system to allow faster-moving vehicles to pass.
  • Always signal your intentions, such as lane changes or exiting the highway, even when using cruise control.

The Future of Cruise Control Technology

Cruise control technology plays a vital role in the development of autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars . In autonomous vehicles, cruise control systems work together with other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enable the vehicle to operate without direct driver input. These systems include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and collision avoidance systems.

As autonomous vehicles become more sophisticated, cruise control technology is evolving to support higher levels of automation. For example, some autonomous vehicles are equipped with advanced cruise control systems that can navigate complex traffic scenarios, merge onto highways, and even change lanes autonomously.

While fully autonomous vehicles are still in the developmental stages, the integration of cruise control technology is a big step toward creating safer and more efficient transportation systems.

As automotive tech continues to advance, cruise control systems are becoming more intelligent and capable. Here are some potential developments we can expect to see in the future of cruise control technology:

  • Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve decision-making and responsiveness in adaptive cruise control systems.
  • Enhanced connectivity and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, enabling cars to share information about traffic conditions and coordinate their speeds for smoother traffic flow.
  • Greater customization and personalization options, allowing drivers to set preferences for cruise control behavior, such as following distance and speed adjustments.

Overall, the future of cruise control technology holds promise for creating a more seamless and enjoyable driving experience, with a focus on safety, comfort, and sustainability.

Debunking Myths About Cruise Control

Let's address and debunk some common misconceptions about cruise control:

Myth : Cruise control can be used as a substitute for driver attention.

Fact : Cruise control is a driver assistance feature, not a replacement for attentive driving. Drivers should always remain alert and ready to take control when necessary.

Myth : Cruise control increases the risk of accidents.

Fact : When used appropriately, cruise control can contribute to safer driving by maintaining a steady speed and reducing erratic driving behavior.

Cruise control is a valuable feature that can enhance your driving experience by providing comfort, convenience, and fuel efficiency. Remember to use it safely and appropriately based on driving conditions, and always stay attentive while on the road.

If you found this post informative and want to learn more about car features, driving tips, and automotive technology, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates. We're here to help you stay informed and enhance your driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Control

To further enhance your understanding of cruise control, here are answers to some common questions:

Q : Can cruise control be used in all weather conditions?

A : It isn't advisable to use cruise control in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or icy roads, as it may reduce your ability to respond quickly to changing road conditions.

Q : Can I use cruise control in urban areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic?

A : Cruise control is best suited for open roads and highways with consistent traffic flow. It isn't recommended for use in urban areas with frequent stops or heavy traffic.

Q : Does cruise control work at any speed?

A : Cruise control typically has a minimum speed threshold, below which it can't be engaged. This threshold varies by vehicle, so check your owner's manual for specific information.

About the Author: This article was crafted by the LOOP Marketing Team. Comprising of seasoned professionals with expertise in the insurance industry, our team is dedicated to providing readers with accurate, up-to-date, and valuable information. At LOOP, we're passionate about helping families navigate the world of car insurance, ensuring they get the best coverage at the most affordable rates. Learn more about our mission and values here.

For more insights on auto insurance and other related topics, visit our blog .

Quick Navigation

Check out how much you could save today.

Browse related articles

cruise control manual or automatic

When Should You Trade In Your Car?

cruise control manual or automatic

What To Know About Speed Limits

cruise control manual or automatic

Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Your Seatbelts

Life has many roads. your weekly navigator is just a click away..

What is Cruise Control

Cruise Control Explained – All You Need to Know

Zutobi

Cruise control has come a long way since first invented and patented by Ralph Teetor in 1950, who originally named it the “Speedostat”. Chrysler Corporation was the first manufacturer to offer the groundbreaking mechanism as an option on several of its luxury vehicle models nine years later. Today, cruise control is rapidly becoming the standard on all new vehicles, providing drivers with increased convenience on their daily drive.

As you’re learning how to operate a vehicle , understanding cruise control will help increase your comfort behind the wheel and knowledge of driving.

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is an electronic device within your vehicle that controls the speed of your vehicle. It allows the driver to maintain a constant speed of 25 mph without holding their foot on the accelerator. Although the feature has been around for 70 years, automotive manufacturers continue to improve upon the technology to provide drivers with increased comfort, luxury, and convenience whenever they’re behind the wheel.

cars driving on a freeway with little traffic

Different Types of Cruise Control

There are 3 types of cruise control systems.

  • Speed Limiter
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Semi-autonomous Cruise Control

What is a Speed Limiter?

A speed limiter will limit how fast the driver can accelerate behind the wheel. All modern vehicles contain a standard speed limiter capping speed between 120 mph and 180 mph depending to protect the vehicle’s engine and discourage reckless driving. However, an additional limiter can be added as an option in many European-made cars, as well as Tesla, Ford, and Nissan. Drivers are still required to keep their foot on the pedal to keep their vehicle in motion, but will not be able to accelerate past a predefined speed limit.

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise c ontrol uses sensors around the vehicle’s exterior to maintain speed while keeping a safe following distance from the car ahead. The system will slow you down and speed you up as the flow of traffic fluctuates throughout your commute, removing a lot of the stress from daily driving. However, adaptive cruise control may not work well in bad weather or protect you from sudden movements, so you will want to always keep your full attention on the road.

What is Semi-autonomous Cruise Control?

Luxury automakers such as Tesla and Audi are implementing the newest rendition of cruise control on their latest vehicle models – Semi-autonomous Cruise Control. It works largely the same as adaptive cruise control, but assists drivers with lane guidance and steering. There are several variations of semi-autonomous cruise control that include additional convenience features for the driver.

How to Use Cruise Control – 6 Step Guide

These are the steps to using cruise control effectively.

  • Observe weather conditions
  • Build speed
  • Engage cruise control
  • Set cruise control
  • Watch the road and steer
  • Brake to disengage

1 – Observe weather conditions

As mentioned, cruise control may become inconsistent in rainy, snowy, or otherwise hazardous conditions. If you must drive in this situation, it may be a better idea to do so manually. Cruise control works best on a clear day with constant traffic flow.

cruise control manual or automatic

2 – Build speed

Accelerate to your desired speed as you prepare to activate cruise control. US highways have posted speed limits between 55 mph and 75 mph. Do not attempt to set cruise control when you are traveling over the speed limit.

3 – Engage cruise control

Once you’ve reached your desired speed, engage the cruise control. This step will vary widely based on your vehicle make and model, however, many cruise control settings are accessible from the steering wheel controls. Check your owner’s manual for further information.

4 – Set cruise control

After turning on cruise control, you’ll need to set your desired speed. Many systems set the cruise control at the current speed, while others require you to manually set one. You can increase and decrease this speed as needed without interrupting the mechanism.

5 – Watch the road and steer

Watching the road is essential when cruise control is engaged. Cruise control is not a substitute for a human driver and will require supervision at every step. If you are using a semi-autonomous system, you will not need to steer but will need to keep at least one hand on the wheel for safety measures.

cruise control manual or automatic

6 – Brake to disengage

When cruise control is no longer needed, or you need to quickly make a maneuver, simply apply pressure to the brakes to disengage the system. Once deactivated, you will be in full control of your vehicle once again.

When NOT to Use Cruise Control

While cruise control is a convenient feature for modern drivers, it is not perfect for all circumstances. In fact, utilizing the system can be quite dangerous if you’re not careful. Be sure not to use cruise control under these conditions.

Heavy Traffic

Heavy, or stop-and-go traffic is not ideal for safely using cruise control. When engaging cruise control on the highway, ensure your lane is clear and there are no vehicles stopping ahead.

highway with heavy traffic

Wet or Icy Conditions

You need to be driving slowly while on wet and icy roads. While cruise control keeps a constant, predetermined speed, it takes away a lot of the manual control needed to stay safe when it’s raining or snowing.

City Driving

While driving through the city, you’ll face a number of stop lights and stop signs that will require manual braking. This action will automatically disengage cruise control.

