Cruise Control Systems

How a Cruise Control System Benefits Your Vehicle Control

Cruise control systems are systems deployed in vehicles for the automatic controlling of speed by means of servo-mechanisms. These mechanisms manage the vehicles’ throttles, to ensure that consistent speed is maintained according the driver-defined settings.

Installation of a cruise or speed control system holds several benefits, of which a few are briefly discussed below.

Lower Fuel Consumption

Driving at a consistent speed helps to reduce fuel consumption. Most people find it difficult to maintain a steady vehicle speed. Keeping the foot at the same position to maintain a constant speed when travelling long distances can become tiresome. As a result of the driver fatigue, the vehicle speed is lowered at times and then acceleration is needed. All acceleration and braking affects the fuel consumption of the vehicle.

Faster drivers often rely heavily on their brake systems to slow down, because of vehicles turning or driving slow in front of them. Indeed, fast driving equals more fuel usage. With speed or cruise control engaged, the faster driver is able to maintain a consistent vehicle speed, which also means not having to brake and accelerate as much. When the brake pedal is pressed, it disables cruise control, putting the driver back in control of the vehicle speed.

Reduce Speeding Tickets

Apart from the cost involved in the penalties for fast driving, speeding tickets on a person’s driving record don’t look good. Vehicle drivers who are in the habit of driving at high speeds can reduce their risk of getting fined by setting cruise control, which will help them maintain the vehicle speed that is within the allowable speed limit. With the ability to change the cruise control system settings to match speed limit changes, it is easy to minimise the risk of creeping over the speed limit without noticing.

When Speed Control is not Advised

Avoid initiating cruise control when driving on a winding road or in peak traffic. It should also be disengaged when approaching a bridge. Don’t use the system when driving in heavy rains, during hailstorms or on a particularly wet road.

You will need the ability to immediately slow down for turns or water pools in the road, and to maintain a slower speed until completely out of the dangerous situation. With cruise control engaged, the vehicle will move at a constant speed and this may lead to hydroplaning. As soon as the vehicle stops hydroplaning, it will move at the set speed again and this can lead to complete loss of control over the situation.

Never engage the speed control system when tired or late at night when the risk of falling asleep is eminent. Without active engagement with the pedals, you will soon drift off into dream world, leaving the car completely uncontrolled.

Where to Get Quality Cruise Control Installations

Make an appointment at a trusted supplier and fitment professional firm, like us at Electronic Fitment Centre, for the professional installation of high-quality products in South Africa.