How do I activate my cruise control?
To activate cruise control: switch the system on, accelerate to your desired speed, and press the SET (or SET/COAST) control to lock in that speed. Use RES/+ to resume or increase speed, and CANCEL or brake to disengage.
Cruise control helps you maintain a steady pace on open highways and can improve fuel efficiency. Modern cars also offer adaptive cruise control (ACC), which can automatically adjust your speed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Controls and terminology vary by make and model, so refer to your owner's manual for specifics.
What cruise control is and the main types
There are two primary approaches you’ll encounter: traditional cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, and adaptive cruise control, which adds automatic speed adjustments to maintain a safe following distance.
Traditional cruise control
Traditional cruise control keeps you at a constant selected speed once engaged. It does not adjust for traffic ahead. You must manually brake or accelerate if the road conditions change.
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control uses radar or camera sensors to monitor the distance to the vehicle in front and automatically slows down or speeds up to maintain a set following gap. Some ACC systems also offer stop-and-go functionality and can resume speed after brief pauses in traffic.
Basic activation steps (traditional cruise control)
Follow these steps to activate cruise control in most vehicles with traditional (non-adaptive) cruise control.
- Locate the cruise control controls on or near the steering wheel or a stalk. Look for an On/Off switch and buttons labeled SET, RESUME (RES), CANCEL, or similar.
- Turn on the cruise control system by pressing the On/Off button or switch.
- Accelerate with the accelerator pedal to your desired speed, or reach a steady pace on the road.
- Engage the system by pressing SET (or SET/COAST) at your current speed. The system will maintain this speed.
- To adjust speed, use the + or - controls (or RES to increase toward the previously set speed).
- To disengage, press CANCEL, briefly tap the brake, or turn the system off using the On/Off button.
- When you’re done, you can leave cruise control enabled to resume later, or turn it off completely.
Note: Button labels and exact steps can vary by vehicle. Some cars use a stalk or different naming conventions (SET/COAST, ACC, or RESUME). Always check your manual if you’re unsure.
Using adaptive cruise control features
If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), you’ll also manage following distance in addition to speed. The list below outlines common ACC steps and options.
- Turn on ACC using the ACC or On button, then select a following distance with the distance control or stalk. Distances are typically described as short, medium, long, or as numeric settings.
- Set your desired cruising speed as you would with traditional cruise control.
- Maintain or adjust the following distance while ACC maintains your speed, automatically slowing or speeding up to keep the gap.
- If traffic ahead slows to a stop, many ACC systems can bring the car to a stop and then resume when traffic moves again; consult your manual for the exact behavior on your model.
- To disengage ACC, press CANCEL, tap the brake, or switch it off; to resume, press RESUME or use the + control.
Controls for ACC vary by make and model, so review your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and limitations.
Safety tips and caveats
Even with cruise control engaged, you must stay attentive and ready to take over at any moment. Cruise control is not a substitute for attentive driving, and it has limitations in certain conditions.
- Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or in adverse weather (rain, snow, ice) where quick throttle or braking may be required.
- Keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road; do not become complacent while the system is active.
- Maintain a safe following distance when using ACC, and be prepared for the system to slow or stop if the vehicle ahead slows abruptly.
- Know how to disengage quickly (brake, CANCEL, or Off switch) if driving conditions change.
Always consult your vehicle’s manual for model-specific guidance, and if in doubt, manually control your speed until you are confident in the system’s behavior.
Summary
Activating cruise control is typically a straightforward process: turn the system on, reach your desired speed, and press the SET button to lock that speed. You can adjust with the +/- or RES controls, and disengage with CANCEL, brake, or turning the system off. If your car has Adaptive Cruise Control, you can also set a following distance and let the car adjust speed to maintain that gap. Remember to stay alert and use cruise control only in appropriate driving conditions. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for exact instructions and limitations.
Can I turn on cruise control while driving?
To choose a cruise speed, press the Set button while driving at the desired speed. The white Adaptive Cruise Control icon will change to green to tell you that the feature is active.
How do you activate cruise control?
And it's not me pressing you can see I'm not pressing the accelerator. And yet it's maintaining its speed to break it it's really simple as I'm approaching the traffic. Here.
Why is my cruise control not activating?
Intermittent cruise control activation often stems from faulty brake light switches or poor electrical connections. Inspect the brake pedal position switch and its wiring for wear or corrosion. Resetting the system by cycling the ignition can temporarily help, but replacing a malfunctioning switch is recommended.
How do I know if my car has cruise control?
You can tell if your car has cruise control by looking for buttons labeled with "cruise," "set," "cancel," or "res" on your steering wheel or a stalk on the steering column. The best way to be certain is to check your owner's manual.
This video explains how to use cruise control and identifies the buttons on the steering wheel: 45sEden Motor GroupYouTube · Sep 5, 2023
How to check for cruise control
- Check your steering wheel and column: Look for buttons on the steering wheel, especially on the right side, or a stalk on the steering column. Common labels include "cruise," "cancel," "set," and "res".
- Look for a speedometer icon: Some cars have a speedometer icon on the button or stalk that controls the system.
- Consult your owner's manual: The owner's manual is the definitive source and will have specific instructions on how to use the system if your car has it.
- Look for adaptive cruise control features: If you have adaptive cruise control, you may see a separate button to adjust the gap distance to the car in front, or the car might have a radar or camera behind the grille or windshield.