Winding Roads

Winding roads require more attention than straight, flat streets. Cruise control systems, even adaptable cruise control, may not always detect these streets correctly, causing accidents.

winding road in the mountains

Fatigued Driving

Driving while fatigued is never a good idea, but even less so while using cruise control. Utilizing the system may add to your fatigue, as you give your vehicle more control of the journey. If you’re even the least bit tired, you should never turn on cruise control.

As you can see, cruise control is a great way to relieve much of the stress that comes with everyday driving. The constant rate of speed can also drastically improve fuel efficiency for longer drivers. Cruise control has had a positive impact on the driving industry for 70 years and shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon.

student

550+ exam-like questions

All you need to ace your test

Perfect for first-timers, renewals and senior citizens

Recommended articles

cruise control manual or automatic

Cost Effective Cars

The cheapest and most expensive cars to run in the us there are so many different costs to factor in when you buy a new car. from the price of gas, to insurance and vehicle tax rates in your area. in a landscape where consumer prices fluctuate, particularly in areas like vehicle parts, used car […].

Zutobi

Driving Career Index

A driver’s license opens up numerous job opportunities. but which jobs offer the biggest growth potential with minimal training in this report, zutobi drivers ed analyzed average salary, job availability, employment change rates, and education requirements to identify the top career options for individuals with driver’s licenses. top jobs with the biggest growth opportunities first […].

Most popular cars on TikTok

Top Cars Trending on TikTok

Which cars take tiktok by storm certain cars are hailed as masterpieces of design and engineering, true artistic marvels. when individuals come across a stunning, high-end, or exceptionally remarkable car, they can’t resist the urge to capture it and share it on tiktok. as a result, tiktok is teeming with countless posts showcasing various cars, […].

Ace your DMV test, guaranteed

Get started

Best of the Zutobi blog

  • Learner’s Permit Ultimate Guide
  • Driving Test Ultimate Guide
  • Traffic Lights Guide
  • How to Pass the DMV Permit Test
  • How to Pass the Driving Test
  • Common Reasons For Failing the Road Test
  • International Driver’s Permit Guide
  • Driver’s License Renewal
  • How to Get Your US Driver’s License
  • How to Prepare for Your Road Test
  • How to Get a Driver’s Permit
  • Behind-The-Wheel training
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Subscription terms
  • Terms & policies

Practice Tests

  • Car Practice Tests
  • CDL Practice Tests
  • Motorcycle Practice Tests
  • Tips and advice

What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

In this guide, we explain cruise control, speed limiters and ‘adaptive’ cruise control and how they function.

cruise control manual or automatic

Cruise control was invented in the US and has existed for over 70 years, but has become more common than ever on new cars in the UK over the last few decades. It enables the car to travel at a steady preset speed, which comes in handy on long motorway drives allowing you to rest your right foot. Cruise control can be specced on all types of cars, including those with both manual and automatic transmissions.

speeding

Many modern cruise control systems also have a speed limiter, which is useful for stopping you accidentally going over the speed limit. There are also more advanced adaptive cruise control systems which can adjust the car’s speed to match the car in front – some of these even work in traffic jams and can bting the car to a complete stop and set off again.

Cruise-control systems can be daunting if you’ve never used one before, so you should always check your handbook before setting off – how it works can differ from model to model.

How does cruise control work?

Cruise control enables you to keep your car at a set speed, making it particularly useful for long motorway journeys. When you activate the system and set your speed, you don’t need to keep your foot on the accelerator, giving you a chance to rest your right foot.

You can often find the buttons for cruise control in an easy-to-access location, such as on the steering wheel or column stalk, to make them quick and safe to use. The system can be overridden by pressing on the brake pedal, so you should keep your foot close to the brake in case of emergencies. 

Typical cruise control buttons include:

•    On/off: This simply activates the system, but probably won’t hold you at your desired speed. Turning it on will almost always be accompanied by a dashboard light.

•    Set: Once the system is switched on, pressing the set button should tell the car to hold the current speed. In most cars this will turn the dashboard indicator green.

•    Cancel: This pauses the cruise control, so you have complete control again, without turning cruise control fully off. The cruise control should still remember the speed you chose to cruise at.

•    Res or resume: Pressing this will see the car accelerate back up to the speed you chose before hitting the cancel button or pressing the brake pedal. You'll still need to change gears in a manual car if necessary. An automatic gearbox will select the most appropriate gear for your desired speed for an even more relaxed experience.

•    Up and down arrows or ‘+’ and ‘-’: With cruise control activated, use these to raise or lower the car’s speed. Single presses often increase or decrease the speed in small increments, while holding the same button or stalk changes it in increments of 5mph or even 10mph. Of course, this varies from one model to another.

Is cruise control safe?  

Cruise control is a very safe system when used correctly. Drivers should always be familiar with their vehicle’s cruise control system before trying it out for the first time. For example, most systems won’t function below a certain speed, usually 20mph.

Cruise control is best used on long stretches of motorway and should be used to maintain a safe speed while the driver pays full attention to their surroundings. Drivers should not treat cruise control like an autonomous driving system, and the driver needs to pay as much attention to the road when using cruise control as they do with regular driving. Keep your foot near the brake pedal in case of emergencies – a tap of the brakes will deactivate cruise control and allow you to stop safely, without needing to reach for the cancel control.

Does cruise control save fuel?

While cruise control’s primary job is to take the stress out of driving, it’s possible that, by smoothing out acceleration and deceleration, it can save fuel, too. On the other hand, some experts believe these systems aren’t very fuel efficient on inclines and descents, making savings so small you probably won’t notice them.

Motorists can see cost savings mainly because cruise control helps them stick to a fuel-efficient speed. This is particularly the case on long motorway drives, where it’s easy to let your speed fluctuate.

What is a speed limiter?

Some cars are fitted with a speed limiter, either alongside cruise control or on its own. As with cruise control, you set the maximum speed you’d like to travel at, but unlike cruise control, you're still required to press down the accelerator. This is ideal for busy speed-limit zones, where you may want to maintain complete control of your speed without exceeding the limit. Squeeze the accelerator, and your car will simply reach your chosen speed and stop accelerating. However, pressing the throttle pedal all the way down will override the system –it’s a fail safe designed to let you accelerate out of trouble if needed. 

What is adaptive cruise control?

Often abbreviated to ACC, adaptive cruise control is a recent development that was first seen on more expensive cars but is now finding its way to cheaper models. It’s a significant improvement on cruise control, since it uses lasers or a radar mounted at the front of the car to match your speed with that of the vehicle in front. You can also set a safe distance from the vehicle, while the system maintains it.

If the car ahead suddenly shoots off, the system won’t follow suit. Instead, it holds the speed you set yourself until you change it or your car catches up with another vehicle. However, only systems paired with an autonomous emergency braking system will automatically perform an emergency stop if the car ahead comes to a halt. 

Automakers have their own names for ACC, with Mercedes calling it ‘Distronic Plus’ and Porsche ‘Porsche Active Safe’. Some vehicles such as the Volkswagen Passat even have Traffic Jam Assist, an extension of adaptive cruise control that can automatically slow the car to a halt as well as accelerate and brake at low speeds in congestion, reducing driver fatigue. It’s worth noting that after coming to a halt for more than a few seconds, safety requirements mean driver intervention is usually required; squeezing the accelerator should allow Traffic Jam Assist to resume.

Car technology made simple…

  • What are brake pads and discs?
  • What is autonomous emergency braking?
  • What is ESP on a car?
  • What is traffic jam assist?
  • What are blind spot monitoring systems?
  • What is cross traffic alert?
  • Euro NCAP: how safe is my car?

