Cruise control is an electronic vehicle device that allows the driver to lock the accelerator on a specific set speed (within the speed limit, of course).

It is a convenience feature, and if your daily commute includes a major or interstate highway, it can absolutely make your life easier—as long as you use it right.

Here are 8 tips to drive responsibly and safely with cruise control:

1. Determine the driving conditions. 

Before anything else, know that cruise control is not designed for use in hazardous weather conditions, so make sure that the weather is conducive for cruise control driving.

2. Avoid the wet and/or icy roads.

Wet roads, especially where there is standing water, can cause your car to hydroplane if it’s on cruise control, which causes it lose traction, thanks to the grease and oil on the road rising to the top of the water. Icy roads are not a great idea either. When you drive in the rain, snow, hail, sleet or ice, the slippery road can mess with your vehicle system’s ability to stay on a constant speed.

3. Stay within the legal limit.

Keep in mind that when you’re on cruise control, you will have a slower reaction time since you will have to deactivate the cruise control system before slowing down or stopping.

In any case, staying within the speed limit is the smart and responsible way to drive anyway.

4. Pay attention to the road and your surroundings.

Turning on cruise control doesn’t mean you can now afford not to pay attention to what’s going on in the road. Standard cruise control can regulate the car’s speed, but it cannot control your car’s path. So don’t get distracted. Keep an eye on the other cars on the road and make sure you’re safely in your lane.

5. Avoid heavy traffic.

Cruise control is not intended for use when you’re moving through heavy traffic—a scenario that would require you to deactivate cruise control every few seconds by hitting the brakes.

6. Reserve use of cruise control on highways. 

Outside of highways, navigating local streets generally involves stopping at headlights, making turns, keeping clear of nearby cars—making several adjustments one after the other. All these involve activating and deactivating cruise control at close intervals, which isn’t how you make the best use of cruise control.

(But see #5.)

7. Keep your foot on the brake pedal.

Having cruise control mean doesn’t mean you can take your foot off the brake pedal. You will still have to make adjustments while sharing the road with other cars, especially those that are in your lane.

8. Maintain a safe distance from other cars.

It’s about reaction time again. When you have a slower reaction time, you need more distance to be able to properly stop without hitting or grazing the other car.

When it comes to using cruise control, safety and convenience are two major factors. It pays to know the best ways to use this feature and the situations when not to use it.

Proper use of the convenience features of your vehicle will improve your car ownership experience and make life on the road fun and easy. It’s also one way to keep your vehicle and its components in good condition.
If you’re looking for coverage post manufacturer’s warranty, check out our vehicle service contract plans.