Are you frustrated with the need to constantly adjust your speed when driving long distances? Do you find it difficult to maintain a consistent speed without compromising safety? Automotive cruise control could be the solution you are looking for. This innovative solution allows you to set your desired speed, enabling the system to effortlessly maintain it.
Without further ado, let’s jump in and learn about this automobile cruise control system.
What is Automotive Cruise Control?
Automotive cruise control is a sophisticated system designed to automatically regulate a vehicle’s speed, alleviating the need for constant manual adjustments by the driver. It proves particularly beneficial during long drives or on less congested highways, reducing driver fatigue and ensuring adherence to speed limits.
Traditional cruise control systems utilize electronics to communicate with the throttle via sensors linked to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Upon setting a desired speed, the ECU computes the throttle position and wirelessly engages it, consistently maintaining the preset speed regardless of road conditions. This feature offers convenience and comfort, allowing drivers to rest their feet and enjoy a steady speed without constant pedal adjustments.
Difference Between Automotive Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control
| Feature | Automotive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) |
| Functionality | Allows the driver to set a specific speed for the vehicle to maintain. | Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance. |
| Manual Adjustments | Requires manual adjustments by the driver to maintain a safe following distance. | Automatically adjusts speed based on the distance from the vehicle ahead. |
| Sensors | Does not utilize sensors to detect the distance between vehicles. | Utilizes sensors such as radar, lasers, or cameras to detect distance from the vehicle ahead. |
| Intervention | The driver must manually adjust speed or apply brakes when necessary. | Automatically slows down or accelerates based on the speed of the vehicle ahead. |
| Safety and Convenience | Provides basic speed maintenance but requires manual attention to distance. | Enhances safety and convenience by reducing the need for constant speed adjustments by the driver. |
Understanding How Automotive Cruise Control Works
Automotive cruise control, or ACC, operates similarly to traditional cruise control, ensuring the vehicle maintains a preset speed. However, ACC adds an extra layer of sophistication by automatically adjusting your speed based on the vehicle in front of you.
As a slower vehicle approaches, cruise control in cars will automatically slow down to maintain a safe following distance, then resume your original set speed once the slower vehicle has passed. Most ACC systems allow drivers to adjust the following distance between vehicles, ranging from close to far. Additionally, advanced systems can integrate with the vehicle’s navigation system and forward-facing cameras to further adapt speed around bends and changes in the posted speed limit.
Despite its convenience, automotive cruise control has limitations. While some vehicles combine ACC with lane keep assist, drivers are still responsible for steering, akin to conventional cruise control. Moreover, if the vehicle in front suddenly decelerates, ACC may not react quickly enough to prevent a collision, necessitating manual braking. Drivers should also be prepared to take evasive action if unexpected obstacles arise. Additionally, adverse weather conditions or debris obstructing the system’s cameras or radar sensors can negatively impact ACC performance.
Is Automotive Cruise Control Self-Driving?
No, the automotive cruise control system in the car does not qualify as a self-driving feature, despite significantly reducing the driver’s workload. While it assists in maintaining speed and distance from other vehicles, the driver must remain vigilant and in control at all times. Adaptive cruise control typically falls under Level 1 on the SAE’s scale of driving automation, advancing to Level 2 when combined with lane centering, but it still falls short of the Level 5 required for full autonomy.
Some newer systems are approaching Level 3, allowing drivers to momentarily remove their hands from the wheel under certain conditions. These systems can accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle, but the driver must be prepared to take over at any moment.
American-made systems like Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise are examples of Level 3 technology, relying on extensive sensor arrays and detailed road mapping. However, they are limited to specific roadways and conditions. Jeep is also developing a similar system.
Tesla’s Autopilot is perhaps the most well-known semi-autonomous driving system, but in comparison with Super Cruise, it has sometimes fallen short in performance.
Final Takeaway
Automotive cruise control has revolutionized the way we drive, providing convenience, comfort, and safety on the roads. By maintaining a steady speed, reducing driver fatigue, and improving fuel efficiency, cruise control has become an indispensable feature in modern vehicles. However, as technology advances, we can expect even more sophisticated cruise control systems to emerge, incorporating artificial intelligence, adaptive capabilities, and enhanced safety features. As we look to the future, automotive cruise control holds great potential to further enhance our driving experience and make our journeys even more enjoyable and efficient.