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer , as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express , DrivingElectric  and  evo . As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Most Popular

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

BMW X2 front quarter dynamic

BMW X2 review – smart inside but without the polished BMW drive

Renault 5 revealed 13

The new Renault 5 is here! EV supermini packs 249-mile range and retro looks

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Public EV charge point

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Peugeot 208 hatchback

Top 10 best car interiors

The best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

The best cheap-to-run cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Fastest hot hatchbacks hero

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024

  • What's My Car Worth?
  • Buyer's Guide

What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help road vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

control buttons on steering wheel in a modern car

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

Adaptive cruise control is one of 20 terms used to describe its functions so that you might see adaptive cruise control as the following in advertisements and vehicle descriptions:

  • Active cruise control
  • Dynamic cruise control
  • Radar cruise control
  • Automatic cruise control
  • Intelligent cruise control

ACC functions by sensory technology installed within vehicles such as cameras, lasers, and radar equipment, which creates an idea of how close one car is to another, or other objects on the roadway. For this reason, ACC is the basis for future car intelligence.

These sensory technologies allow the car to detect and warn the driver about potential forward collisions. When this happens, red lights begin to flash, and the phrase 'brake now!' appears on the dashboard to help the driver slow down. There might also be an audible warning.

Advantages of Adaptive Cruise Control

Limitations of adaptive cruise control.

Although there are many advantages to adaptive cruise control, there are still limitations to consider. One of the main faults in this system is the fact that it is not entirely autonomous. The driver of the vehicle still needs to practice safe driving habits that will work in tandem with this technology to produce the best results. Similarly, adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog might confuse the system's sensors, as well as environmental factors such as driving through tunnels.

What Is the Difference Between a Level 1 Autonomous Car and a Level 2 Autonomous Car?

According to SAE International, when a car only has autonomous cruise control , it is considered to be a level 1 autonomous car. In contrast, a vehicle with autonomous cruise control and an additional feature, such as lane control, gets classified as a level 2 autonomous car.

How Much Does an Adaptive Cruise Control System Cost?

According to ExtremeTech, The cost of an adaptive cruise control system will vary depending on how many features you want. If you're going to have an ACC with all available features, you should be willing to pay anywhere between $2000 and $2500. If you are looking for minimal cruise control that would benefit speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour, these more basic ACCs can cost as low as $500. The good news is that as ACC becomes more common, it will most likely reduce in price.

History of Adaptive Cruise Control

U.S. News says Mitsubishi first introduced adaptive cruise control in Japan in 1992 . This was a lidar-based distance detection system that detected objects that were getting too close. It was labeled as 'Debonair' and it was programmed to provide a warning to the driver about oncoming objects. The main difference was that it was the driver's job to apply the brakes and reduce their speed.

However, two years later in 1995, the Mitsubishi Diamante featured an upgraded approach to the Debonair called 'Preview Distance Control.' Unlike the original technology, this laser-powered system could adjust a driver's speed by downshifting or controlling the throttle. The driver was still responsible for applying the brakes.

From the early 2000s onward, big names in the car industry, such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Infinity, Hyundai, Toyota, and Audi, created their versions of adaptive cruise control in their vehicles. These individual features have evolved into a high-tech system with automatic braking and speed control.

Types of Adaptive Cruise Control

Radar-based systems.

According to eInfoChips, radar-based systems work by placing radar-based sensors on or around plastic fascias to detect your vehicle's surroundings. Each radar sensor works together to create a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's proximity to other cars or potentially hazardous objects. This type of sensor can look different depending on the design and model of the car.

Laser-Based Systems

As mentioned by Electronic Design , this type of ACC system operates out of a large black box typically placed in the grille of your vehicle. It uses laser technology to detect the proximity of objects to your car. It does not operate well during rainstorms and other weather conditions.

Binocular Computer Vision Systems (Optical)

According to ExtremeTech, this is a relatively new ACC system put into use in 2013. It uses small cameras that are placed on the back of a vehicle's rearview mirror to detect front-facing objects.

Assisting Systems

Assisting systems are radar-based add-ons that customers can buy together. These pre-crash systems can offer lane control, brake assistance, cruise control, proximity alerts to objects like corners, and steering power.

Multi-Sensor Systems

According to Fierce Electronics , adaptive cruise control systems sometimes integrate more than one type of sensor to aid in a vehicle's operation. Multi-sensor systems incorporate several different sensor types to provide a driver with advanced information. These sensors might include GPS data equipment or cameras to gather information about a vehicle's geographic environment and proximity to other cars.

Predictive Systems

As mentioned by Autoblog, prediction systems are a type of ACC that uses sensory data to predict the actions of neighboring vehicles. This means that your car might slow down to brace for another vehicle suddenly switching lanes and, in doing so, promotes passenger safety.

Adaptive cruise control is evolving each year. Car companies are continuously making adjustments to this technology and, in doing so, creating more common and affordable options that can be purchased with a new car or added to older car models, making driving safer for everyday people.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com . For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected] .

https://www.einfochips.com/blog/why-automotive-companies-should-adopt-radar-based-adas-systems/

https://www.electronicdesign.com/markets/automotive/article/21797633/adaptive-cruise-control-laser-diodes-as-an-alternative-to-millimeterwave-radars

https://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/14/new-honda-smart-cruise-control-predicts-other-motorists-future/

https://www.fierceelectronics.com/components/three-sensor-types-drive-autonomous-vehicles

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/157172-what-is-adaptive-cruise-control-and-how-does-it-work

https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/adaptive-cruise-control/

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/what-is-adaptive-cruise-control

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/columns/

https://www.sae.org/

.css-190qir1:before{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;left:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-10;} Research .css-188buow:after{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;right:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-10;}

honda accord vs toyota camry

Tundra vs. Tacoma: Comparing Toyota Pickup Trucks

honda hrv and crv

Honda HR-V vs. CR-V: Examining the Differences

chevrolet tahoe and suburban

Chevy Tahoe vs. Suburban: Here Are the Differences

public ev charging at private homes

What Are the Different EV Charging Levels?

2020 porsche taycan 4s interior with central display showing charging and battery information

Electric Car Battery Life

2022 ford f150 lightning platinum

Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Pros and Cons

cleaning leather car interior

How to Clean Leather Car Seats

2020 subaru crosstrek

What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester?

2020 jeep cherokee front

What to Buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee?

2020 hyundai tucson

What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe?

95th european motor show

2019 and 2020 Ford Edge Colors

MotorFix.com

Can You Use Cruise Control With Manual Transmission?

Cruise control, even though it has been around for a while, has been one of the best features of a car especially if you are looking at the safety of the vehicle. But while cruise control tends to be a standard feature in cars with automatic transmission, you might wonder if manual cars have it. So, can you cruise control with a manual transmission?

You can cruise control with a manual transmission. It doesn’t work half as well as it does with automatic transmissions as it still regulates the car’s speed when you are cruising. But the system tends to disengage the moment you slow down or when you press the clutch.

In that regard, while cruise control does indeed work with cars with manual transmissions, you shouldn’t expect it to work perfectly at all or even close to how it works on cars with automatic transmissions. Still, having cruise control on a manual car can still be something to be happy about especially when it comes to your overall safety.

Is cruise control available on cars with manual transmissions?

When you look at how cruise control works and how manual transmission cars are basically a thing of the past, you would probably think that they are not compatible with one another. And there is a good reason for that especially when you consider that cruise control works really great on cars with automatic transmissions and how it seemingly should only work on them.

However, what you need to know is that cruise control is indeed available on cars with manual transmissions. Yes, you read that right. Even though it might seem like cruise control and manual transmission don’t seem to go well together, this is still a feature that is very much present in cars with manual transmissions.

The reason why cruise control is still available on manual transmission cars is, of course, for safety and for convenience. You can never really deny the fact that cruise control is very useful when it comes to cruising on an open road especially during long drives as it basically allows you to fix your speed at certain levels. And when applied on a manual transmission car, it becomes quite useful as well especially when you consider how it can be exhausting to keep your car on a steady speed level when you are driving a stick shift car.

Of course, because modern cars now come with electronic speed signals and electronic accelerator signals, it really isn’t difficult to integrate cruise control into cars that come with manual transmissions. Even modern motorbikes also have cruise control nowadays given how useful the feature is for any kind of vehicle.

