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Vehicles traveling with a fluctuating speed between 47 and 53 mph used 20% more gas on average when compared to a vehicle using cruise control. However, that’s not the case in vehicles that don’t have traction control, which includes most produced before it became mandatory in 2011. In those vehicles, the cruise control simply delivers more throttle when the wheels spin, resulting in a bad outcome for all involved. In snowy conditions, it’s often safer to disengage cruise control to maintain better control over the vehicle. Cruise control systems, even adaptable cruise control, may not always detect these streets correctly, causing accidents. When engaging cruise control on the highway, ensure your lane is clear and there are no vehicles stopping ahead.
Considerations for Road Conditions
The latest form of cruise control to arrive on the scene has been that of a semi-autonomous design. Semi-autonomous cruise control systems meter a vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering, in response to traffic conditions. Systems of this type are capable of use in stop-and-go traffic, without driver intervention. The fuel economy benefits of cruise control come from the system minimizing throttle openings, like when a driver lifts his or her foot off the accelerator a dozen times during a 10 minute drive.
Adjust speed as necessary
When using cruise control, it’s crucial to consider the prevailing road conditions to ensure safety and fuel efficiency. Below we discuss the impact of different weathers and terrains on the effectiveness of cruise control. One potential downside to using cruise control is that it can result in the driver having a reduced reaction time when they must respond quickly to an unexpected situation on the road. Motorbiscuit reminds drivers that cruise control is not a hands-free driving feature. Distracted driving is a bad driving habit that can lead to crashes, so always stay alert.
– Set cruise control
A study conducted across Europe in 2012 found that the sensors that adapt the speed according to traffic result in fuel savings. Yet, most of these studies are conducted in open highway settings with minimal adaptions. A Natural Resources Canada Study found cruise control could potentially reduce fuel consumption by 20% - if used correctly. If you are constantly adapting your cruise control between 110km/h and 120km/h, for example, as opposed to keeping it at a consistent 120km/h, you are unlikely to see this saving. If you find you regularly need to adjust your speed, driver anticipation, and correct following distances are more likely to get a more significant saving than using your cruise control.
What is adaptive cruise control?
It lets you set up your driving speed precisely, and the same goes for slowing down. Have in mind that stepping on the brake pedal will shut down the cruise control feature. The earliest cars from the turn of the 20th century had hand throttles, too. A lever mounted to the steering column allowed drivers to set a speed and stick to it.
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In fact, such aggressive driving at highway speeds can reduce your gas mileage by approximately 15%-30%. No, the cruise control feature typically does not significantly impact the vehicle’s battery. It primarily relies on the engine’s power, and its electrical consumption is minimal. However, using other electrical features, like air conditioning, while cruise control is engaged may marginally contribute to battery usage. Additionally, the cruise control system is often designed to operate more efficiently than an average driver, making subtle adjustments to optimize fuel use. However, its effectiveness can diminish in hilly terrains or congested traffic, where the system may need to overcompensate, potentially negating the fuel-saving benefits.
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Early versions were mechanical, using a second throttle lever mounted to the steering wheel. While it can boost fuel economy considerably, this is only when driving on a constant, flat surface. On inclines, cruise control is slower than a driver to react to gradient changes. When a driver reaches the top of a hill, they decrease their pressure on the accelerator much faster than what cruise control can sense a change in the gradient. Yes, using cruise control can save gas, especially when commuting at a constant speed on a highway.
Both the cruise control and the accelerator are attached to the throttle with a cable. Both cables move when cruise control is on, which is why you might see your gas pedal move when cruise control is engaged. Sinclair said that consumers have long complained of vehicles falling short of the amount of money that they were supposed to save on fuel economy due to cruise control. Sinclair said his first experience with the feature was in 1985 following his purchase of a 1982 Mazda 626 with a manual transmission. He too wondered if cruise control saves gas but found it difficult to get an accurate analysis.
Tips for Optimizing Fuel Efficiency with Cruise Control
The main reason cruise control saves you money on gas is one of consistency. Cruise control maintains a constant speed without need for constant pressure on the accelerator. Once the cruise control is active, you’ll need to use your gas or brake pedal to bring the car to the speed you want and then use the “set speed” button to lock in your speed. Before deciding to use cruise control, look at the driving conditions and determine whether they allow for it. Also, do not sacrifice safety for reducing fuel consumption, for example, using cruise control in wet weather. There is a place for all car technology that requires correct use to get the most benefit from it.
To optimize fuel efficiency, it’s important to be aware of the road ahead and disengage cruise control if you anticipate the need to brake. By allowing the vehicle to coast naturally, you can save fuel and maintain a smoother driving experience. Cruise control is a system that allows the driver to set their car to drive at a specific speed. The driver selects the speed, then takes their foot off the accelerator, and the vehicle will cruise at the set speed.
But doing so severely impacts your reaction time when a situation calls for immediate braking. Likewise, driving in stop-and-go traffic also requires a higher degree of concentration, as a significant amount of speed metering becomes necessary. Cruise Control has been a staple of automobiles for decades, but its latest iteration – Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – takes road safety to the next level.
Even the earliest gasoline-powered tractors had a hand throttle that allowed a farmer to set a constant speed while he was otherwise occupied looking over his shoulder at his cultivator. As you may already know, most vehicles on the freeway are usually going anywhere between 75-90mph even though the speed limit is 65-70mph. Similar to tip #1, the slower you drive, the more cost-efficient you become and by doing so, you could be saving an average of 12-14% on fuel. In conclusion, cruise control can indeed contribute to fuel savings under appropriate conditions, leading to both economic benefits and a lesser environmental footprint. Remember, for maximum efficiency, use it wisely by considering the situation and switching off when it doesn’t align with optimal driving conditions. Cruise control is one feature you’ll want from a good car for road trips and other frequent highway driving.
Adaptive cruise control was invented in 1990 by William Chundrlik and Pamela Labuhn. In fact, the Natural Resources Canada conducted a study on the effects of using cruise control compared to not using it. This is particularly helpful when driving long distances, especially on long freeways.
With gas prices seemingly always on the rise, drivers are looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Many believe cruise control can help save gas by maintaining a steady speed. Using cruise control on shorter journeys can help maintain a consistent speed, minimizing speed variations caused by human error. This can lead to better fuel efficiency, especially if there are frequent speed limit changes or traffic conditions that require constant adjustments. Unnecessary braking can have a negative impact on fuel efficiency, especially when using cruise control. When you encounter a downhill slope, cruise control can sometimes apply more braking than necessary, which leads to wasted energy.
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