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On the other hand, if you drive at a lower RPM level, the engine will burn less fuel, especially in a longer drive. That’s why the cruise control setup can kick in quite well in helping you waste less fuel while driving on the highway. Now that you know how handy a cruise control option can be, it’s time for us to dig deeper into its connection with fuel economy. It has to do with the power output from the engine and the RPM level that you tend to drive at.
Adjust speed as necessary
In most cases, an aftermarket cruise control kit can be easily and affordably added to almost any vehicle. In fact, a number of aftermarket suppliers currently manufacture and market a variety of kits for this exact purpose. You may be tempted to cross your feet or legs (especially on a long drive) to stretch them out.
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The benefits of using the cruise control feature are better fuel efficiency and reduced foot fatigue during long drives. One of the key factors in maximizing fuel efficiency with cruise control is setting an appropriate speed. When driving on highways or long stretches of road, aim to set your cruise control at the speed limit or slightly below.
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By contrast, Adaptive Cruise Control has the ability to allow the cars computer to adjust speed based on the traffic patterns around you. It’s best to use cruise control when driving on long empty roads, such as a highway or an interstate. Long, flat country roads that are free from traffic congestion are also ideal for cruise control. Yes actually, and as it turns out, cruise control is a great feature for saving money on gas. Modern vehicles use wheel speed sensors and the engine management system to calculate the difference between wheel speed and vehicle speed.
Is cruise control bad for your car?
That said, don’t drive with two feet (left foot over the brake, right foot over accelerator). Contrary to popular belief, the use of cruise control does not accelerate transmission wear. In all actuality, regular cruise control use is actually capable of decreasing drivetrain wear, due to the significant reduction in manual throttle actuation. The throttle controls the speed by regulating how much air is taken in by the engine. A small computer behind the dashboard or under the hood controls the cruise control. Many people believe that cruise control is only beneficial for long trips and has limited use in shorter journeys.
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Final Thoughts: Does Cruise Control Save Gas
A good system will not deviate the speed of the car too much during an uphill climb and it won’t overshoot the power it needs to maintain the speed necessary, either. Most controls have on and off buttons, as well as accelerate and decelerate buttons, which let you increase or decrease your speed by 1 mph. Some cars also have a coast button, which lets you decelerate while you hold the button down and resume your cruise speed when you release it. And of course most people know this already, but cruise control will automatically disengage when the driver hits the brakes. While some might argue that cruise control improves fuel economy (a 2007 CNN Money report noted that it could save as much as seven percent), Sinclair thought otherwise.
From grinding and rattling to thumping and squealing, you can learn how to decode... Try to anticipate what’s going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. This way you’ll see the traffic lights on red meaning you can ease back on the accelerator or slow down naturally and potentially keep moving as opposed to coming to a stop. “Having little opportunity to use it and modern systems complicated to the point of frustration, my answer would be a resounding ‘no,’” he said.
Does Cruise Control Save Gas? (and Other FAQs)
In line with the above point, keeping the car moving at the right speed is essential to fuel economy. Obviously, this depends on traffic conditions and what’s happening on the road ahead, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel. This is even true when operating a vehicle that possesses adaptive cruise control. Though many drivers are lulled into a false sense of security when operating a vehicle under these conditions, one must be capable of maintaining full vehicle control at any given time. Cruise control, in its most basic form, does not use a vehicle’s brakes to meter speed.
Other Benefits Of Cruise Control Function
Effectively using cruise control can enhance your driving experience and fuel efficiency. Cruise control is most beneficial when you can maintain a consistent speed without the need for frequent braking or acceleration. It’s because most cars let you accelerate just by 1 mph each time that you press the button. This way, you won’t have to burn much fuel while accelerating, and then slowing down right after.
Through our collective driving experiences, we’ve observed that using cruise control on the highway tends to result in a smoother ride with less pedal adjustment. It raises the question of whether this convenience also translates into fuel savings. The long, straight stretches of road allow you to maintain a consistent speed, which can result in significant fuel savings. When you engage cruise control on highways, you eliminate the fluctuations in speed that can occur from manual driving.
However, this is not always true and in some situations, cruise control may actually increase gas consumption. This depends on a number of factors like traffic, type of journey, and more. While the effectiveness of cruise control varies, utilizing it judiciously in appropriate conditions can contribute to gas savings. Understanding the nuanced role of this feature empowers drivers in the quest for both efficiency and a smoother, controlled driving experience. You can just set up the optimal speed and drive in a higher gear on a lower RPM level.
By maintaining a steady speed, the system optimizes fuel consumption, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the vehicle. As drivers seek ways to optimize their fuel consumption, we delve into the science behind cruise control’s impact on gas mileage. Let’s explore the facts to determine if this widely-used feature is indeed a fuel-saving hero.
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