Instructions to Follow When Car Cruise Control Fails

Cruise control is an assistive feature we now see in most modern cars. Its main purpose is to reduce driver’s fatigue by taking control of acceleration. It locks the accelerator at one speed so that the driver can take the foot off the pedal and relax. This feature is best utilized when driving on a long route, highway or on a route with less frequent turns. The driver must know how to use cruise control in a car to ensure safety. More importantly, they must know what to do in case cruise control fails.

Like for any other feature, failure of cruise control is possible. However, the chances are quite slim for vehicles that go through regular inspection and maintenance. If car cruise control fails, the situation could be dangerous not only for passengers but for other vehicles on the road. It is why drivers should remain vigilant even when the car is driven in cruise control mode.

This guide explains what should be done in case of a sudden car cruise control failure and what preventive measures can be taken.

Things You Should Do When Car Cruise Control Fails

Here is a list of instructions that you should follow when there is a cruise control malfunction. There are different scenarios, or you can say types of problems with car cruise control, and you have to act accordingly. Read on for the details:

First of all, calm your nerves and focus.
Generally, when a car cruise control malfunctions it simply turns off. The driver then just has to turn off the cruise control button and take control of the car.
If the cruise control does not turn off when you apply the brake, manually turn the feature off and drive normally.
If you are turning the cruise control off manually and it doesn’t turn off, keep the set button pressed for sometime. This may slow down the speed till you release it. The cruise control will release, once the car’s speed is in control.

If all the above-listed techniques don’t work, then shift your car to neutral mode. Whether your car has manual or automatic transmission, switch the ignition off and coast. Slow down your car gradually.

Tips to Follow When Car Cruise Control Stops Working by Abu Dhabi Police

Abu Dhabi Police came up with some tips for drivers on what to do when cruise control suddenly malfunctions in a car. These tips were shared after Abu Dhabi received a report about a cruise control failure case. In this case, the motorist was driving at a speed of 130 km per hour. Thankfully, the driver was rescued safely.

Therefore, to avoid any severe inconvenience, Police has advised drivers to follow the given steps when the car cruise control goes bad:

Keep calm and ensure your seat belts are intact.
Switch on the hazard lights.
Call 999 for rescue.
If you have a manual transmission car, put the gear on neutral mode and shut down the engine.
Those with the latest car models should press the start button for long till the engine is off.
Apply brakes firmly till the car stops in case the engine doesn’t turn off.
If the above method fails then firmly hold the steering and pull the handbrake up.
If none of the methods works then repeatedly shift the gear from Neutral to Drive.
Before the police reach on the spot, if any of the above tips work out, park the car off the road.
Wait for the relevant authorities to arrive for assistance.

What can Cause Cruise Control to Stop Working?

There are several factors that cause car cruise control failure. These factors include faulty brake lights, blown fuse, damaged speed sensor, blinking check engine light, bad vacuum actuator, various electrical issues, and bad mechanical components.

car cruise control failure causes — Periodic car maintenance is vital to ensure cruise control functions properly

A car cruise control fails due to poor maintenance and motorists should be regular in getting their vehicles inspected by professionals. Moreover, stay alert when driving in cruise control mode at a safe driving speed.

Cruise control is one of the many features a car offers that makes the journey of motorists stress-free and convenient. But, if you don’t go for regular maintenance and ensure it is in proper working condition, the impact of this feature could be totally opposite.

The latest car models have adaptive cruise control installed, which is an advanced version with front-mounted radar, cameras and sensors. This feature senses vehicles near your car automatically.

Those interested in buying a used car in the UAE may opt from the models that feature adaptive cruise control. This is one of the modern car safety features integrated by different auto brands in their new cars.

Thankfully, you can easily find many cars for sale with basic and advanced cruise control systems in the Emirates. Besides, listed here are some of the used cars with adaptive cruise control that you consider worth buying:

Motorists who have to drive on the highways frequently or those who enjoy long road trips should also ensure that car cruise control is performing well, either the basic or adaptive one in a used or new car model. However, if car cruise control fails suddenly, drivers don’t have to worry, simply remember the points discussed above.

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different and new car features and models.