What precautions should I follow with the cruise control system?
What precautions should I follow with the cruise control system?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
While your car’s cruise control system isn’t designed to require maintenance, there are several things that you should know about its operation and your safety. Here are the most important
If a malfunction happens when cruise control is engaged, it will automatically turn off.
Don’t set the cruise control if you cannot maintain the selected speed.
Don’t set cruise control if you are not on a relatively flat road traveling at highway speeds.
Don’t use cruise control in very hilly areas.
Don’t use cruise control in high winds.
If the SET light turns on in the dash while the system is not in use, it means your system needs to be inspected.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Only use your cruise control when the roadways are dry and clean, and never during rainy or icy conditions. Also, never use cruise control in city or congested traffic as the decreased control of your vehicle could contribute to an accident.
To decelerate, either tap the appropriate button on the cruise control system or quickly apply the brake. As a safety precaution, almost every model of car will deactivate the cruise control as soon as the brake is applied.
Unlike traditional cruise control systems (which require constant input from the driver) Nissan`s Intelligent Cruise Control will automatically slow your vehicle down when traffic appears. As the vehicle ahead slows down, this system lowers your vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Switch on cruise control: Once you reach your desired speed (making sure it`s within the speed limit), turn on the cruise control system. In most vehicles, the buttons that control it appear on or behind the steering wheel, and a light will appear on your dashboard once it`s turned on.
Cruise control can help you become more fuel-efficient and can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas thanks to its ability to maintain a continuous speed. In comparison, the constant change in acceleration and deceleration of the driver placing their foot over the pedals can eat more gas.
Although we wish they`d just put the controls on the steering wheel, like most other automakers now do. But to answer your question, you`re not doing any harm to the engine or to your mileage by leaving the master switch “on.” You`re just taking the first of two steps in activating cruise control.
Cruise control is designed for driving at a steady speed of a minimum of 30mph without constant stopping. Before using cruise control, build up to a steady speed of 30mph or more.
If you want to use cruise control while driving on an expressway during a long road trip, remember that it should be switched off if traffic starts getting heavy. Cruise control should not be used for city driving, where you`ll need to make frequent stops and it`s more likely you`ll encounter pedestrians.
There are also several important safety features — the cruise control will disengage as soon as you hit the brake pedal, and it won`t engage at speeds less than 25 mph (40 kph).
When to use cruise control. Cruise control is best suited for long drives on large, straight roads with cars traveling at a relatively constant speed. It`s inappropriate in stop-and-go traffic when weather conditions are bad, on narrow, curvy roads, or with frequent speed limit variations.
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) measures the distance from the vehicle ahead and controls acceleration and deceleration to automatically maintain a suitable following distance. This distance is adjusted according to the speed of the vehicle ahead, up to the preset speed, and the ICC speed settings set by the driver.
To cancel the preset speed, tap the brake pedal or push the CANCEL switch 04 . To turn off cruise control, push the ON/OFF switch 01 . Both the CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator light in the instrument panel will turn off.
Typically, the cruise control buttons can be found on the right-hand side of the steering wheel. Depending on the car, the location of the controls can vary, but the functionality of the cruise control will usually be similar across the board.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
What precautions should I follow with the cruise control system?
ANSWER : While your car’s cruise control system isn’t designed to require maintenance, there are several things that you should know about its operation and your safety. Here are the most important
If a malfunction happens when cruise control is engaged, it will automatically turn off.
Don’t set the cruise control if you cannot maintain the selected speed.
Don’t set cruise control if you are not on a relatively flat road traveling at highway speeds.
Don’t use cruise control in very hilly areas.
Don’t use cruise control in high winds.
If the SET light turns on in the dash while the system is not in use, it means your system needs to be inspected.
