How do you set active cruise control?
Active cruise control, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), helps maintain a chosen speed and a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Activation typically uses a steering-wheel button or stalk; you set the target speed and the system adjusts throttle to stay with traffic. The exact controls vary by model, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific steps.
What ACC does and how it differs from standard cruise control
Adaptive cruise control uses sensors such as radar or cameras to automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. Traditional cruise control simply holds a constant speed without regard to traffic ahead. ACC can brake or accelerate to preserve a gap, and some systems can bring the vehicle to a stop and resume in traffic, while others require driver input to resume after a stop.
How to activate ACC and set a speed
To engage ACC and lock in a speed, follow these steps. The exact button names and sequences vary by vehicle, so check your manual for exact instructions.
- Accelerate to your desired cruising speed using the accelerator pedal, then press the SET or SET/RES button on the steering wheel or stalk to engage ACC at that speed.
- If the system isn’t already on, press the ON or CRUISE/ACC button to activate the feature; an indicator light or icon will appear on the instrument cluster.
- Some cars require you to press and hold SET or press RES after turning the system on to initialize the target speed; consult your manual for specifics.
- Use the +/- control on the steering wheel to adjust the target speed while ACC is active.
- To disengage temporarily, press the brake or press the CANCEL button; to turn ACC off completely, switch the system off with the ON/OFF control or steering-wheel switch.
Note: Button labels vary (CRUISE, ACC, or Cruise Control); always verify with your manual for the exact sequence on your vehicle.
Adjusting following distance and using stop-and-go
Beyond setting the speed, ACC lets you choose how closely you follow the vehicle ahead and may offer stop-and-go functionality in heavy traffic. The distance setting is usually controlled with a separate dial, toggle, or pad on the steering wheel cluster.
- With ACC engaged, locate the distance control and select a following gap; the distance is commonly shown as a number or bar on the instrument cluster.
- Adjust the distance up or down to increase or decrease the gap from the vehicle ahead, typically from a short to a longer following distance.
- To adjust speed without altering distance, use the +/- controls while ACC remains engaged; some systems allow speed changes in real time.
- In traffic with stop-and-go capability, some systems will brake to a stop and resume automatically; others require a manual resume with RES after a stop or a tap on the accelerator or brake.
- If traffic is heavy or visibility is poor, be prepared to override or disengage ACC and drive manually.
The specific distance options and stop-and-go behavior vary by make and model; consult your manual to understand how your system behaves in traffic.
Safety considerations and limitations
ACC is a driver-assist feature designed to reduce workload, not to replace driver attention. It relies on sensors that can be affected by weather, road conditions, and other factors, and may not detect pedestrians or stationary objects in all scenarios. Always stay alert and be ready to take over control.
- Stay attentive: keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Weather and road conditions: rain, snow, fog, or glare can degrade sensor performance.
- Sensor limitations: some scenarios may not be detected reliably (intersections, construction zones, or complex road layouts).
- Vehicle-specific differences: features and performance differ by brand and model; some cars offer limited ACC functionality or none at all.
Always comply with traffic laws and adapt use of ACC to road conditions. If safety could be compromised, disengage ACC and drive manually.
Summary
Active cruise control is a driver-assist feature that helps maintain a chosen speed and a safe following distance using sensor data. While the basic concept is similar across vehicles, the exact controls and capabilities can vary by make and model. By following the steps outlined above and consulting your manual, you can engage ACC, adjust speed and distance, and use it effectively and safely on appropriate roads.
How to switch between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control?
Here's how:
- Press and hold the Cancel button.
- After a brief time, the icon in the cluster will switch modes.
- You'll see a message in your cluster display that you have switched between cruise control and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Pressing and holding the Cancel button will switch between cruise control modes.
How to activate active cruise control?
You. Continue watching our how-to series to get the most out of your BMW.
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.
What is active cruise control in a car?
Active cruise control, also known as adaptive cruise control (ACC), is a system that automatically adjusts a vehicle's speed to maintain a preset following distance from the car ahead. Unlike traditional cruise control, which only maintains a set speed, ACC uses sensors like radar and cameras to detect the vehicle in front and can slow down or speed up automatically. This technology can help improve safety by preventing rear-end collisions and can make highway driving and stop-and-go traffic more comfortable.
This video explains how adaptive cruise control works: 49scarsales.com.auYouTube · Feb 29, 2024
How it works
- Sensors: The system uses radar sensors, typically in the front bumper, or cameras to monitor traffic.
- Automatic adjustments: It will automatically slow down the vehicle when the car ahead slows and accelerate back to the set speed when the road clears.
- Adjustable distance: Drivers can usually select a following distance, often with options like "short," "medium," or "long".
- Stop-and-go functionality: Some advanced systems can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume driving when traffic starts moving again, which is useful in heavy traffic.
Key benefits
- Increased safety: Helps prevent accidents by automatically maintaining a safe following distance.
- Reduced driver fatigue: Takes the stress out of constant speed adjustments on highways and in traffic jams.
- Improved traffic flow: Contributes to smoother traffic flow by maintaining consistent distances and speeds.
Important considerations
- Driver responsibility: Even with active cruise control, drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control, as the system is an aid, not a replacement for a human driver.
- System limitations: The system may not detect vehicles cut off at the last second, and its performance can be affected by weather and road conditions.
- Driver-assist technology: When combined with features like lane-centering assist, ACC is considered a step toward a higher level of autonomous driving.