How does adaptive cruise control work with a manual transmission?

While cruise control may be available on cars with manual transmissions, don’t expect it to work as well as it does on a car with an automatic transmission. In some cases, you would even say that cruise control works only half as well as it does on stick shift cars than it does with an automatic car.

For starters, when you engage the cruise control function on a car with a manual transmission, it will work in a similar manner as it does on a car with an automatic transmission. However, the moment you step on the clutch or when you slow down or come to a full stop, the system will automatically disengage unlike how it stays turned on in a car that runs on an automatic transmission system.

As such, when you have to switch gears, you need to re-engage the cruise control function again. However, this doesn’t seem to be much of a big deal for manual transmission drivers because of how switching gears means you are actually slowing down or speeding up. That naturally means that you actually don’t have to use cruise control.

Meanwhile, when the RPM gets to levels that are too low or too high, the cruise control function automatically disengages as well. However, it won’t disengage if it detects traffic that is slower than you as long as the difference in speeds isn’t that too big. But when the speed difference is so big that you need to downshift, the system will automatically disengage.

Is low-speed follow available on a manual transmission?

No, low-speed follow is not a feature that is available on cars with manual transmission. Low-speed follow may be great for cars running on automatic transmissions but it is close to impossible to integrate it with stick shift cars because of how it will require you to shift your gears a lot when you are driving a car with a manual transmission.

Can you put cruise control in a car that doesn’t have it?

Even if you have an older car that doesn’t have cruise control, you shouldn’t worry because you can still have it added to your car. Yes, that is right. You can have an aftermarket cruise control added to your car regardless of whether it may be manual or automatic if it originally didn’t come with cruise control. And there are plenty of reasons why you should have cruise control in your car.

Long rides will end up becoming more comfortable if you have cruise control. Of course, because of the consistent speeds your car will be running on, it will end up having better mileage. And when you are in the middle of long drives, you will less likely end up getting fatigued when you have cruise control engaged. 

Cruise control kit for manual transmission

In case you want cruise control to be added to your car, you can simply buy a cruise control kit and have it installed in your car. This cruise control kit from Rostra is a good choice because of how comparatively affordable it is and how it can be installed in manual transmission cars. However, you would need to buy a separate clutch switch for it to be installed in a car with a manual transmission.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/does-adaptive-cruise-control-work-with-a-manual-transmission/

https://www.hallmazdamilwaukee.com/blog/do-manual-vehicles-have-adaptive-cruise-control/

YourMotorFixResearcher

Owner of YourMotorFix.com

Learn More...

Should All Your Car Tires Have The Same Pressure?

The tire pressure for cars varies depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, the size of the wheels fitted to the vehicle, and in some instances, the type of tire fitted on the rim. While all...

What To Consider Before Taking New Car On A Road Trip

You just bought a brand-new car and you are excited to take it on a spin. Naturally, you would want to drive it on the road to test out how well it holds up to your standards. But how far should you...

vehicleuniversity.com

Do Manual Cars Have Cruise Control? [Full Guide!]

Cruise control is a great feature available on most cars. It is perfect for long distances and stretches of road that are reasonably empty and don’t have a lot of twists and turns. But, today, I will explain if manual cars have cruise control.

Generally speaking, most modern manual cars come with cruise control. However, this feature functions slightly differently on a manual car than on an automatic car. Cruise control on an automatic car will change gears, whereas you need to change gears on a manual car when in cruise control.

Cruise control is reasonably straightforward to use. However, there are a few key things to know about how it works. This article will be a complete guide on everything there is to know about cruise control on manual cars.

How Cruise Control Works on Manual Cars

Many people never use cruise control on their cars even though many vehicles have advanced cruise control features. It’s necessary to change gears often on a manual car, which makes understanding how cruise control works on manual cars. So, here’s a summary and detailed explanation of how cruise control works on manual cars.

Overall, you set the cruise control speed and enable and disable it using the controls on the steering wheel or a lever attached to the steering wheel. It will automatically keep your car at the speed you set. But, you need to manually change gears to stop the engine from stalling. 

There are many different versions of cruise control, and they differ based on the make, model, and year of the car. Some will:

  • Slow down your car automatically when it senses a vehicle in front of you
  • Turn off the cruise control when you press on the brakes
  • Turn off the cruise control when your speed drops below a certain speed – usually around 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h)
  • Disable the cruise control when you press the clutch in

A manual car with cruise control that can be enabled at any speed is often called ‘all-range.’ It can be set at any speed and won’t be disabled if your speed drops too low. This is ideally suited to stop-and-go-type situations, such as when you are in heavy traffic. This feature is more common on newer cars – made in 2017 or later.

On older manual cars with cruise control, the cruise control is disabled when you press the clutch. Whereas, on newer car models, you can change gears any time you want. However, some limit how long you can press the clutch in. For example, it will disable the cruise control if you press the clutch for more than 2 seconds.

Modern cars from about 2017, often have an inbuilt feature that will disable the cruise control if the engine gets close to stalling. And many car models will notify you to change gears when it detects the revs are too low for the speed and gear. 

What happens if a car in front of you is going slow

Setting the cruise control to just under the speed limit is common. However, cars in front of you can often slow down to take an exit or drive slower than expected. 

Many modern manual cars with cruise control have sensors that detect when there is a car in front of you and will automatically slow down. Such as Toyota cars, which have what they call ‘ Dynamic Radar Cruise Control .’ This feature is now standard on most new car makes and models.

However, if a manual car doesn’t have this feature, you need to press on the brakes to slow down. Here’s what happens if you brake when cruise control is on.

Can You Brake on Cruise Control?

cruise control manual or automatic

Cruise control is designed to keep your car at a constant speed, but all too often, something will happen that will require you to brake, such as a sharp turn or a car pulling out in front of you. So, this is what happens if you brake while the cruise control is on, and if it’s possible.

You can brake on cruise control. Once you have finished braking, the cruise control will accelerate, returning to the set cruise control speed. However, if it’s a manual car and you decelerate, you typically need to shift down a gear or two to stop the engine from stalling.

A car can struggle to accelerate and stall if you decelerate too much. For example, if you are in 5th gear and brake all the way down to 10 mph (16 km/h), the car won’t be able to accelerate in 5th gear at this slower speed. 

Therefore, you will need to change down to 2nd or 3rd first, and then change up gears as the cruise control accelerates for you manually.

But, in general, it’s easiest to take it out of cruise control when you need to brake a lot. Then, once you’re in a place where you don’t need to brake as often, you can put it back into cruise control.

Does Cruise Control Change Gears

While cruise control is active, the acceleration and deceleration are controlled by an onboard computer. However, on manual transmission cars, there is no way for the car to change gears itself. So, here’s whether cruise control can change gears on manual and automatic cars.

Typically, cruise control does not change gears on a manual transmission vehicle. Thus, if you need to brake or you enter a very steep hill, you will need to change down gears on a manual transmission. However, the cruise control feature on most automatic vehicles is designed to change gears too.

When you are on a steep hill in the wrong gear, the car can stall, and you will need to brake immediately. Therefore, you should change down gears when your car is struggling to go up a hill.

By comparison, you don’t need to change gears when in cruise control on an automatic car. The one exception is on very steep hills where the onboard computer can’t detect that it’s a very steep hill. In that case, you may need to put it into manual 1st or 2nd to have enough acceleration to make it up a hill.

Similar Posts

How Much Does a Car AC Leak Repair Cost? [Full Guide!]

How Much Does a Car AC Leak Repair Cost? [Full Guide!]

Car AC systems have become increasingly important in this ever-warming world, shielding drivers from ambient heat….

Difference Between Tire and Wheel? [Complete Guide!]

Difference Between Tire and Wheel? [Complete Guide!]

Tires and wheels are used on a range of different vehicles, such as cars. The terminology…

Car Battery Dead and Doors Won’t Lock? Here’s What to Do!

Car Battery Dead and Doors Won’t Lock? Here’s What to Do!

