Where is the cruise control button?
The cruise control control is usually found on or near the steering wheel. In most cars it appears as a cluster of buttons on the wheel itself or as a small lever/stalk on the steering column, and in some newer models it sits on the center console or within the instrument cluster menu.
The exact placement varies by make and model, so the best approach is to check the vehicle’s owner's manual or look for a clearly labeled button or stalk with words like CRUISE, SET, RES, or with a speedometer icon. If you still can’t locate it, a quick online search for your specific model can confirm the exact spot.
Common placements in modern vehicles
Look in the most likely locations first, as these cover the vast majority of current cars.
- Steering wheel-mounted controls: A cluster of buttons on the spokes of the wheel, often labeled CRUISE, SET, RES, CANCEL, or with +/– speed adjustment symbols.
- Steering column stalk: A small lever on the left side of the steering column you push, pull, or rotate to turn the system on and set a speed.
- Center console or near the gear selector: Some models place the control on a dedicated panel or button cluster near the shifter or dash.
- Instrument cluster or touchscreen menu: In cars with digital interfaces, you may enable cruise control from a menu on the driver display and then use wheel controls to manage speed.
Understanding where to look helps you avoid confusion and keeps your focus on the road. If you’re unsure, the owner's manual will pinpoint the exact location for your model and trim level.
How to use cruise control: quick steps
These steps describe typical, non-adaptive cruise control systems. If your car has adaptive cruise control, some steps are similar but include following-distance settings.
- Turn on the system: Press the ON or CRUISE button, or flip the stalk to the ON position until a indicator lights up on the dashboard.
- Accelerate to your desired speed: Reach the speed you want to maintain.
- Set the speed: Press SET or press the appropriate button on the steering wheel until the speed is stored. Some cars use a + button to increase speed to the set point.
- Adjust while active: Use + to increase or – to decrease the maintained speed while the system is engaged.
- Resume or re-engage after a interruption: Press RES (or a dedicated resume button) to return to the previously set speed after braking.
- Disengage when needed: Press CANCEL or tap the brake pedal to temporarily disable cruise control without turning it off completely.
- Turn off the system: Use the OFF button, or switch off the stalk, to completely deactivate cruise control.
For cars with adaptive cruise control, you may also adjust the following-distance setting using dedicated controls on the wheel or cluster, which fine-tunes how closely you follow the vehicle ahead.
Brand-era notes
Older vehicles (pre-2010s)
In many older cars, cruise control relies on a stalk on the steering column or a simple button cluster on the steering wheel. Activation and speed setting were often done via a lever that you push, pull, or twist. If you inherited an older car, you may need to read the manual to locate the exact control shared between the steering wheel and dash.
Modern vehicles (2010s–present)
Most modern cars place cruise control controls directly on the steering wheel or place a compact control panel near the gear selector. Some models integrate cruise control into the toolset of the digital instrument cluster or a menu within the infotainment system. Adaptive cruise control is common in newer models, with distance settings accessible from the wheel or dash display.
Summary
In summary, the cruise control button or lever is typically found on or near the steering wheel, or on the steering-column stalk, with some models placing controls on the center console or within the instrument cluster. If you can’t locate it, consult the owner's manual or look for a button labeled CRUISE, SET, RES, or a speedometer icon. Modern cars generally provide quick access on the wheel, while older models may rely on a stalk. With a quick check or a model-specific search, you’ll be able to engage cruise control safely and efficiently.
