What is cruise control, its purpose and subtleties of use. Cruise control in a car: what is it, pros and cons What does cruise control mean?

During long trips, many drivers are faced with the fact that constantly keeping their foot on the gas pedal in a fixed position leads to rapid fatigue. It is to simplify driving when driving long distances that a system called cruise control is installed in modern cars.

Take cruise control on a long road trip

That's why it's so important to learn how to use cruise control on long trips. Currently, installation of such a system is possible both on cars with manual gearboxes and automatic ones.

What is cruise control

Cruise control is a system designed to automatically maintain a speed set by the driver. Activation of this system in a car allows you to maintain a given speed limit regardless of the terrain, without resorting to tiresome mechanical action of your foot on the accelerator pedal.

In cases where the road situation requires an increase in speed, for example, to overtake a passing vehicle, the driver simply presses the gas pedal and the car accelerates. To slow down the car, the driver.

Pressing the brake and gas pedals will temporarily disable cruise control.

However, when such manipulations are stopped, the system is automatically activated and restores the previously set speed, information about which is stored in the internal memory of the device.

Automatic speed control (cruise control)

The adjustment system has a cruise control switch - usually in the form of a single button. However, there are options with several buttons for different functions. Standard cruise control has a button that allows you to activate and deactivate the system. Another button, designated “set,” is used by the driver when the car reaches the desired speed. To improve information content, a corresponding indication is displayed, reflecting all actions with cruise control. Increased traffic on motorways has meant that standard cruise control, called passive cruise control, is increasingly being replaced by adaptive cruise control, which is a more advanced version of the system.

The main advantage of adaptive cruise control is the presence of additional functions that, although they do not replace the driver, make driving much easier and more comfortable. Such functions include automatically maintaining the distance to the vehicle in front, preventing unauthorized rolling down slopes, automatically braking when an obstacle occurs, etc.

Cruise control control

Cruise control can be activated both while driving and when the vehicle is parked. The activation of the system is accompanied by a corresponding light indication on the dashboard, the color of which depends on the car model.

Pressing the cruise control lever causes the vehicle to reach and maintain the last stored speed.

Typically, it can record speeds of 40 km/h and above. The presence of an emergency function in the cruise control allows you to instantly turn it off when you press the brake pedal.

Cruise control switch button

To control the cruise control function in some car models, only one button is used, pressing which automatically turns on the system. In this case, the cruise control is turned off by pressing the brake pedal by the driver. If there are five standard buttons on the car panel or a special cruise control control lever, the system is turned on slightly differently. Pressing the “on” button brings the on-board computer into a ready state, and cruise control is activated by pressing the “set” button, after which the speed is adjusted by pressing the gas pedal.

In order to determine the procedure for turning on the cruise control system installed on a particular vehicle, you need to carefully examine the control lever. The simplest cruise control systems, controlled by just one button, are automatically activated when the button is turned on and turned off when the brake pedal is pressed. The speed is adjusted by pressing the accelerator pedal. In other cases, when the cruise control is controlled using five standard buttons, turning on the cruise control (the “on” button) only means that the car’s on-board computer is ready to activate this system, which is done by pressing the “set” button at the speed set using the gas pedal.

Some features for different types of cars

Two of the additional buttons are designed to increase and decrease the vehicle's speed. In most cases, each press increases or decreases the speed by 1 km/h.

cruise control may have several buttons

Here's a little instruction: cruise control is controlled by additional buttons

  1. Acceleration. Lightly pressing the lever and holding it in this position allows you to gain the desired speed without the driver pressing the gas pedal.

    The accumulated speed is recorded and recorded in the device’s memory by releasing the lever.

    Interruption (failure) of the set speed occurs in cases where the current speed for 1 minute exceeds the one recorded in the memory by 10-16 km/h (depending on the car brand), or the current speed is lower than the set speed by 8-10 km/h . To adjust the speed, you must recall it again from the cruise control memory or set it and save it again.

