How do you use dynamic cruise control?

Dynamic cruise control—often marketed as adaptive cruise control—lets your car automatically adjust speed to maintain a set following distance from the car ahead by using radar or cameras. It can reduce fatigue on long drives while keeping you in control of the overall pace.

In this article, we explain how the feature works, how to enable it, how to customize settings, and the safety considerations you should know before using it on real roads. We’ll cover general steps and note brand-specific variations you may encounter.

Understanding the basics

Dynamic cruise control uses sensors such as radar, lidar, or cameras to monitor traffic ahead. It can slow down to maintain a chosen gap and accelerate back to your set speed when the road clears. It is not autonomous driving; the driver must stay attentive and ready to take over if needed.

What it does and does not

It maintains speed and distance, helping with fatigue on long trips, but it does not detect every obstacle the way a full autonomous system might. It may be less effective in heavy rain, snow, fog, or complex urban scenarios. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

How to activate and use dynamic cruise control

To start using the system, you typically enable it via a dedicated button on the steering wheel or a menu in the instrument cluster. You then set your desired speed and the following distance. Here are general steps; consult your owner’s manual for brand-specific instructions.

Below is a step-by-step guide to common controls:

1. Accelerate to your desired speed; press the “SET” or “SET/−” button to lock in that speed.


2. Enable adaptive mode by pressing the “Cruise” or “ACC” button, or by selecting Adaptive Cruise Control from the menu; you should see an indicator light or icon on the dashboard.


3. Choose a following distance using the “Distance,” “Following Gap,” or similar control. Options typically range from a short to a longer gap.


4. Adjust speed or distance as needed; you can usually override temporarily with the accelerator, and press “RES” to resume the previously set speed after braking.


5. If your vehicle supports stop-and-go, the system may bring you to a complete stop and resume automatically or with a tap of the accelerator, depending on model.

When you’re finished, you can cancel the system or turn it off completely using the same controls you used to activate it, typically the “Cruise” button or by tapping the brake pedal.

In daily driving, continue to monitor traffic conditions and be ready to intervene if a vehicle cuts in or if weather reduces sensor performance. The system may disengage automatically if it detects a malfunction, if your speed is too high for certain traffic situations, or if you are in a curve where the sensor cannot see ahead clearly.

Tips and best practices for safe use

Follow these guidelines to maximize safety and reliability when using dynamic cruise control.

• Keep sensors clean and unobstructed; wipe the windshield and camera lenses regularly and avoid attachments that can block sensors.


• Choose an appropriate following distance; in poor weather or heavy traffic, opt for a longer gap to reduce the risk of sudden braking.


• Avoid using it on narrow winding roads, city streets with frequent stops, or construction zones where the system might misread a vehicle or obstacle.


• Be prepared to take immediate control during emergencies, lane changes, or when the road ahead is uncertain.


• Regularly review the vehicle’s manual for manufacturer-specific limitations or maintenance recommendations for the sensor system.

Using dynamic cruise control can make highway trips more comfortable and consistent, but it should supplement rather than replace your driving judgment and attention.

Common questions about dynamic cruise control

Is dynamic cruise control the same as cruise control?

Dynamic cruise control typically refers to adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. Traditional cruise control holds a fixed speed but does not adapt to traffic ahead.

Can I use dynamic cruise control in all conditions?

Not in all conditions. Sensor performance can be degraded by rain, snow, fog, glare, or poor road markings, and some systems may struggle in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or in urban environments. Always stay alert and ready to take control.

Summary

Dynamic cruise control is a driver-assistance feature that helps maintain your chosen speed and a safe following distance with automatic speed adjustments. It can reduce fatigue on long journeys and improve traffic-flow smoothness when used correctly, but it requires active supervision and an understanding of its limits. By following activation steps, selecting an appropriate following distance, and staying attentive, you can safely incorporate dynamic cruise control into your driving routine.

What is the difference between active and dynamic cruise control?

Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) are similar systems that use a vehicle's brakes to maintain a set speed, but they have different primary functions. ACC is an advanced system that maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to match its speed. DCC is a system that maintains your set speed by using brakes to control the vehicle's speed when a lower gear is not enough, for example, when going down a steep hill or when you manually lower the speed setting significantly. Many manufacturers use "active" or "adaptive" as the term for the first type and "dynamic" for the second, but terminology can vary.
 
