Most modern cars are full of electronic conveniences, that make driving easier. Now, cars are almost a no brainer to drive, and filled with plenty of driver aids. One of these functions is Cruise Control to reduce fatigue on long drives.
Most modern cars are full of electronic conveniences, that make driving easier. Now, cars are almost a no brainer to drive, and filled with plenty of driver aids. One of these functions is Cruise Control to reduce fatigue on long drives. For most drivers on road trips that will be for quite a distance. Stepping on the accelerator is rather inefficient, especially when travelling on long distances. Cruise control makes it easier to drive long distances! Most cars are equipped with it and are standard equipment in countries like the United States especially.
The wide expanse of the continental United States makes overland crossing with cars that have cruise control very practical. The valve which controls the throttle does not actively engage the actuator like normal driving. Precise electronic control via the car's electronic control unit (ECU). Most cars have sensors that are bundled with the car ECU. Sometimes, those who suffer from having Lead Foot will find cruise control a better way to control the car's speed!
Cruise control and Adaptive Cruise control
By this time, cars are equipped with either Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control which are available as standard equipment. Setting up cruise control is done by setting speed and then to COAST which activates it. Just a tap on the SET/ACCEL will add a little speed to cruising, but a tap back will lower the speed. Stepping on the brakes will turn off cruise control automatically.
This operation is simple to do, but it needs active driver intervention. Driving with cruise control is just a simple driver aid that is very basic. Though the driver needs to be alert when using it. Convenient and keeps a Lead Foot from over speeding though it needs to be used with discretion. Not advised for city driving or areas that are dense with cars or people.
A newer type of this system has been developed and it is Adaptive Cruise Control. One of the biggest drawbacks of the older cruise control is that there's no way to stop the car from hitting the one in front! But ACC has increased safety factor when in use and even more reliable! It works the same way as Cruise control but with several major differences.
The ACC system adjusts automatically to the distance of the car in front to avoid an accidental collision. Utilizing radar sensors measures the distance from the car and engages the brake automatically. Coupling the Autonomous Braking System with the ACC enhances safety better. Upgrading the cruise control to ACC is made possible by linking the ECU to external sensors.
Next time, when going on long trips or short ones in the city. Using adaptive cruise control allows easier driving, but it is the same function with upgrades! Just make sure to know how it works before using it. Both work with the same principle but the ACC is far better because it minimizes instance of crashing into the car in front.
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