  2. Slowdown. Slowing down using cruise control is done in the same way: the corresponding button (lever) is pressed and, after reducing the speed to the required speed, it is released. In this case, the speed is fixed, and its value is stored in the device’s memory. Short-term presses lead to a decrease in speed by 1 km/h. In some cars, for example, the BMW 525td, as well as cars equipped with an automatic stability control system, in order to maintain speed, you need to write the set speed into the device’s memory and then use the cruise control in this way, the memory, relatively speaking, of this device already helps.
  3. Shutdown. The system is turned off by lightly pressing the corresponding button. Current driving conditions do not matter.

Turning off the engine leads to erasing the speed recorded in the device’s memory.

In addition, cruise control is disabled when the driver brakes, when acceleration exceeds 1.5 m/s and when the automatic transmission control lever is moved to the neutral position (position N).

How to use cruise control

Special switches installed on the clutch and brake pedals allow you to adjust whether cruise control is turned off. The system also provides for the installation of a pneumatic actuator that regulates the throttle valve, which allows the vehicle with activated cruise control to move without the driver pressing the gas pedal. In this case, the fuel supply is adjusted using a special cable connected to the throttle valve.

Thus, the cruise control control unit is a real minicomputer that quickly analyzes a lot of data entering it and maintains a given speed limit, being a successful example of the real implementation of the theory regarding automatic control systems.

Think about safety

Ride comfort is not only about caring for the driver's feelings.

A tired driver can make a mistake that will lead to very sad consequences.

This is especially important. Several hours of driving, and even several days in a row, will challenge anyone, even a physically strong person.

Cruise control is important for driving safety

Video - how to use cruise control

Conclusion!

Modern means of increasing comfort are offered by car manufacturers, including to eliminate such unpleasant complications. Even a novice driver without much experience would do well to learn how to use cruise control while driving. This is not particularly difficult and does not require much labor. But it will only bring benefits.

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Cruise control on a manual may seem like something fantastic to many, but if you try, you can install such an additional function on your own car. The only thing you should think about right away is whether or not you need cruise control on your car? After all, although in general this additional function greatly simplifies the process of driving a car, it also has its drawbacks.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances. Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission? The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer. What you will need for installation Installation process Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances.

Those car enthusiasts who are wondering whether there is cruise control on a manual transmission have most likely encountered this function only on cars with an automatic transmission. Indeed, this additional function is mainly used only on cars with automatic transmission, which normally have the ability to install it.

In this case, the procedure for connecting the device will be practically no difficulty, since the car owner will only have to install it in the place provided by the manufacturer.

As for cars operating on a manual transmission and on which the possibility of installing cruise control was not provided, then a universal device can be manually installed on them.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing cruise control for a car with a manual transmission, give preference to German manufacturers whose devices are highly reliable. This will allow you to avoid unexpected breakdowns of the cruise control due to overloads, which may occur due to incomplete compatibility with the car.

Technically, a similar procedure involves the additional installation of a bracket and an additional cable to the accelerator pedal, with the help of which it will be possible to control the speed of the car. Cruise control on the mechanics also involves installing a device control button at the bottom of the deflector.

However, often this button turns off after each press on the pedal (for example, when overtaking), which is why you have to activate the cruise control again.

Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission?

The operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is practically no different from its operation when installed on a car with an automatic transmission.

However, in this case, there may also be one drawback: when trying to go uphill with cruise control turned on, the driver will not be able to automatically switch to a lower gear.

Because of this, if the driver is driving in 5th gear of a manual transmission, then without additional pressing of the gas pedal he is unlikely to be able to completely overcome the entire climb.

In such a situation, another feature of cruise control appears - if the car’s speed decreases (which happens when it is impossible to drive onto a slope), the device automatically turns off at 40 km/h, so the driver in any case will have to resort to mechanical control of the gas pedal.

