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Even with government intervention, fuel prices are still very high as we head toward the festive season. Internationally, many countries face their own steep increases in fuel prices, albeit not as extreme as South Africa. However, cruise control eliminates the need to constantly step on the pedal, allowing you some time to rest, hence reducing fatigue. Furthermore, it is not advisable to use cruise control when driving on slippery roads, such as those caused by snow and rain. Besides using cruise control, you can also apply the following tips to save fuel. Don’t use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption.
Why Does Cruise Control Save Gas?
Adaptive cruise control was invented in 1990 by William Chundrlik and Pamela Labuhn. In fact, the Natural Resources Canada conducted a study on the effects of using cruise control compared to not using it. This is particularly helpful when driving long distances, especially on long freeways.
Does Cruise Control Save Gas? (and Other FAQs)
But doing so severely impacts your reaction time when a situation calls for immediate braking. Likewise, driving in stop-and-go traffic also requires a higher degree of concentration, as a significant amount of speed metering becomes necessary. Cruise Control has been a staple of automobiles for decades, but its latest iteration – Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – takes road safety to the next level.
Impact of the cruise feature on your gas mileage
Even the earliest gasoline-powered tractors had a hand throttle that allowed a farmer to set a constant speed while he was otherwise occupied looking over his shoulder at his cultivator. As you may already know, most vehicles on the freeway are usually going anywhere between 75-90mph even though the speed limit is 65-70mph. Similar to tip #1, the slower you drive, the more cost-efficient you become and by doing so, you could be saving an average of 12-14% on fuel. In conclusion, cruise control can indeed contribute to fuel savings under appropriate conditions, leading to both economic benefits and a lesser environmental footprint. Remember, for maximum efficiency, use it wisely by considering the situation and switching off when it doesn’t align with optimal driving conditions. Cruise control is one feature you’ll want from a good car for road trips and other frequent highway driving.
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In fact, such aggressive driving at highway speeds can reduce your gas mileage by approximately 15%-30%. No, the cruise control feature typically does not significantly impact the vehicle’s battery. It primarily relies on the engine’s power, and its electrical consumption is minimal. However, using other electrical features, like air conditioning, while cruise control is engaged may marginally contribute to battery usage. Additionally, the cruise control system is often designed to operate more efficiently than an average driver, making subtle adjustments to optimize fuel use. However, its effectiveness can diminish in hilly terrains or congested traffic, where the system may need to overcompensate, potentially negating the fuel-saving benefits.
After all, the cruise control of the vehicle uses the powertrain control module (PCM) to maintain constant designated speeds. Hence, when you activate cruise control, you eliminate the “human” aspect of maintaining speeds. This ensures that there are no speed fluctuations that could lead to the car consuming more fuel than what’s needed. And by avoiding pressing on the pedals, a practice that costs you more fuel, you get to save more on gasoline.
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Find out how cruise control can unexpectedly save on fuel consumption.
That will differ from vehicle to vehicle, depending largely on the size of the engine, the aerodynamics, the top transmission gear ratio, and the final drive ratio. But in general, every 5 mph increase over 50 mph will result in a fuel consumption penalty. It just so happens that cars with adaptive cruise control typically drive at slower average speeds, because they follow cars in front that may be traveling slower. Cruise control is best suited for long drives on large, straight roads such as an interstate highway with cars traveling at a relatively constant speed. It’s inappropriate in stop-and-go traffic; when weather conditions are snowy, icy, or even heavy rain; on narrow, curvy roads; or with frequent speed limit variations. The time and attention it takes to disengage the cruise control in these situations could lead to a crash.
Make sure you maintain your vehicle
There are several variations of semi-autonomous cruise control that include additional convenience features for the driver. Firstly, cruise control is never recommended in heavy traffic because of the potential for something to go wrong. When you use cruise control, you can set constant speeds that do not exceed the legal speed limit.
What Are Some Other Ways To Improve Fuel Economy?
Actually, according to Yardeni Research, households in the U.S spent approximately $5,000 per year on gas. And the worst part is that, with inflation, gas prices are going higher and higher with no relief in sight. Burning gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. ” mapfreinsurance.com/blog/how-does-cruise-control-in-cars-work (accessed July 11, 2023). "If you are coming up to a roundabout you need to know whether you will be able to get through without slowing down too much by adjusting your speed very carefully before you enter.
The main reason cruise control saves you money on gas is one of consistency. Cruise control maintains a constant speed without need for constant pressure on the accelerator. Once the cruise control is active, you’ll need to use your gas or brake pedal to bring the car to the speed you want and then use the “set speed” button to lock in your speed. Before deciding to use cruise control, look at the driving conditions and determine whether they allow for it. Also, do not sacrifice safety for reducing fuel consumption, for example, using cruise control in wet weather. There is a place for all car technology that requires correct use to get the most benefit from it.
A study conducted across Europe in 2012 found that the sensors that adapt the speed according to traffic result in fuel savings. Yet, most of these studies are conducted in open highway settings with minimal adaptions. A Natural Resources Canada Study found cruise control could potentially reduce fuel consumption by 20% - if used correctly. If you are constantly adapting your cruise control between 110km/h and 120km/h, for example, as opposed to keeping it at a consistent 120km/h, you are unlikely to see this saving. If you find you regularly need to adjust your speed, driver anticipation, and correct following distances are more likely to get a more significant saving than using your cruise control.
The latest form of cruise control to arrive on the scene has been that of a semi-autonomous design. Semi-autonomous cruise control systems meter a vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering, in response to traffic conditions. Systems of this type are capable of use in stop-and-go traffic, without driver intervention. The fuel economy benefits of cruise control come from the system minimizing throttle openings, like when a driver lifts his or her foot off the accelerator a dozen times during a 10 minute drive.
Chrysler Corporation was the first manufacturer to offer the groundbreaking mechanism as an option on several of its luxury vehicle models nine years later. Today, cruise control is rapidly becoming the standard on all new vehicles, providing drivers with increased convenience on their daily drive. Cruise control is one of those creature comforts found in most new vehicles, but it's often an optional feature.
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