How does Cruise Control Work?

Planning a road trip can be an exciting time, but when you’re the only person attending who can drive, it can swiftly turn into a long and tiring adventure. Luckily, the majority of cars today feature the wonderful invention that is cruise control.

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Cruise control can be a make or break, especially for long drives, and enables the driver to maintain a fixed speed. Using cruise control enables the car to keep a chosen speed unless the brake pedal or accelerator is touched. Not having to focus so heavily on your speed, it reduces fatigue and helps you comply with speed regulations at the same time. Ultimately, helping you concentrate on other important things and enjoy your road trip, even as the driver.

How does Cruise Control manage your car’s speed?

Cruise Control controls the speed via the throttle. This throttle controls an engine’s power by regulating the amount of fuel or air that enters the engine. The cruise control regulates the speed just like you regulate the car speed. There is no difference, except it is being done automatically for you.

In a car with a cable-driven throttle, there will usually be two cables side by side. One being the throttle cable proper and the other being the cable that the cruise control uses, which comes from an actuator via a vacuum instead of the throttle pedal. When cruise control is engaged the 'second' cable from the actuator moves, moving the throttle cable with it.

The cruise control doesn't touch the car's brakes, it works only on the throttle. This also goes for an automatic gearbox, the gears will change without affecting the cruise control. The computerized system tells the control when the desired speed has been reached, when to fall back and when the brakes have been pressed. The system does not fight with the driver, it deactivates the cruise control once it has been instructed to. So you don't have to worry about completely giving up control.

Safety Rules when Using Cruise Control

No matter what type of cruise control you are using, ensure to follow the following rules to optimise your safety:

  • Always remain alert and be aware of traffic. Just because your speed is being regulated, you still need to be ready to take control at any point.
  • Do not use cruise control in slippery conditions, including snowy or icy roads or rain-soaked roads awash in deep puddles.
  • If you are using conventional cruise control, ensure there is adequate space between you and the cars ahead. It is best suited for use on the highways and light traffic.

Cruise control is labor-saving and should be treated as such. It doesn't mean you should not pay attention to the road. Always monitor the road and enjoy your trip.

Here at Novus glass, we repair and replace windscreens. Visit our website and contact us for any inquiries. We are mobile so we can reach you wherever you are.

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