One of the biggest problems people face when the car battery has dies is that the…

How Long to Charge a Car Battery With Jumper Cables?

How Long to Charge a Car Battery With Jumper Cables?

When your car battery starts misbehaving, you usually see yourself scratching your head before trying something…

Car AC Cold Only When Driving? [Here’s Why And How to Fix!]

Car AC Cold Only When Driving? [Here’s Why And How to Fix!]

If you live in a hotter environment, your car air conditioning system is a lifesaver. Unfortunately,…

Can You Open a Car Door Underwater? [Here’s What to Know!]

Can You Open a Car Door Underwater? [Here’s What to Know!]

With the advent of more safety features and driver’s aids, cars are undoubtedly safer. However, knowing…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Hybrids & EVs
  • Motorsports
  • Tips, Tricks & Trends

A close-up of the 2020 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T's manual transmission

Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work With a Manual Transmission?

Adaptive cruise control has been around for quite a while now and it is even a standard feature in some of the most affordable cars on the market. Adaptive cruise control adds a bit of extra safety and convenience to your day, especially if your car is equipped with an automatic transmission. But what you might not know is that it’s also available on cars with a manual transmission as well. But how does it work?

Adaptive cruise control is not like regular cruise control

At first, it might seem like a manual transmission and adaptive cruise control wouldn’t work well together. We say this because, unlike regular cruise control, adaptive cruise control regulates the car’s speed. And when the car slows down, the RPMs will drop, which would cause a manual transmission car to either bog or stall. But in a car with an automatic transmission, the car will easily slow down and even come to a complete stop with the adaptive cruise control engaged.

So how does it work with a manual transmission ? According to Autotrader, adaptive cruise control in a car with a manual transmission works half as good as one with an automatic because the system will regulate the car’s speed when cruising, but when it’s time to slow the car down or stop, the system will disengage.

“Low-speed follow” is not allowed

Another advantage of having an adaptive cruise control system on a car with an automatic transmission is that the car will actually take care of itself in stop-and-go traffic. When traffic slows down, the system will detect the car in front of you and adjust to its speed, effectively doing the “traffic dance” for you. However, for cars with a manual transmission, this feature is not included since you would have to depress the clutch and shift gears manually in order to keep the car going.

Cruise control on steering wheel

It’s still an effective safety feature to have

You might be wondering why any automaker would include adaptive cruise control on a car with a manual transmission if you’re only able to use half of what the feature has to offer. Considering adaptive cruise control is a safety feature it’s still great to have on any car as it will make the car hit the brakes and slow down if a car were to suddenly cut in front of you or slow down abruptly on the freeway.

Sure, you might not be able to take the stress out of sitting in rush-hour traffic on a Friday, or any day for that matter, but you can at least still set it and forget under normal driving conditions.

However, we must warn you that if you do ever use the adaptive cruise control feature on a car with a manual transmission, remember to stay extra alert when it slows the car down or accelerates it while on the freeway, you might just forget to shift gears. Otherwise, we highly recommend using this feature as it’s extremely useful in almost any driving situation and there’s an added bit of safety as well.

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer With Your Car This Fall

Several SUVs and a commercial truck parked at Everest Base Camp North in Tibet

How Far up Mount Everest Can Cars Go?

A diagram outlining Honda's patent for a rear car bumper drawer, shows a drawer compartment on tracks beneath the trunk panel

Honda Patents Neat Remote-Controlled Rear Bumper Drawer

A red Chevrolet Avalanche truck stopped in a Wendy's drive-thru lane next to a large marketing sign for a bacon cheeseburger

Google AI Will Probably Take Over Drive-Thru Ordering, Too

Avatar photo

Joe Santos has been an automotive journalist since 2013 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2020. He writes strongly on consumer advice and new cars, and we consider him an asset to readers looking for guidance in buying and selling autos.

Joe earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism from California State University, Fullerton, and spent years as a Road Test Editor at Kelley Blue Book, after which he served in various automotive-related roles, including an autonomous vehicle trainer for GM, a vehicle sales manager, and an Audi brand specialist.

Joe’s prized possession is a 2008 Honda S2000 in Laguna Blue Pearl, with which he attends local car meets. Joe is also a content creator for LTD Global, a B2B support firm.

cruise control manual or automatic

Do Manual Transmission Cars Have Cruise Control?

Do Manual Transmission Cars Have Cruise Control

Manual transmissions, often referred to as stick shifts, offer a sense of connection between the driver and the vehicle. However, as technology has advanced, many modern amenities, such as cruise control, have become standard in automatic vehicles, leading to questions about their compatibility with manuals.

Yes, manual transmission cars can have cruise control. Modern systems are designed to maintain a set speed, even in manuals. The driver sets the desired speed, and the system adjusts the throttle to maintain it. If needed, pressing the clutch or brake will disengage the system.

Today’s guide will get into the mechanics of cruise control in manual transmissions, its advantages, challenges, and how to use it effectively.

Mechanics of Cruise Control in Manual Transmission

Mechanics of Cruise Control in Manual Transmission

Cruise control, a feature once reserved for top-tier automatic cars, has found its way into manual transmissions . But how does it function in a stick shift?

How Cruise Control Systems Detect Speed

At the heart of any cruise control is a speed sensor. This device measures the car’s speed and sends this data to the control module. In manual cars, this sensor often takes readings from the gearbox or the wheels.

Adjusting Throttle in Manual Cars

To maintain a consistent speed, cruise control adjusts the throttle. In manual vehicles, instead of shifting gears like in automatics , the system manages the engine’s fuel supply. By controlling fuel flow, it keeps the car cruising at the set speed.

The Role of Clutch in Cruise Control Systems

Engaging the clutch while cruise control is active will interrupt the system. Modern designs detect when the clutch is pressed, disengaging the cruise control. This feature prevents engine strain and promotes smooth driving.

Advantages of Cruise Control in Manual Transmission

Once a luxury feature, cruise control has become increasingly popular among manual transmission car owners. But what benefits does this advanced system bring to stick shifts?

1. Fuel Efficiency Improvements

When a driver manually operates a vehicle, speed fluctuations are natural, even when trying to maintain a constant pace. These fluctuations can consume more fuel. Cruise control, by managing speed consistently, reduces these variations, leading to better fuel consumption rates. Over long drives, this can translate to noticeable fuel savings.

2. Enhanced Driving Comfort on Long Journeys

Long drives can be tiring, especially when consistently managing speed on highways. With cruise control, the need to constantly modulate the throttle is reduced. Set the desired speed, activate cruise control, and the system takes over, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience. This is especially handy in areas with minimal traffic and long stretches of road.

3. Safety Boost from Consistent Speeds

Rapid acceleration or deceleration can be risky, especially on highways with dense traffic. Cruise control maintains a steady pace, reducing the chances of sudden speed changes that can be hazardous. Additionally, it allows drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, promoting better control.

Potential Challenges and Limitations

Potential Challenges and Limitations

While cruise control in manual transmissions offers numerous advantages, there are some challenges and limitations that come with this feature.

1. Complex Situations

On flat terrains, this isn’t an issue. However, when driving on hilly roads, encountering sharp bends, or sitting still in traffic , maintaining a constant speed might not always be ideal. Ascending a steep hill may strain the engine, while descending can lead to speeds higher than desired.

2. Safety Concerns and Manual Overrides

There are moments when manual intervention becomes necessary, even with cruise control active. In heavy traffic, sudden obstructions, or unpredictable road conditions, relying solely on cruise control might not be safe. In such situations, drivers should be prepared to take immediate control by pressing the brake or clutch to disengage the system.

Steps to Use Cruise Control in a Manual Car

Steps to Use Cruise Control in a Manual Car

For those who are new to this technology or need a refresher on how to use it effectively in a stick shift, this section provides a step-by-step guide. Please be aware that cruise control systems may vary between cars, so check the paperwork for more details.

Activating Cruise Control

Before you start, make sure the road conditions are suitable. It’s best to use cruise control on open highways or roads with minimal traffic interruptions.