IT IS IMPORTANT! If there is a RES button on the cruise control device, you can reset the speed by pressing it twice. If it is absent, you can reduce the speed by pressing the gas pedal and fixing the new speed using the cruise control start button.

The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer.

Before proceeding with the installation of cruise control, the car owner must make sure that all technical components of his “iron horse” are in working order, and also install good tires on the car. This is due to the fact that in the presence of such malfunctions it is very dangerous to allow the car to drive under automatic control. If everything is in order, the driver will not endanger himself by driving on cruise control.

What you will need for installation

To complete the work, it is important to prepare in advance:

curved screwdriver;

scissors or an awl (the main thing is that they are very sharp);

nut head;

wrench;

a set of self-tapping screws (screws can also be used);

a cable for connecting to the accelerator (it can also be included with the device);

universal cruise control.

IMPORTANT! If your car has an accelerator pedal position sensor, then you will need to purchase an additional bracket for it, which you will also have to install yourself.

Installation process

In general, the entire work of installing cruise control on the mechanics will take you no more than an hour, however, you should set aside time to check the operation, as well as eliminate possible malfunctions. In general, the work consists of the following sequential actions:

Choosing a location for the new device. Often, car enthusiasts attach it near the fuel filter, which also allows you to connect the cruise control to the brake hose. You can choose another place for it, the main thing is that it is dry, and the cable from the accelerator can be freely connected to it (if there are strong bends in the cable, you will not be able to control the speed).

IMPORTANT! If you cannot run the cable from the accelerator in such a way that there are no bends in it, you can use a regular fishing reel, along which it will bend freely without breaking or damaging other mechanisms of the car.

We connect the second cable to the accelerator, but do not rush to cut it. First, install the bracket on the gas pedal position control sensor, and only then measure the required length of the cable and cut it. After this, the second end of the cable can be connected to the cruise control device.

To connect cruise control to a car, you must first find the tachometer connection wires, to which you need to connect the new device. The green wire that comes from the cruise control control unit must be connected to the tachometer wire. The red wire of the device is intended for connection to brake lights.

Install the cruise control activation/deactivation button. To connect it, we connect the gray double wire. For full operation of the button and device, be sure to stretch the ground that runs along the black wire.

The cruise control control knob must be installed on the steering wheel of the car, for which it will have to be disassembled. If your car has airbags, they will also have to be removed for a while. We install the handle on the steering wheel and put it back together, not forgetting about the airbags.

We check the operation of the cruise control. To do this, we recommend that you drive along an empty road where there is no traffic. It is rational to do a test activation of the device at low speed (but above 40 km/h), while being prepared for the need to control the accelerator pedal if the device suddenly does not work.

Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

The principle of operation of the cruise control function is that the device system automatically maintains the speed set by the driver, without requiring mechanical action of the foot on the gas pedal.

To activate cruise control, the driver just needs to press a button on the device, and immediately after that he can take his foot off the pedal and enjoy the car’s smooth speed, which will not change even if the road terrain changes.

But this does not mean that the driver will not be able to use the pedals when overtaking or stopping is necessary. All this is quite possible, and even more - after forced acceleration or braking, the car will still return to the same speed that was set on the cruise control.

THIS IS INTERESTING! Modern cruise control systems are equipped with more than one function on/off button. In addition to it, a SET button can be installed, pressing it in pairs will allow the driver to double the speed of the car as quickly as possible, without touching the gas pedal with his foot.

In general, the advantages of this additional function on a car with a manual transmission include the ability to relieve stress from the leg during a long trip that does not require dynamic control of the car. Thus, when driving out onto a long and unloaded highway, the driver really gets the opportunity to rest.

However, the operation of manual cruise control is rational only if the car owner constantly travels out of town onto uncrowded roads. In urban conditions, there is practically no point in installing cruise control, since the driver will constantly press the pedals with his feet.

We hope you were able to answer the question for yourself whether it is worth installing this additional function on your car, and you can clearly explain to others what cruise control is on a manual and how to install it.