This video explains the difference between active and dynamic cruise control: 48sBeaver Toyota of CummingYouTube · Aug 9, 2022
Active Cruise Control (ACC)

• Primary Function: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead. 
• How it works: Uses sensors (like radar) to detect vehicles ahead and automatically adjusts your speed to match the speed of the vehicle in front. 
• Features: Can slow down, speed up, and in newer systems, can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic. 
• Use case: Driving on the highway in moderate to heavy traffic where the flow of traffic changes. 

Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC)

• Primary Function: Maintains your set speed. 
• How it works: Uses the vehicle's brakes to maintain a set speed, unlike traditional cruise control which only uses the engine. 
• Features: Can be used by switching off the distance control feature of ACC. It actively uses the brakes when needed, for example, when going down a hill or when the speed setting is lowered significantly. 
• Use case: Driving on long, open stretches of road where the speed of traffic is more consistent. 

Which one is right for you?

• If you want your car to automatically adjust to traffic, you need Active Cruise Control (ACC). 
• If you want your car to help you maintain a set speed, even on a downhill slope, Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) is the system for you. 
• Most modern cars have ACC, and you can usually switch it off to revert to DCC. 

How to activate adaptive cruise control?

To activate adaptive cruise control, you typically press the "ON/OFF" or a similar cruise control button on the steering wheel, then press "SET" once you reach your desired speed. After setting the speed, you can adjust the following distance using dedicated buttons or a toggle on the steering wheel. A green icon on the dashboard confirms the system is active and ready to maintain both your set speed and a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. 
Step 1: Turn on the system 

• Locate and press the "ON/OFF" button on your steering wheel. This might be labeled with a cruise control icon, sometimes with a car symbol next to it, and is often on a stalk or the face of the steering wheel. 
• Check your dashboard or head-up display for a white or gray icon indicating the system is on. This icon will change to green when the system is active and has a speed set. 
• Some newer vehicles may not have a separate "ON/OFF" switch and will just be "ready to be set". 

This video demonstrates how to turn on adaptive cruise control and set the speed: 1mAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
Step 2: Set your desired speed 

• Accelerate or decelerate to the speed you want to maintain. 
• Press the "SET" button (or push a stalk down) to set the speed. The icon on the dashboard will turn green to show the system is actively controlling your speed. 

Step 3: Adjust the following distance

• Use the dedicated buttons, often labeled with car icons and distance lines, to select your preferred following distance from the vehicle in front.
• This setting will adjust the time gap (e.g., near, medium, or far) and will be shown on your display. 

You can watch this video to see how to adjust the following distance: 58sCars With SteveYouTube · Nov 26, 2024
Step 4: Deactivate the system

• To temporarily cancel the system, tap the brake pedal or press the "CANCEL" button on the steering wheel.
• To resume the last-set speed and following distance, press the "RESUME" button.
• To turn the system completely off, press the "ON/OFF" button again. 

This video shows how to cancel and resume adaptive cruise control: 1mSteve CliffordYouTube · Jul 26, 2025

How does the adaptive cruise control work?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses sensors, like radar and cameras, to monitor the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts your car's speed to maintain a set following distance. When a slower car is detected, ACC slows your vehicle down; when the road ahead is clear, it resumes your set speed. Some advanced systems can even bring the car to a complete stop and restart in traffic. 
This video explains how adaptive cruise control works and demonstrates its functionality: 57sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Jan 21, 2025
How it works

• Sensing the road: The system uses sensors like radar, cameras, or lidar to continuously monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle in front of you. 
• Maintaining a set speed: You initially set a maximum speed, just like with traditional cruise control. 
• Adjusting to traffic: The sensors detect a slower vehicle and the system automatically applies the brakes or reduces engine power to match the vehicle's speed and maintain your pre-selected following distance. 
• Resuming speed: When the vehicle ahead speeds up or moves out of your lane, the ACC system will accelerate your car back up to the speed you originally set. 
• Stop-and-go function: Many systems are equipped with a "stop-and-go" feature that can bring your vehicle to a complete stop if the traffic ahead stops, and then automatically resume movement when traffic starts flowing again. 
• Following distance settings: You can usually choose your desired following distance from a few options, such as "Near," "Medium," or "Far," which will adjust the time gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. 

You can watch this video to learn how to use adaptive cruise control in a Ford Escape: 58sCars With SteveYouTube · Nov 26, 2024

How to use dynamic cruise control?

And I'm following along if the car in front of me slows. Down I'm going to stay equidistant. From that car. The crazy thing about this is once you set it I take my feet off the pedals.