  • Drive your car manually to the desired speed.
  • Locate the cruise control buttons, usually found on the steering wheel or a nearby stalk.
  • Press the “Set” or “On” button, depending on your car’s design. Your vehicle should now maintain the current speed without you pressing the accelerator.

Setting and Adjusting Speed

Once cruise control is active, you have the flexibility to adjust your speed:

  • Increasing Speed : Use the “Resume” or “+” button to boost your speed. Some systems might increase the speed incrementally with each press, while others could allow you to hold the button for a continuous increase.
  • Decreasing Speed : The “-” button will typically reduce the cruising speed. Like with acceleration, the speed can either drop in small increments or steadily if the button is held.
  • Manual Override : If you wish to override the set speed temporarily, press the accelerator. Once you release it, the car will return to the previously set cruising speed.

Disengaging and Manual Overrides

There are a few methods to disengage the cruise control:

  • Braking : Applying the brake will instantly turn off cruise control. This is the most common method, especially when needing to reduce speed quickly.
  • Pressing the Clutch : In many manual cars, pressing the clutch pedal will also disengage the system, making it useful for gear changes or when anticipating a need for speed reduction.
  • Using the Off Button : Most systems will have an “Off” or “Cancel” button. Pressing this will turn off cruise control, allowing you to manage speed manually.
  • Shutting Off the Engine : Turning off your car’s engine will also deactivate the cruise control. However, this method is generally not recommended unless in an emergency.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

  • Stay Alert : Even with cruise control active, stay attentive. Be ready to take control when the situation demands, such as in heavy traffic or unpredictable road conditions.
  • Avoid Wet or Slippery Roads : On wet, icy, or slippery surfaces, it’s best to avoid cruise control. Maintaining a consistent speed in such conditions can increase the risk of skidding.
  • Keep Hands on the Wheel : Always keep your hands on the steering wheel. Cruise control manages speed, not steering.
  • Regular Maintenance : To ensure your cruise control works flawlessly, make it a part of your regular car maintenance checks. Inspecting the system’s components, such as the speed sensor , can help identify potential issues before they become problematic.

Differences Between Cruise Control in Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions

Related articles.

Can You Float Gears in A Car

Cars for sale

Car research, sign in, what is honda cruise main, this setting means the cruise-control system is ready to go..

author-image

QuickTakes:

  • In many Hondas, Cruise Main means all systems are go for cruise control
  • Once Cruise Main is activated, you still need to set your speed
  • Canceling cruise control doesn't cancel Cruise Main

Cruise control — not to be confused by the more advanced adaptive cruise control automated driver-assistance system — is a popular standard convenience found in many of today's automobiles. There are numerous ways to activate and use cruise control on modern cars, trucks, and SUVs , and not all systems operate in the same way. This can lead to confusion when getting behind the wheel of an unfamiliar brand. Here's what you need to know about the Cruise Main light on the dash of a Honda.

Cruise Main Means All Systems Are Go for Cruise Control

Some cruise-control systems activate as soon as you hit the on button, setting the vehicle's current speed as the baseline and allowing you to adjust it up or down from that point.

Other systems, like Honda's, operate differently. Turning the cruise-control system on — generally via a button on the steering wheel — causes the Cruise Main message to display on the dashboard. This doesn't mean that you can now take your foot off the accelerator pedal. It means the system has been activated and is ready to have its speed set.

Once Cruise Main Is Activated, You Still Need to Set Your Speed

On some models, setting your speed after activating Cruise Main might only be possible above 25 mph. On vehicles with adaptive cruise control that feature stop-and-go capability and low-speed following, you may be able to engage speed control when traveling more slowly.

Either way, the process of setting the cruise-control speed is accomplished by pushing the Set button on the steering wheel once you have the vehicle traveling at your desired pace. At this point, the gauge cluster should display Cruise Control in addition to Cruise Main to let you know the system is maintaining your rate of travel.

You can increase your speed using the RES/+ or RES/ACCEL button as well as resume (RES) the programmed speed after the cruise control system has been interrupted, such as when you tap the brakes.

Canceling Cruise Control Doesn't Cancel Cruise Main

If you do happen to tap the brakes while using cruise control or hit the Cancel button on the steering wheel, you will see the Cruise Control light on the dash disappear, but the Cruise Main display will remain visible.

This is because the system remains active even if there's no set speed or the previous set speed has been canceled. If you wish to deactivate the Cruise Main light, turn the system off by using the same button that activated it.

This means you won't have to push the cruise-control master button to resume the set speed, or to set a new one. You can instead use RES/+ or RES/ACCEL to accomplish both tasks. If you want to completely disable cruise control, you will have to toggle off the master Cruise button manually.

author photo

Related Articles

2025 Mini Countryman SE First Drive Review: Prime Electrification

The new, all-electric Countryman SE is quick, fun, and offers a stellar interior.

2024 BMW X2 M235i xDrive First Drive Review: A Rowdy Reboot

BMW's new X2 rethinks the company's sportier small SUV, making a quantum leap forward in performance and attitude.

How EVs Could Revolutionize Camping

The possibilities go beyond a quieter campsite.

Can You Use Cruise Control In A Manual Transmission Car?

  • May 23, 2023

Cruise Control

If you’re a fan of manual transmission cars, the question of whether or not you can use cruise control may have crossed your mind. The good news is that it is possible to use cruise control in a manual transmission car. Cruise control is a handy feature that has been around for decades and was invented to make long drives more comfortable for drivers. It allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without having to keep their foot on the gas pedal all the time. In this blog, we will discuss how cruise control works in manual cars, the different types of cruise control, and how to use it with your manual car. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Is Cruise Control? And When Was Cruise Control Invented?

Cruise control is a car feature that maintains a constant speed without using the accelerator pedal. Although patented in 1948, it was not widely available until the 1980s. Inventor Ralph Teetor, who was blind, created it to prevent motion sickness. Almost all cars have cruise control now, with newer models featuring adaptive systems.

How Does Cruise Control Work In Manual Cars?

Cruise control in manual cars operates similarly to automatic cars, allowing the driver to set and maintain a desired speed. However, the system may require manual adjustments when driving on hills or declines. When the car slows down, it will automatically downshift to maintain speed.

Types Of Cruise Control

1. adaptive cruise control.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is one of the most advanced forms of cruise control that is available in modern cars. The system uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of other vehicles on the road. This ensures that you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid collisions. ACC adjusts the car’s speed and braking automatically, so you don’t need to worry about constantly adjusting your throttle or brake pedal. It provides smooth acceleration and deceleration, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone in the car. ACC is typically found in newer cars but can also be retrofitted into older cars as an aftermarket upgrade. It is a standard feature in many SUVs and luxury cars from brands such as Ford and Chrysler.

How does adaptive cruise control work with a manual transmission?

Adaptive cruise control relies on radar or camera sensors to detect the distance between your car and the one in front, automatically adjusting your speed. However, if you have a manual transmission car, you’ll need to disengage the clutch and shift gears yourself. This requires extra attention, so exercise caution when using it and only in ideal conditions.

2. Semi-autonomous Cruise Control

Semi-Autonomous Cruise Control is an electronic system that utilizes sensors to detect both the speed and distance of other vehicles around you. By monitoring these factors, it offers drivers an effortless way to maintain a safe following distance while cruising at a constant speed. This feature can be found as standard on many modern-day suvs like Ford and Chrysler or as an optional add-on for regular cruise control systems. The adaptive cruise control feature is available on some manual transmissions, but it may require additional sensors or technology in older cars. As with any driving aid, always check your car’s manual or consult with professionals before attempting to use it under traffic conditions.