Cruise control on manual For many it may seem like something fantastic, but if you try, You can install such an additional function on your own car. The only thing you should think about right away is whether or not you need cruise control on your car? After all, although in general this additional function greatly simplifies the process of driving a car, it also has its drawbacks.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances.

Those car enthusiasts who are wondering whether there is cruise control on a manual transmission have most likely encountered this function only on cars with an automatic transmission. Indeed, this additional function is mainly used only on cars with automatic transmission, which normally have the ability to install it.

In this case, the procedure for connecting the device will be practically no difficulty, since the car owner will only have to install it in the place provided by the manufacturer.


As for cars operating on a manual transmission and on which the possibility of installing cruise control was not provided, then on them can be installed manually universal device.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing cruise control for a car with a manual transmission, give preference to German manufacturers whose devices are highly reliable. This will allow you to avoid unexpected breakdowns of the cruise control due to overloads, which may occur due to incomplete compatibility with the car.

Technically, a similar procedure involves the additional installation of a bracket and an additional cable to the accelerator pedal, with the help of which it will be possible to control the speed of the car. Cruise control on the mechanics also involves installing a device control button at the bottom of the deflector.

However, often this button turns off after each press on the pedal (for example, when overtaking), which is why you have to activate the cruise control again.

Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission?

The operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is practically no different from its operation when installed on a car with an automatic transmission.

However, in this case there may also be one drawback: when trying to drive uphill with cruise control turned on, the driver will not be able to automatically shift to a lower gear.

Because of this, if the driver is driving in 5th gear of a manual transmission, then without additional pressing of the gas pedal he is unlikely to be able to completely overcome the entire climb.

In such a situation, another feature of cruise control appears - if the vehicle speed decreases (which happens when it is impossible to drive onto a slope), the device automatically turns off at 40 km/h, so the driver will in any case have to resort to mechanical control of the gas pedal.

IT IS IMPORTANT! If your cruise control device has a buttonRES, you can reset the speed by double-clicking on it. If it is absent, you can reduce the speed by pressing the gas pedal and fixing the new speed using the cruise control start button.

The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer.


Before proceeding with the installation of cruise control, the car owner must make sure that all technical components of his “iron horse” are in working order, and also install good tires on the car. This is due to the fact that in the presence of such malfunctions it is very dangerous to allow the car to drive under automatic control. If everything is in order, the driver will not endanger himself by driving on cruise control.

What you will need for installation

To complete the work, it is important to prepare in advance:


IMPORTANT! If your car has an accelerator pedal position sensor, then you will need to purchase an additional bracket for it, which you will also have to install yourself.

Installation process

In general, the entire work of installing cruise control on the mechanics will take you no more than an hour, however, you should set aside time to check the operation, as well as eliminate possible malfunctions. In general, the work consists of the following sequential actions:



We check the operation of the cruise control. To do this, we recommend that you drive along an empty road where there is no traffic. It is rational to do a test activation of the device at low speed (but above 40 km/h), while being prepared for the need to control the accelerator pedal if the device suddenly does not work.

Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

Principle of operation The functions of cruise control are that the device system automatically maintains the speed set by the driver, without requiring mechanical action of the foot on the gas pedal.

To activate cruise control, the driver just needs to press a button on the device, and immediately after that he can take his foot off the pedal and enjoy the car’s smooth speed, which will not change even if the road terrain changes.


But this does not mean that the driver will not be able to use the pedals when overtaking or stopping is necessary. All this is quite possible, and even more - after forced acceleration or braking, the car will still return to the same speed that was set on the cruise control.

THIS IS INTERESTING!Modern cruise control systems are equipped with more than one function on/off button. In addition, a button can be installed SET , pressing in pairs will allow the driver to double the speed of the car as quickly as possible, without touching the gas pedal with his foot.

In general, the advantages of this additional function on a car with a manual transmission include the ability to relieve stress from the leg during a long trip that does not require dynamic control of the car. Thus, when driving out onto a long and unloaded highway, the driver really gets the opportunity to rest.

