How do I check if my car has adaptive cruise control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed. If your car has ACC, you’ll usually find dedicated controls on the steering wheel, a symbol or indicator in the instrument cluster, a radar or camera sensor at the front of the vehicle, or an option in the vehicle’s settings or owner’s manual. This guide walks you through practical steps to verify ACC in your car.
Where to look in the car
Use these quick checks to see if ACC is present and enabled in your vehicle.
- Steering wheel controls: Look for a button labeled Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), ACC, or a symbol showing a car with radar waves. There may also be a distance setting (e.g., 1–5 bars) or a dedicated “Distance” button.
- Instrument cluster indicator: When ACC is active, an icon typically appears on the dash—often a car icon with a speedometer or radar waves, sometimes with a distance indicator.
- Cruise control stalk or switch: Some cars place ACC controls on a stalk or switch similar to traditional cruise control, with additional options for distance or stop-and-go.
- Front-end sensors: ACC usually relies on radar sensors behind the lower front bumper or in the grille, sometimes accompanied by a camera. Visible sensors or a dedicated grille area can indicate ACC hardware.
- Owner’s manual or window sticker: Check the manual, the vehicle’s window sticker, or the online spec sheet for mentions of Adaptive Cruise Control, ACC, or Driver Assist features.
- Infotainment or vehicle settings: Navigate to Settings > Driver Assistance or Cruise Control to see if Adaptive Cruise Control options exist, such as following distance or stop-and-go.
- Dealer or manufacturer information: If you’re unsure, search for your exact model and trim level on the manufacturer’s site or contact a dealer to confirm ACC availability.
Note that ACC availability can vary by market, trim level, or optional packages. If you don’t see any ACC indicators, it may not be equipped on your specific model or may require an optional upgrade.
Testing ACC safely
After confirming ACC is present, you can test its behavior on a highway or quiet highway-like road in good weather. Always stay alert and ready to take over if needed.
- Set a desired speed and selected following distance using the ACC controls.
- Approach a slower vehicle and observe whether the car maintains the chosen gap by accelerating or braking automatically.
- Test a situation where a vehicle cuts in: ACC should reduce speed to restore the gap and then resume the set speed when possible.
- Be prepared to override: press the brake or use the cancel/deactivate control to disengage if you feel uncomfortable.
Some systems include stop-and-go functionality, but performance can vary in heavy traffic or adverse conditions. Always prioritize safe driving and keep hands on the wheel.
Additional tips for verification
If you’re still unsure after checking the controls and indicators, use these final steps to verify ACC capability more definitively.
- Review the owner’s manual for a dedicated section on Adaptive Cruise Control and its limitations.
- Check the vehicle’s infotainment or vehicle settings for “ACC” or “Following Distance” options and test how they affect behavior.
- Contact the dealer or manufacturer with your VIN to confirm whether ACC is installed on your exact configuration.
Verifying ACC can help you understand your car’s safety and convenience features and ensure you’re using them correctly on the road.
Summary
Adaptive Cruise Control is a driver-assist feature that maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. To confirm its presence, look for ACC controls on the steering wheel or stalk, a dash indicator, front-end sensors, and check the owner’s manual or settings menu. If available, you can test ACC on a suitable road, ensuring you stay vigilant and ready to take over at any time. When in doubt, consult the dealer or manufacturer for model-specific details and limitations.
