Cruise Control: Things to Consider to Ensure Safety
Cruise control in a car is a feature you will find in many new cars. The feature allows you to effortlessly drive at a consistent speed, especially on long routes that have minimum or no frequent turns and stops. Whether you drive a sedan, an SUV or any other car, your feet need some rest while driving for a long time. This is where the cruise control system takes over.
The cruise control system delivers optimum convenience by locking the accelerator of the car at a predetermined speed, enabling the driver to take their foot off the pedal and sit comfortably. Read on to learn how you can use cruise control for a better driving experience.
Tips to Use Cruise Control in a Car
We have discussed how cruise control functions in cars briefly above, now let’s get to know how and when to use it:
Learn to Operate
It would be good if you first learn how cruise control functions in a car prior to using it on the road. In old car models, the cruise control system is activated via stalks, but most new models have activation buttons on the steering wheel side.
After you turn the cruise control mode on, set the speed limits as well. If you have a car model with an advanced cruise control system, there must be some additional buttons to tweak the speed. Therefore, check all the features that your car offers and learn about their functions so that you can effectively utilise them whenever required.
Check the Weather
Cruise control in a car is designed to be used in clear weathers when the roads can be trusted. It is important to understand the role of climate when using cruise control on a long drive. In rainy or snowy weather, the roads tend to become slippery and switching to cruise control in such a case becomes extremely risky.
Such weather calls for careful manoeuvring based on the driver’s judgment. Therefore, make sure you check up on the weather conditions, read the forecasts, and analyse the risk while travelling.
Stay on the Legal Speed Limit
Selecting the right speed is mandatory when switching to a cruise control system in a car. You should not exceed the legal road speed limit in the UAE whether you are driving on cruise control or in manual mode. In both modes, it may become difficult to respond in an emergency situation if the speed is too high.
Stay Attentive
Cruise control in a car is for the ease of the driver, but you must remain alert when driving in this mode. Keep a sharp eye ahead because the car is not in complete control. As useful as it is, it isn’t an AI-based system. It cannot foresee signs of danger, but only you can save yourself as well as your family from any major accident.
Consider Traffic and Roads
Cruise control in a car should be activated only on roads with less or no traffic. If your car is close to any vehicle on the road, the cruise control won’t be able to automatically limit speed. Therefore, if the road has heavy traffic it’s better not to use cruise control mode.
Some cars now have adaptive cruise control systems that feature sensors, cameras and front-mounted radar to automatically detect vehicles in close contact. Also, it can help drivers to follow safe following distance. Besides, if you wish to buy a car with adaptive cruise control, you can check from the list of used cars for sale in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Use Cruise Control?
You must only switch to the cruise control system when you are driving on a road with little to no traffic. It is recommended for long, exhaustive driving hours where you can relax your legs with your car running at a consistent speed.
Speaking of which, switch over to cruise control only when your car can remain within the legal speed limit throughout the trip for a long time
How Fast Do You Have to Go to Use Cruise Control?
You can use cruise control when you want to maintain a speed of 25 miles per hour or more.
How Useful is Cruise Control?
Cruise control in a car is extremely useful when driving for a long period of time without keeping your foot on the pedal.
Is Cruise Control Bad for Your Car?
No, cruise control is not bad for your car. The acceleration results in wear and tear on your driveline and therefore, in such a scenario, cruise control is good for your car.
Which Cars Have Adaptive Cruise Control?
Here is a list of some affordable cars with adaptive cruise control. If you wish to buy used ones here are a few options:
- Second-hand Hyundai Sonata 2020 for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Nissan Altima 2020 in the UAE for sale online
- Used 2020 Kia Soul in the UAE
The cruise control system in cars has become an automobile staple and a standard in most modern cars. If used with proper guidance, it allows you to cover long distances without exhausting yourself by the end of the journey. Also, its best to keep yourself well-aware of cruise control failure causes, in order to take prompt action when needed.
That’s all you need to know about the safe and effective use of the cruise control system. Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading cars blog to learn more about interesting automobile features and innovations.