However, the operation of manual cruise control is rational only if the car owner constantly travels out of town onto uncrowded roads. In urban conditions, there is practically no point in installing cruise control, since the driver will constantly press the pedals with his feet.

We hope you were able to answer the question for yourself whether it is worth installing this additional function on your car, and you can clearly explain to others what cruise control is on a manual and how to install it.

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Cruise control system - device and characteristics

Reading the characteristics of various cars, you can see that some trim levels are equipped with a cruise control system. What kind of system is this, what does it control and why is it needed at all?

First of all, it must be said that many people still cannot understand the principle of operation of cruise control, and therefore either do not use it at all, or try to use it, but they do not succeed.

Cruise control, in simple terms, is a device that allows you to maintain a constant set speed of the car. First of all, it is best used during long journeys along country highways, because there is no need to constantly press the gas pedal, and therefore the leg will not get tired.

Why did cruise control become popular?

For the first time, such a development was used back in the 50s of the last century, but was used extremely rarely due to technical problems and shortcomings. The real understanding of the benefits of using cruise control came in the 70s, when the financial crisis broke out and gasoline prices soared.

With a cruise control system, fuel consumption when traveling along long routes is significantly reduced, since optimal engine operation is maintained.

Drivers could only watch the road. American drivers really liked the invention, because in the USA distances are measured in thousands of kilometers, and the car is the favorite means of transportation for the majority of the population.

The device of the cruise control system

The cruise control system consists of several main parts:

  • control module - a mini-computer that is installed in the engine compartment;
  • throttle valve drive - this can be a pneumatic or electric drive connected to the throttle;
  • switch - displayed on the steering wheel or on the instrument panel;
  • various sensors - speed, throttle, wheel speed, etc.

If the car leaves the assembly line with this option, then cruise control is integrated into the overall vehicle control system. Ready-made systems are also sold that can be installed on a car with any type of engine or gearbox.

How does cruise control work?

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The essence of its operation is that throttle control is transferred from the gas pedal to the cruise control servo. The driver selects the driving mode, enters the desired speed value, the system itself orients itself and, depending on the conditions, selects the most optimal engine operating modes in order to maintain the desired speed level.

The systems are different, but cruise control is controlled according to the same scheme:

  • On/Off — turn on or off;
  • Set/Acceleration - set the speed - that is, you can transfer throttle control to the cruise control and the speed that was at the time of activation will be maintained, or you can enter another higher speed indicator;
  • Resume — restore the last settings that were at the time of shutdown (disconnection is done by pressing the brake pedal);
  • Coast - speed reduction.

That is, the operating algorithm is approximately this: On - Set (activation and setting the speed) - pressing the brake (disabling) - Resume (recovery) - Coast (decrease if you need to switch to a lower speed mode.

Typically, cruise control is activated at speeds above 60 km/h, although the system itself can operate at 30-40 km/h.

Adaptive cruise control

At the moment, the most advanced system is adaptive. It is almost close to the analogue of an autopilot in aviation, with the difference that the driver still needs to turn the steering wheel.

Adaptive cruise control differs from ordinary cruise control by the presence of a radar, which analyzes the distance to vehicles in front and maintains the desired distance. If the front cars begin to slow down or accelerate, the impulses are transmitted to the control module, and from there to the pneumatic throttle actuator. That is, the driver does not need to press on the gas or, conversely, reduce speed.

Development of more advanced systems is underway, the capabilities of which will be significantly expanded.

How to use cruise control, using the example of a SKODA Octavia car

Cruise video from KIA

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Long trips behind the wheel can be quite tiring for drivers. A monotonous position of the legs can lead to muscle pain and sometimes cramps. You can reduce the load on your legs and give yourself a break from the pedals using the popular option – cruise control.

Automakers mainly provide their cars with this system when equipped with automatic transmissions. However, it is not uncommon to find cruise control on a manual transmission; you will learn from the article what this gives the driver.

