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How does GM Adaptive Cruise Control work?

General Motors' Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an advanced driver assistance system that helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Unlike traditional cruise control, which only maintains a set speed, ACC can automatically adjust your vehicle's speed to match the flow of traffic and keep a safe distance from other cars.


How Adaptive Cruise Control Works


GM's Adaptive Cruise Control system uses a combination of sensors, including radar and cameras, to detect the vehicles around your car. The system constantly monitors the distance and relative speed of the vehicle in front of you, and can automatically adjust your car's throttle and brakes to maintain a safe following distance.



  • Radar Sensor: The radar sensor, typically mounted behind the front grille, scans the road ahead and detects the distance and speed of the vehicle in front of you.

  • Camera Sensor: The camera sensor, usually mounted near the rearview mirror, helps the system identify the lane markings and other vehicles on the road.

  • Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The ECU processes the data from the sensors and makes adjustments to the throttle and brakes to maintain the desired following distance.


When the vehicle in front of you slows down, the Adaptive Cruise Control system will automatically apply the brakes to match the slower speed and maintain a safe following distance. Conversely, when the vehicle in front of you speeds up, the system will gradually accelerate your vehicle to match the flow of traffic, up to the maximum speed you have set.


Benefits of Adaptive Cruise Control


Adaptive Cruise Control offers several benefits to drivers, including:



  • Improved Safety: By automatically maintaining a safe following distance, ACC can help reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

  • Reduced Driver Fatigue: ACC can help alleviate the constant need to adjust the throttle and brake in stop-and-go traffic, making long drives less tiring.

  • Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: By smoothing out acceleration and deceleration, ACC can help improve your vehicle's fuel economy.


Overall, GM's Adaptive Cruise Control is a valuable driver assistance feature that can enhance safety, comfort, and efficiency on the road.

When should you not use adaptive cruise control?


The system can't detect traffic lights or traffic signs, so you still need to brake when necessary at intersections and lights. Avoid using Adaptive Cruise Control when the rear of the vehicle or truck bed is heavily loaded.



How does the Adaptive Cruise Control work?


Based on the radar reflection, ACC uses distance, direction and relative speed to detect if the car is within the distance you set. ACC predicts the path of your car and then decides whether any of the vehicles ahead are within your set distance.



Which sensor is required for Adaptive Cruise Control?


A radar sensor is usually at the core of the adaptive cruise control (ACC). Installed at the front of the vehicle, the system permanently monitors the road ahead. As long as the road ahead is clear, ACC maintains the speed set by the driver.



How does GMC Adaptive Cruise Control work?


Adaptive Cruise Control uses a forward-looking camera or a forward-looking camera and radar technology (depending on your vehicle) to monitor vehicles you're following. This feature helps you follow a vehicle ahead at the following gap you select (Far, Medium, or Near) while you steer.



Where are the sensors on GMC Adaptive Cruise Control?


The Adaptive Cruise Control camera is located behind the windshield in front of the rearview mirror. It's important to keep the windshield clean for the camera to work properly. On some vehicles, the feature also uses radar sensors located in the front grille or bumper. Keep these areas of the vehicle clean.



Does Supercruise work without OnStar?


In order to operate Super Cruise, you must have an active and eligible OnStar Super Cruise plan.



What is the difference between supercruise and adaptive cruise?


Super Cruise will use the Adaptive Cruise Control* set speed; however, if you have not set the Adaptive Cruise Control speed when Super Cruise is activated, it will use your current speed as the Adaptive Cruise Control set speed. Super Cruise also will slow down around sharp curves.



Which is better, cruise control or adaptive cruise control?


Cruise control makes driving long distances easier, but the more crowded the road, the more often you'll have to tap the brakes to slow down. Adaptive cruise control uses the sensors in the collision detection system and the automatic emergency braking technology that often accompanies it to scan the road ahead.



Which is better cruise control or adaptive cruise control?


Cruise control makes driving long distances easier, but the more crowded the road, the more often you'll have to tap the brakes to slow down. Adaptive cruise control uses the sensors in the collision detection system and the automatic emergency braking technology that often accompanies it to scan the road ahead.



What are the disadvantages of Adaptive Cruise Control?


Cons of adaptive cruise control include: There may be potential delayed braking time when the system is in use. Drivers may set higher speeds, which could cause aggressive braking as their vehicle rapidly approaches vehicles.


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.