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How do I activate the cruise control?

Cruise control is a convenient feature in many modern vehicles that allows you to maintain a consistent speed without constantly pressing the accelerator pedal. Activating cruise control is a simple process, but the exact steps may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. In this article, we'll provide a general overview of how to activate cruise control and offer some tips to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.


Locating the Cruise Control Buttons


The first step in activating cruise control is to locate the relevant buttons or switches in your vehicle. Typically, you'll find the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel or the turn signal stalk. Common cruise control buttons include:



  • On/Off or Cruise Control button: This button turns the cruise control system on or off.

  • Set/Coast button: Pressing this button sets the current speed as the cruise control speed.

  • Resume/Accel button: This button resumes the previously set cruise control speed or increases the speed.

  • Cancel button: Pressing this button disengages the cruise control without erasing the set speed.


The location and labeling of these buttons may vary, so it's a good idea to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions.


Activating Cruise Control


To activate cruise control, follow these general steps:



  1. Ensure your vehicle is traveling at a speed above the minimum required for cruise control (usually around 25-30 mph).

  2. Press the On/Off or Cruise Control button to turn the system on.

  3. Maintain your desired speed, then press the Set/Coast button. This will set the current speed as the cruise control speed.

  4. To increase or decrease the set speed, use the Resume/Accel or Cancel buttons, respectively.


Remember, cruise control is designed for highway driving and may not be suitable for stop-and-go traffic or winding roads. It's important to always maintain control of your vehicle and be prepared to disengage the cruise control if necessary.


Tips for Safe Cruise Control Usage


Here are some tips to ensure a safe and efficient cruise control experience:



  • Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, on slippery roads, or in inclement weather conditions.

  • Always keep your hands on the steering wheel and be prepared to take over control of the vehicle at any time.

  • Disengage the cruise control when approaching sharp turns, steep hills, or when you need to slow down quickly.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and adjust your speed accordingly, even with cruise control engaged.

  • If your vehicle has adaptive cruise control, familiarize yourself with its features and limitations.


By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of cruise control while maintaining a safe and responsible driving experience.

How do I know if my cruise control is working?


While placing your hand on the servo, have someone turn on the ignition and turn the cruise control switch to the On position. You should hear and feel the solenoids in the servo click. This lets you know the switch is working and that you have power to the servo.



What does the cruise control icon look like?


What is the cruise control symbol on the dashboard? The cruise control system will often be a speedometer symbol with an arrow pointing to a set speed.



How do I know if I have active cruise control?


When the system is turned on, you'll see a white Adaptive Cruise Control icon in your cluster display or on your Head-Up Display, if your vehicle has that feature. The icon may look like a speedometer with a vehicle on top of it or an arc with a small triangle pointing through it.



How do I know if I have cruise control?


Many modern cars have cruise control as a standard feature (or included in the option packs people tend to add on to their car specification), so check your manual to discover whether you have it. You'll also be able to see the cruise control buttons around your steering wheel.



Why isn't my cruise control working?


Any issues with your car's electrical components can cause the cruise control to stop working. These issues could be something as simple as a loose wire or connector, or something more complicated like a damaged alternator, starter, or electrical short circuit.



How do I activate cruise control?


To use cruise control, you can typically press buttons on your steering wheel to activate the system, set your speed, adjust your speed up or down within the system, and deactivate the system. Using cruise control lets you set a speed for your car to maintain even if you take your foot off the gas.



What is the CST button on a car?


Set accel sets your cruise speed, CST allows you to override the cruise and let it coast if you hold it, letting up sets the cruise at whatever speed you coasted down to, and RSM bumps the cruise up.



Where is my cruise control button?


Typically, the cruise control buttons can be found on the right-hand side of the steering wheel. Depending on the car, the location of the controls can vary, but the functionality of the cruise control will usually be similar across the board. Here are the basic buttons you can use to operate cruise control.



How do I get cruise control to work?


To use cruise control, you can typically press buttons on your steering wheel to activate the system, set your speed, adjust your speed up or down within the system, and deactivate the system. Using cruise control lets you set a speed for your car to maintain even if you take your foot off the gas.



What is the TC button for?


You'll want to turn the traction control off it's rare. But let's say you're stuck in a snow bank. And you want to be able to rock. The car forward and backward. And forward and backward.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.