How to switch between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) and regular cruise control are two distinct driving assistance features that allow you to maintain a set speed on the road. While both systems help regulate your vehicle's speed, the key difference lies in how they respond to the traffic around you. This article will guide you through the process of switching between these two cruise control modes.
Understanding Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced feature that not only maintains a set speed but also adjusts your vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you. ACC uses sensors, such as radar or cameras, to detect the presence and speed of the vehicle ahead. When the car in front slows down, your vehicle will automatically reduce its speed to maintain a safe following distance. Conversely, when the road ahead is clear, your vehicle will accelerate back to the set speed.
Switching to Regular Cruise Control
To switch from adaptive cruise control to regular cruise control, typically you will need to press a button or toggle a switch on your vehicle's steering wheel or dashboard. The exact steps may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, so it's important to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
- Locate the cruise control buttons or switches on your steering wheel or dashboard.
- Look for a button or switch that allows you to toggle between "Adaptive Cruise Control" and "Regular Cruise Control" modes.
- Press or toggle the switch to switch from ACC to regular cruise control.
- Confirm that the cruise control mode has changed on your vehicle's display or instrument cluster.
Once you've switched to regular cruise control, your vehicle will maintain a constant speed without adjusting for the traffic around you. This can be useful in situations where you don't need the additional safety features of adaptive cruise control, such as on open highways or when you want more control over your vehicle's speed.
Switching Back to Adaptive Cruise Control
To switch back from regular cruise control to adaptive cruise control, simply repeat the steps above, but this time toggle the switch or button to the "Adaptive Cruise Control" setting. Your vehicle will then resume monitoring the traffic ahead and adjusting your speed accordingly.
It's important to note that the availability and specific functionality of adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control may vary across different vehicle makes and models. Always refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions on how to use these features in your particular vehicle.
How to switch between cruise control and adaptive 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 do I switch off adaptive cruise control?
To turn off adaptive cruise control, you can either temporarily disengage it by tapping the brake or the dedicated cancel button, or switch to standard (non-adaptive) cruise control by holding a specific button on your steering wheel. Some vehicles may also allow you to turn off adaptive cruise control completely through the dashboard settings menu.
Temporary deactivation (cancel)
- Press the brake pedal: This will instantly cancel both adaptive and standard cruise control. GMC
- Press the "Cancel" button: On many steering wheels, there is a dedicated cancel button that will disengage the system without affecting your cruise control settings.
- Move the gear lever to neutral: On some vehicles, this will disengage the system.
This video demonstrates how to temporarily disable adaptive cruise control: 57sDiesel At McKinney Buick GMCYouTube · Sep 30, 2021
Switch to standard cruise control
- Press and hold the cruise control or "distance" button: On many vehicles, pressing and holding the button that is used to set the distance between you and the car in front will switch the system from adaptive to standard cruise control. You will often hear a beep, and the icon on your dashboard will change to show that the car icon is no longer present.
- Use the menu on the steering wheel: Some vehicles require you to press a "driver assistance" or "mode" button to access the menu, then navigate to the "cruise control" option to switch from adaptive to standard.
This video demonstrates how to switch to standard cruise control: 45sRuge's Auto GroupYouTube · Jun 17, 2025
Permanently disable
- Use the dashboard menu: Some cars allow you to permanently disable the adaptive feature through the vehicle's infotainment or driver assistance settings on the dashboard.
- Check the owner's manual: For permanent deactivation, consult your vehicle's owner's manual, as the procedure can vary between makes and models.
What can you do when you switch on adaptive cruise control?
If a car is in your lane, then the adaptive cruise control will work to keep you at the selected distance, so you may brake to meet that distance. If that car then moves out of your lane, or if you change lanes, the car will accelerate to get back to your set speed.
Can you turn off adaptive cruise control and use regular cruise control on a Toyota?
Control I'm going to tap my brakes here. And now I am I don't have a speed set so you notice there's no little green light with my speed up. There. But if I want to use regular cruise.