3. A Speed Limiter

A speed limiter is an electronic system that comes in quite handy when you want to keep your vehicle from exceeding the pre-set limit of its cruising speed. This feature is particularly useful if you want to avoid speeding tickets or maintain a constant speed on long drives. A speed limiter is a type of cruise control system that allows you to set a maximum speed for your manual transmission vehicle without having to worry about accidentally going over the desired limit. It should be noted that while using this feature, it’s important to stay alert and follow safe driving practices such as keeping a safe distance from other vehicles on the road and adjusting your throttle, accelerator, and clutch pedals correctly. A Speed Limiter is not just available in modern cars but also in older ones like Ford or Chrysler suvs and manuals as well.

How To Use Cruise Control With A Manual Car

It’s important to note that while most newer cars have standard cruise control, some models come with more advanced features like adaptive cruise control systems that allow you to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles even in heavy traffic conditions. So whether you’re driving an automatic or manual transmission car, make sure you know how your car’s cruise control works before hitting the freeway for those long drives.

Locate The Cruise Control Button

When locating the cruise control button in a manual transmission car, identifying it is crucial. This small yet handy feature is usually found on the steering wheel or dashboard and resembles a speedometer with an arrow pointing towards it. To activate cruise control after locating this button, press it once. Following this step, you can increase your car’s speed through smooth acceleration with aid from the accelerator pedal and set your desired cruising speed by releasing it. The electronic system of your vehicle takes over and maintains this constant speed until you turn off the cruise control or apply brakes.

Reach Desired Highway Speed

To use cruise control in a manual vehicle, it’s important to reach your desired highway speed first. Begin by engaging the cruise control feature either through a button or lever located on your steering wheel. With that done, release your foot from the accelerator pedal and allow your car to maintain a constant speed with the assistance of sensors and other electronic systems. If you need to slow down or stop abruptly due to traffic conditions, simply disengage the standard feature by pressing either the brake or clutch pedal. By utilizing this handy feature on long drives, you can save fuel while cruising at a smooth acceleration and safe distance from other cars on the freeway.

Turn On Cruise Control

When turning on the cruise control feature in a manual transmission vehicle, ensure that your car is traveling at a steady pace and is in the right gear. After reaching the desired speed, activate this handy feature by pressing the “set” button located on the steering wheel. To adjust your cruising speed, use either the “+” or “-” buttons conveniently placed within reach. It’s worth noting that while this feature works smoothly in modern cars, it might not be suitable for certain traffic conditions or older models of vehicles. By incorporating secondary keyterms like ‘accelerator,’ ‘cruise control works,’ ‘throttle,’ and more, one can get a smooth acceleration and maintain a constant speed without having to worry about constantly shifting gears or using the clutch pedal.

Avoid Unnecessary Braking And Shifting

Maintaining a constant speed while using the cruise control feature in a manual car is crucial to ensure maximum efficiency. When engaging this handy feature in a manual transmission vehicle, always make sure to reach your desired speed and set it by pressing the designated button on your steering wheel’s cruise control system. Whenever necessary, remember that downshifting or disengaging the feature is an option if the car begins to slow down abruptly due to traffic conditions or changes in elevation. In addition, cruising at smooth acceleration levels can significantly reduce driver fatigue during extended trips. Lastly, it’s worth keeping in mind that choosing an appropriate gear for your current speed before initiating the regular or adaptive cruise control system can significantly enhance your driving experience.

Watch the road and steer

While using the cruise control feature in a manual car, it is essential to remain alert and attentive towards the road. It would be best if you familiarized yourself with your car’s specific controls and settings before engaging the cruise control system. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel for proper maneuvering of the vehicle, be cautious, and ready to disengage the system when needed. Keep in mind that using cruise control does not replace your driving skills or instincts as a driver. Therefore, always be vigilant while making use of this handy feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cruise control available to manual transmission.

While some manual transmission cars have cruise control, not all do. Those that do work similarly to automatic cars but require additional clutch and gear adjustments. To know if your manual car has this feature, check the manual or ask a mechanic.

Is cruise control only on automatic cars?

Although not all manual transmission cars have cruise control, some models do offer it along with a speed limiter feature that helps maintain a specific speed. It’s important to refer to the car’s owner’s manual to confirm availability. If unavailable, maintaining a constant speed manually or using the speed limiter can be an alternative.

Is cruise control bad for your transmission?

Cruise control is safe for your transmission when used responsibly. It won’t cause damage, but using it on hilly or rough terrain may put additional strain on your transmission. If you have a manual car, you’ll need to shift gears manually while using cruise control.

In conclusion, using cruise control in a manual car is possible, but it requires some additional effort from the driver. It is essential to know the different types of cruise control systems available and how they work to make an informed decision. With the right technique, you can use cruise control on long drives and reduce fatigue. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that cruise control doesn’t replace attentive driving and steering. Use it responsibly and always keep an eye on the road ahead. Now that you know how to use cruise control in your manual car, hit the road without any worries!

Trending now

Car Fender

Customer Viewpoint Ratings and Reviews

Who leaves ratings and reviews?

Ratings and reviews are provided by customers who have either purchased a vehicle or visited a dealership for service.

How are ratings and reviews collected?

Customers are invited to participate in a survey administered by MaritzCX, an independent, third-party supplier.

Can dealerships edit or remove reviews?

No. Ford personnel and/or dealership personnel cannot modify or remove reviews.

Are reviews modified or monitored before being published?

MaritzCX moderates public reviews to ensure they contain content that meet Review guidelines, such as:

‣No Profanity or inappropriate defamatory remarks

‣No Personal Identifying information (e.g., customer phone number or email)

‣No Competitor references (e.g., another brand or dealership)

‣Dangerous behavior (e.g. threatening to harm employees or others)

‣Lack of adequate text (e.g., symbols, emoji’s and random letters)

Reviews on the product and not the customer’s Sales or Service experience

  • Electric Vehicles
  • Pay my bill
  • Update my SYNC
  • Replace a Part

How do I use Cruise Control * in my Ford?

When activated, Cruise Control lets you maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. You can use Cruise Control when your vehicle speed is greater than 20 mph.

The cruise controls are on the steering wheel. **

Setting the Cruise Control Speed

  • Press  ON  on the cruise control switch on your steering wheel.

Cruise Control Indicator Light

  • Drive to your desired speed.
  • Press  SET .
  • Take your foot off the accelerator.

Changing the Set Speed

  • Press  SET  to change the set speed in small increments.
  • Press and hold either button to change the set speed in large increments. Release the button when you reach the speed you prefer.
  • Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the speed you prefer. Press  SET .
  • Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the desired speed. Press  SET .

Canceling Cruise Control

Press the Cancel   (CNCL)  or X button on the steering wheel or apply the brakes.

Resuming Cruise Control

To resume after canceling, press the RES  button.

Beyond Conventional Cruise Control

I f your vehicle is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control , it can let you maintain a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.  

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go  technology not only lets you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, it can also help you come to a complete stop.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering adds Lane Centering that can detect lane marking to help you keep your vehicle centered in the lane.

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control  includes the features of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering and adds Speed Sign Recognition, which can automatically adjust the set speed of your vehicle to the posted speed limit.  

Additional Information

What is Speed Sign Recognition?

  * Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. See your  Owner’s Manual  for details and limitations.

** Location and appearance of buttons may vary. See your Owner's Manual  for information specific to your vehicle.

Toyota Owners

Toyota Español

Welcome, here you'll have access to your Support Dashboard where you can see your support requests status or create a new request.

How do I operate the adaptive cruise control in my vehicle?

Adaptive cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with an active vehicle-to-vehicle distance control feature. designed for use on freeways and express ways, in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, your car automatically acceler... sep 24, 2022 • knowledge, new section, only answer.

Adaptive cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with an active vehicle-to-vehicle distance control feature. Designed for use on freeways and express ways, in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, your car automatically accelerates or decelerates in order to maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle traveling directly ahead of you.

To activate the system, press the "ON/OFF" button at the end of the stalk on the lower end of the right side of the steering wheel. The radar-ready indicator will appear in the Multi Information Display.

Accelerate or decelerate to your intended speed, then press the stalk down to set it. If you want to go faster, push the stalk upward and hold until you've reached the desired speed and then release it. Or, if you want to slow down, push the stalk down and hold as you decelerate, then release it once you've reached the desired speed.