The system automatically participates in ensuring the vehicle maintains a constant speed while driving. The set speed is maintained until the driver independently turns it off. This mode is most popular outside the city, since on this section of the road it is possible to make longer journeys at a constant speed.

Before using cruise control, you need to know that it has several levels of dependence on the car’s on-board computer. When it is running, other systems, such as ESP or ABS, must be in good condition.

The mode is activated using the steering wheel paddle shifter or buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. To start, just use the “on/off” button. On certain sections of the road, the driver, without leaving the cruise control mode, has the opportunity to add gas without pressing the accelerator pedal with his foot. This function is also carried out using a lever or buttons on the steering wheel.

To add speed, the driver presses the button or lever with the “+” sign; the speed decrease is done in the opposite direction to the “-” sign.

You need to know that if the driver presses the brake or gas pedal while the cruise mode is on, the system will automatically switch to manual control, disabling cruise control.

Information content is provided using a special light indicator on the car panel. If the light with the corresponding image is on, then the cruise control is on.

Using the system levers, you can adjust the desired speed of the car. It is stored in the memory of the car computer. When leaving this mode, and then entering again, the driver activates the last recorded speed of the car.

Multifunction steering wheel with cruise control

As a rule, moving the lever towards “plus” or “minus” adds 1-2 km/h to the car’s speed. The minimum possible speed for setting the cruise mode is 30 km/h.

If necessary, you can exit the mode by pressing the “on/off” button again. After this, the corresponding indicator on the panel should go out.

"Mechanics" and cruise

Most often, cars with automatic transmissions are equipped with this function, although you can independently install cruise control on a manual transmission if this option is not provided by the automaker. In this case, you will have to change gears yourself.

A specialized company will also help you with tuning to install the cruise. Some organizations have universal systems prepared for installation. It is also possible to independently purchase electrical equipment. In this case, the car owner selects the most comfortable option for his vehicle, taking into account ergonomic features.

Let's explain how cruise control works on a manual, because there is some difference here from working on an automatic. When you press the clutch or brake pedal, it switches off automatically. The driver must shift the transmission to the desired gear and then reactivate the cruise control if necessary. It also turns off when the ignition is turned off, as does resetting the speed settings.

Self-installation of cruise control

Installation is carried out on the steering wheel. To do this, a three-position button or lever is installed to provide control. They make it possible to customize the system, but you need free access to work with them. An on/off element is also mounted.

Cruise control installation kit

All wires are hidden under the casing and are routed to the electronic control unit. Signals are sent to operate the throttle valve. This can only be done on machines equipped with electronic damper control. The installation procedure takes 1-1.5 hours.

In some cases, possible side complications are problems with the central locking. There is no key adaptation. To resume this function, you will need to contact the official service, since the issue cannot be resolved on your own.

Adaptive Cruise Control System

The most advanced service for cruise control is its adaptive version. It allows you to control the speed limit of the vehicle in front, and based on the data received, the speed parameters of your own car are adjusted. Such services are usually called active, in contrast to classic passive ones.

Adaptive cruise control

The ability to maintain a safe speed limit and a sufficient interval between the front cars is ensured by built-in small radars and an additional digital signal processor.

Modern service is capable of operating at speeds of 30-200 km/h. They are already equipped with certain middle-class and premium segment models. In some cases, such systems monitor not only the nearest vehicle, but also take into account road markings, ensuring movement in the required lane.

When the car begins to approach the front car, a signal is sent to the driver about a change in road conditions. Such actions help to quickly respond to a possible obstacle. More advanced cruise controls independently perform maneuvers involving braking or other actions on the car. Such services provide drivers and passengers with increased safety conditions.

Conclusion

With cruise control, it is easier for the driver to control the car, both with an automatic transmission and a manual one. You can install this system yourself if you have an electronic control unit. Modern cruise control improves safety on the road.