Having intermittent problems with cruise control on my car
ANSWER : Hello. This can be caused by a number of different issues. Most of the time this is caused by a bad brake switch. If the switch is shorting out, then it will cause the computer to think that the brakes are being applied, which turns off the cruise control. If the switch is fine, then it may have a bad speed sensor or the cruise control switch itself is bad.
One of the easiest tests I do is simply have someone drive behind me and see if the brake lights are coming on without touching the pedal. If it is, then you should replace the switch. If not, then further testing of the circuit has to be done. If you need to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your cruise control problem.
Adding cruise control on a factory non equipped car.
ANSWER : The unfortunate truth is the dealer is correct. What you are doing is in theory feasible but not common at all. I haven’t run across anyone who has done what you are doing and I have often wondered how such an endeavor might work. My point here is, I am not surprised the dealer isn’t sure because it’s likely they have never done this themselves. The dealer doesn’t set up the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) in the cars they sell. The manufacturer does and guessing what happened when a car is being built is not common knowledge.
Anytime you modify any car, there are always details such as this that you will possibly have to address. When you choose to modify a car, you are now the engineer. The simple answer is that I can’t tell you with certainty whether or not the PCM in your car has cruise control capability. The only way to find out is to allow the dealer to check in out. Independent shops might possibly be able to, but the equipment they have is aftermarket and not produced by Mazda. The electronic equipment the dealer has is. The dealer equipment will most likely be able to do what you need.
What precautions should be followed with the antilock brake system (ABS) system?
ANSWER : Your car’s anti-lock brake system is designed to help prevent you from locking up the wheels during hard stops, as that can cause you to go into an uncontrolled skid. The system activates during certain hard stops and pulses the brakes on any wheel that is turning faster than the others. However, there are some precautions that should be followed, as well as several important things that you should know:
The ABS system doesn’t work well when you’re driving on any surface other than pavement (dirt, gravel, etc.).
ABS doesn’t prevent you from hydroplaning.
ABS doesn’t reduce the stopping distance. In some instances, it can increase the required stopping distance. Drive cautiously.
Driving over potholes, uneven roads, driving with tire chains or cables and driving on snowy or icy roads can lead to less functionality from the ABS.
Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction how to fix and where is it ?
ANSWER : Hi there. The best advice I can offer is for you to complete one of two things. First, it would probably be best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a check engine light inspection so they can pinpoint what part of the EVAP system is causing your failed emissions test. If you decide you want to do this on your own, then it would be a good idea to purchase a service and repair manual for your Ford Mustang – so you can look at detailed diagrams and replacement instructions.
Service ABS System, Traction Control System and Service Stability System
ANSWER : Hello. These systems are interconnected, since both of them can control individual wheel brake functions when operating. It is likely that one of the speed sensors are failing. To have this verified, have a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the warning lights, pinpoint the fault(s), and make necessary repairs.
PO341 code – cruise control kicks off, engine light and vsa lights go on.
ANSWER : There could be an issue with the cruise control switch and the brake switch. The VSA light refers to the brake system and the light maybe coming on for the brake switch not functioning properly causing the cruise control switch to disengage. The code P0341 refers to the camshaft position sensor, which could be coming on for the sensor malfunctioning. If the camshaft position sensor is not reading properly, then the cruise control will disengage as the engine is not in time correctly. If you need further assistance with your cruise control disengaging on its own, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
What safety precautions should be followed with the air bag system?
ANSWER : In order to ensure that your air bag system is in working condition and is able to reduce the chance of injury in a moderate to severe impact, several safety precautions should be followed. These include:
Don’t Deactivate the System: Never attempt to deactivate your air bags. They’re designed to work with your seat belts to reduce the chance of injury.
Don’t Tamper with the System: Never attempt to tamper with the air bags or other system components, or serious injury could result.
Don’t Get the Passenger Front Seat Back Wet: The passenger side seat back contains important electronics, and should never be exposed to liquids.
Don’t Remove Seats: Never remove the driver or passenger front seat, or it could damage the weight sensor or other important air bag system equipment.