To cancel cruise control, tap the brakes, pull the stalk towards you or turn the system off with the ON/OFF button.

Adaptive Cruise Control was designed to maintain the preset distance between your car and the car driving in the same lane directly ahead of you.

When it’s active, it automatically adjusts for changes in the speed of the vehicle traveling directly ahead of you in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance you set.

In the event that you would like to change the preset distance between vehicles, you can do so by using the radar range button located on the lower right side of the steering wheel. Simply press the button repeatedly to cycle through the ranges available. You'll find them displayed on the Multi Information Display. And finally, you can disable the distance holding feature by pushing the cruise control stalk away and holding it until the indicator disappears and the conventional cruise control indicator lights up.

Please click here  to view a video.

Disclaimer: Adaptive Cruise Control is designed to assist the driver and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving practices. See your  Owner's Manual for important instructions and cautions.

Not all features are available on all vehicles and model grades. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details and important safety information.

Related Articles

  • How do I operate the cruise control in my vehicle?
  • How do I operate the dual zone automatic climate control in my vehicle?
  • How do I operate the audio steering wheel controls in my vehicle?

Not finding your answer?

COMMENTS

  1. How Cruise Control Systems Work

    The cruise control system controls the speed of your car the same way you do -- by adjusting the throttle position.But cruise control actuates the throttle valve by a cable connected to an actuator, instead of by pressing a pedal.The throttle valve controls the power and speed of the engine by limiting how much air the engine takes in (see How Fuel Injection Systems Work for more details).

  2. How to Use Cruise Control: Specific Things You Need to Know Well

    Cruise control allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without constant pedal adjustment, reducing the physical and mental strain during long journeys. Improved Fuel Efficiency: By maintaining a steady speed, cruise control helps in reducing fuel consumption. Studies have shown that erratic speed variations can lead to higher fuel ...

  3. How to Use Cruise Control on a Car: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

    Just press the gas pedal to bring your car up to the new speed, and hit the "SET" button again. This will set cruise control at the new speed. If your car has a +/- button for cruise control, press this when you want to raise or lower your car's speed. Part 2.

  4. What is Cruise Control? A Comprehensive Guide

    Cruise control work with a manual transmission just the same way it does with an automatic.

  5. Cruise control

    Common cruise control icon on dashboards specified by ISO-7000-2047, ISO 2575:2010, and ISO 6727. Another icon exists for the more modern adaptive cruise control, but some cars also use the cruise control icon for the speed limiter function, which has no standard icon.. Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls ...

  6. Cruise Control In Cars Explained (And How To Safely Use It)

    Fuel Efficiency. One of the main advantages of using cruise control is improved fuel efficiency. By maintaining a constant speed, cruise control helps reduce fuel consumption, leading to better gas mileage. Rapid acceleration and deceleration, on the other hand, can lead to increased fuel consumption.

  7. Cruise Control: What It Is, How to Use It (And When Not To)

    5 - Watch the road and steer. Watching the road is essential when cruise control is engaged. Cruise control is not a substitute for a human driver and will require supervision at every step. If you are using a semi-autonomous system, you will not need to steer but will need to keep at least one hand on the wheel for safety measures.

  8. What is cruise control and adaptive cruise control?

    17 Jul 2023. Cruise control was invented in the US and has existed for over 70 years, but has become more common than ever on new cars in the UK over the last few decades. It enables the car to ...

  9. Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control: Everything You Need to Know

    2. 2018 Mazda 3. The 2018 Mazda 3 provides drivers with an adaptive cruise control system that detects rear-cross traffic and blind-spot monitoring, great for making safe lane changes. It also ...

  10. How Does The Cruise Control System In Cars Work?

    The cruise control system controls the speed of your car the same way you do - by adjusting the throttle (accelerator) position. However, cruise control engages the throttle valve by a cable connected to an actuator, rather than by pressing a pedal. The throttle valve controls the power and speed of the engine by limiting how much air it ...

  11. What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

    Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help road vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so ...

  12. Adaptive Cruise Control: How Does It Work?

    Simple to use, all you need to do is turn on the system in your vehicle, reach your desired cruising speed, and set it. The system then assumes control of the accelerator, maintaining the set ...

  13. Can You Use Cruise Control With Manual Transmission?

    You can cruise control with a manual transmission. It doesn't work half as well as it does with automatic transmissions as it still regulates the car's speed when you are cruising. But the system tends to disengage the moment you slow down or when you press the clutch. In that regard, while cruise control does indeed work with cars with ...

  14. Do Manual Cars Have Cruise Control? [Full Guide!]

    Cruise control on an automatic car will change gears, whereas you need to change gears on a manual car when in cruise control. Cruise control is reasonably straightforward to use. However, there are a few key things to know about how it works. This article will be a complete guide on everything there is to know about cruise control on manual cars.

  15. Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work With a Manual Transmission?

    "Low-speed follow" is not allowed. Another advantage of having an adaptive cruise control system on a car with an automatic transmission is that the car will actually take care of itself in stop-and-go traffic. When traffic slows down, the system will detect the car in front of you and adjust to its speed, effectively doing the "traffic dance" for you.

  16. How to Use Adaptive Cruise Control

    1. To turn the feature on, press the cruise control On/Off button on the steering wheel. Your vehicle will default to the type of cruise control you last used when you turned your vehicle off. When the system is turned on, you'll see a white Adaptive Cruise Control icon in your cluster display or on your Head-Up Display, if your vehicle has ...

  17. Cruise Control in a Car: Everything You Need to Know

    The cruise control system uses an actuator which controls the accelerator allowing the car to continue driving at a set speed. The actuator is connected to the throttle via a cable. During cruise control, the cable is not just monitoring the car's speed but also the power of the engine. It ensures that the engine takes in the exact amount of ...

  18. eli5 how does cruise control work on manual cars

    It's basically the same as cruise control in an automatic. There is just another way for cruise control to turn itself off: the clutch pedal gets pressed. There is actually a note in my car's owner's manual: do not change gears without using the clutch pedal while cruise control is active. That is technically possible though highly not recommended.

  19. Do Manual Transmission Cars Have Cruise Control?

    Manual transmissions, often referred to as stick shifts, offer a sense of connection between the driver and the vehicle. However, as technology has advanced, many modern amenities, such as cruise control, have become standard in automatic vehicles, leading to questions about their compatibility with manuals.

  20. What Is Honda Cruise Main?

    Cruise Main Means All Systems Are Go for Cruise Control. Some cruise-control systems activate as soon as you hit the on button, setting the vehicle's current speed as the baseline and allowing you to adjust it up or down from that point. Other systems, like Honda's, operate differently. Turning the cruise-control system on — generally via a ...

  21. Can You Use Cruise Control In A Manual Transmission Car?

    When turning on the cruise control feature in a manual transmission vehicle, ensure that your car is traveling at a steady pace and is in the right gear. After reaching the desired speed, activate this handy feature by pressing the "set" button located on the steering wheel. To adjust your cruising speed, use either the "+" or ...

  22. How do I use Cruise Control

    Press ON on the cruise control switch on your steering wheel. The indicator light will appear in the information display. The indicator changes color to indicate the system status. Drive to your desired speed. Press SET. Take your foot off the accelerator.

  23. How do I operate the adaptive cruise control in my vehicle?

    Adaptive cruise control supplements conventional cruise control with an active vehicle-to-vehicle distance control feature. Designed for use on freeways and express ways, in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, your car automatically accelerates or decelerates in order to maintain a preset following distance from the vehicle traveling directly ahead of you.

  24. How to Use Adaptive Cruise Control

    On properly equipped 2024 model year vehicles, you can set an Adaptive Cruise Control speed while you're stopped (the system must be on, you must apply the brake pedal and your vehicle must be in a forward gear). 1. Press the Set button while your foot is on the brake to turn on the feature. 2. You can change the set speed, still with your ...