How do I know if a car has cruise control?
Cruise control is usually indicated by a dedicated control on the steering wheel or a nearby stalk, and an indicator on the dashboard when it’s active or available. To confirm, inspect the cockpit controls, consult the owner’s manual, or check the vehicle’s specifications.
Cruise control lets you maintain a steady speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator. Some cars offer standard cruise control, while others have adaptive cruise control (ACC) that uses radar or cameras to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Because control layouts and indicators vary by make and model, a quick check of the controls and the instrument cluster is the most reliable way to know whether your car has this feature and how to use it.
Where the controls live
Common placements
Look for cruise control controls in these areas. The exact layout depends on the model, but the options are usually straightforward to spot once you know where to look:
- Steering wheel buttons on the right or left spoke labeled CRUISE, ON/OFF, SET, RES, or +/- for speed adjustments.
- A steering column stalk behind the wheel with a toggle or push-button labeled SET/ACCEL, CANCEL, or RES.
- Center console clusters near the gear shifter, sometimes with a dedicated CRUISE or ADAPTIVE CRUISE button and additional controls for distance or limiter.
- Infotainment or instrument cluster menus in newer cars, where you enable Cruise Control through on-screen settings.
- Some older or base models may not include cruise control at all; check the manual or window sticker for confirmation.
Observing these controls and their labeling is usually sufficient to confirm whether cruise control exists in the car you’re inspecting.
What the dashboard tells you
Icons and indicators
The instrument cluster or heads-up display typically shows a distinct icon when cruise control is active or available. Common signals include:
- A speedometer-style indicator with the word CRUISE or an ON indicator when the system is engaged.
- An adaptive cruise icon featuring a car silhouette with distance markers to indicate active following distance.
- A LIM or LIMIT indicator if the vehicle also offers a speed limiter function separate from cruise control.
- A temporary notification on the display if the system is OFF, unavailable, or requires activation in a menu.
Different manufacturers use slightly different visuals, but a cruise-related icon or text on the gauge cluster is a reliable clue that the car has cruise control (standard or adaptive).
How to verify in practice
Step-by-step checks
- Consult the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s spec sheet for the exact model year and trim level; this will confirm whether cruise control is included.
- Inspect the steering wheel and nearby stalks for a CRUISE ON/OFF button, SET, RES, or a similar control. If you don’t see any of these, the car may lack cruise control.
- Turn the ignition on if required, then locate and activate the system (press CRUISE ON or turn on via the stalk/menu).
- Accelerate to a comfortable speed, then press SET (or the equivalent) to engage. The speed should hold automatically, and a cruise indicator should appear on the dashboard.
- To adjust, use the +/- controls to change speed, or press CANCEL or lightly apply the brake to disengage. If it’s adaptive, you may also see distance settings you can adjust and notice the car maintain a gap from the vehicle ahead.
If you can’t engage the system after these steps, the car may not have cruise control, or there may be a fault requiring service or software updates. When in doubt, consult the dealership or review the VIN-specific spec sheet.
Notes on modern variations
Adaptive cruise control and speed limiters
Many newer cars offer adaptive cruise control (ACC), which uses radar or camera sensors to automatically adjust your speed to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle in front. Distance is often adjustable in several steps. Some models also include a separate speed limiter (lim) that restricts the maximum speed regardless of throttle input. The indicators and controls for these features differ by manufacturer, so a quick manual check and dashboard glance will help you distinguish standard cruise, ACC, and limiter functions.
What to do if you’re unsure
If you’re shopping for a car or assessing a used vehicle, ask the dealer for a feature sheet, check the window sticker, or pull the vehicle’s build sheet. A VIN-based spec lookup from the manufacturer or a trusted third party can confirm cruise control availability and whether it’s standard or optional on that trim.
Summary
Cruise control is usually signaled by a dedicated control on the steering wheel or a nearby stalk, and an indicator on the instrument cluster when active. Adaptive cruise control adds distance arrows or a car-with-distance icon. If you locate the control and see a corresponding dashboard indicator, your car has cruise control; if not, consult the manual or dealer to verify. A quick check of controls, dashboard icons, and official documentation will give you a clear answer.
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.
Do every cars have cruise control?
No, not all cars have cruise control, but it is very common in modern vehicles, with most new cars including it as standard or an optional feature. Older and less expensive cars are more likely to lack cruise control, which was once considered a luxury option.
- Modern vs. older cars: Most cars produced today have some form of cruise control. However, it was optional before the 1990s and not widely available before 1973.
- Standard vs. optional: While many new cars have standard cruise control, it is sometimes included in optional packages rather than being a stand-alone feature.
- Adaptive cruise control: Advanced systems like adaptive cruise control (which automatically adjusts speed and distance from the car ahead) are also becoming more common, but they are less likely to be standard on the most budget-friendly new models.
- How to check: You can tell if your car has cruise control by looking for the controls, which are usually on the steering wheel or steering column and often have a speedometer icon, or by checking your vehicle's owner's manual.
What year do cars have cruise control?
1958
Chrysler was the first manufacturer to implement the device in 1958. They called it “Auto-Pilot” and it appeared in their luxury model as an upgraded option. Soon after, General Motors installed it in their Cadillac vehicles, naming it “Cruise Control” which has stuck to this day.
Can I add cruise control to a car that doesn't have it?
Yes, you can add cruise control to a car that doesn't have it using either an aftermarket kit or by retrofitting original factory parts. The complexity and cost depend on the vehicle's technology, with older cars with cable-actuated throttles often being easier and cheaper to convert than modern cars with drive-by-wire systems.
Methods for installation
Aftermarket kits
- How it works: These kits are designed to be universal or specific to certain vehicle models and come with all the necessary components, such as a control unit, a vacuum or electronic actuator that physically pulls the throttle cable, and a set of control buttons.
- DIY option: If you have basic mechanical skills, you can install an aftermarket kit yourself, often with the help of specific installation manuals that come with the kit.
- Considerations: Some modern cars with electronic throttles can be challenging to add aftermarket cruise control to, though many kits are designed to be compatible with these systems.
This video explains how to choose a universal cruise control kit based on your car's throttle type: 59sJazdaYouTube · Aug 1, 2024
Factory parts
- How it works: You can acquire the original cruise control components from a junkyard or order them from a dealership for a car that came with the option.
- Complexity: This is often a more complex process as it requires finding and installing all the original parts, including the control modules, wiring harnesses, and switches, and it may not be feasible for all vehicles.
- Dealership/shop option: You can get a quote from a dealership or a specialized auto shop to see if they can source and install the factory parts for your specific model.
What to consider
- Car's technology: Older cars with physical throttle cables are often easier and less expensive to retrofit than newer cars with electronic "drive-by-wire" systems, which can be more complex and require more integration with other vehicle modules.
- Cost: The total cost can vary widely depending on the method and the vehicle. Expect to pay more for a new, professional installation compared to a DIY aftermarket kit on an older car.
- Reliability: A professionally installed system, whether aftermarket or factory, is generally a reliable option. If you opt for a DIY installation, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues.
