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Is cruise control needed in a car? Cruise control: practice of use

The next time you find yourself driving a car in the rain, don't turn on the cruise control. If your car starts to hydroplane on wet pavement, cruise control can increase the risk of skidding and getting into a car. Why? We tried to figure it out.

Cruise control is a great feature in a car if we are going to go on a long journey by car. But be careful if it rains outside while the cruise control is on or you drive on a wet road after rain. Wet roads are dangerous because rainwater falling on the asphalt helps lift motor oil and various gear lubricants from the road surface, which, as a rule, has many stains of oil and other liquids, to the top layer of water.

This creates a layer on the asphalt of the road, similar to a layer of ice. Plus a layer of water also helps. The most dangerous thing is driving in the rain at low speed. Under such conditions, there is a risk of losing traction between the wheels and the road surface. If this happens, as a rule, it is called hydroplaning (another term for loss of adhesion between rubber and asphalt is hydroplaning).

Hydroplaning can occur at any vehicle speed. Even at speeds less than 60 km/h.

Cruise control increases hydroplaning, since the system for maintaining a given speed, if the vehicle speed decreases, automatically adds gas, which creates a huge risk, even with slight hydroplaning, of ending up in an accident as a result of loss of control of the car.

When it rains, you can turn off the cruise control. And if the car begins to behave unstably on a wet road, reduce your speed and be extremely careful.

Remember that hard braking on wet roads can also lead to sudden loss of traction due to hydroplaning.

If you turned off the cruise control on a wet road and reduced the speed, but this did not help you from skidding as a result of hydroplaning, then as soon as you feel that the car is starting to lose control, take your foot off the gas pedal, grab the steering wheel with both hands and turn steering wheel towards the skid. If hydroplaning is not severe, then with such actions you will still have a chance to return the car to the correct movement, avoiding skidding.

Many of you know that most have a traction control system (stabilization system, etc.). This system helps the driver avoid unexpected skidding on slippery roads by automatically leveling the car. Some new car models do not yet have such systems. Just like old cars do not have this technology.

Cruise control is also not available in all cars. Remember that if your car has cruise, the biggest danger on a wet road is when driving at low speed. Also, sudden braking on a wet road can lead to skidding, especially in cars not equipped with ABS.

I would also like to note that, despite the presence in modern cars of a stabilization system, which in rainy weather will help you level the car, cruise control should still be turned off, since on a slippery road the stabilization system will reduce engine speed to level the car, which will not allow the ability to maintain a constant speed with the cruise control system.

Manual cruise control is a system used to maintain a set speed. The system controls the speed mode in the car when it is forced to frequently move on the highway or if the driver lives in a country house.

Getting to know your device

Manual cruise control is designed to save gasoline and other types of existing fuel. The system is designed for use on premium cars. After all, the movement process occurs in such a way that the driver constantly has to change the level of speed, increasing and slowing it down. Then he is guided by the speedometer. Such speed fluctuations result in uneven fuel consumption and constant driver distraction.

System advantages

Statistics show that using manual cruise control allows you to save fuel by an average of 12%.

In addition, maintaining a constant speed level allows you to protect vehicle parts and mechanisms from rapid wear and save consumable fluids. Experts carried out the necessary calculations and found that it is possible to achieve a reduction in financial costs within 2%. Thanks to the use of modern cruise control systems on manuals, you can get many additional options. This includes scanning the free space that opens in front of the car. This way the driver can find out if there are any unexpected obstacles in his way.

The lower speed limit is between 30 and 50 km/h. The level of the upper speed limit will depend on who the vehicle manufacturer is. As a rule, the performance of such a system varies from 200 to 220 km/h. At a low level of travel speed, for example, if there is a traffic jam, the driver will only need to control using the steering wheel. And the function of the system in this case will be to automatically increase and decrease the speed of movement by adjusting the brake pedals and gas handle.

Description of the cruise control circuit

For example, let's take the new Lada, which does not have a mechanical cruise control system.

The following components of the structure will control the speed of movement:

  • The control module or control unit is a kind of computer microprocessor, located in the engine compartment.
  • Throttle actuator of electric or pneumatic type. This depends on what type of fuel supply system is used. This drive and throttle assembly are connected together.
  • Switch - a device that has access to the steering wheel, center console or the area where the control panel is located. The purpose of the above switch is to activate and deactivate the system.
  • Types of controllers. The different number of sensors in this system is explained by the fact that everything depends on the manufacturer and brand. Both high-speed rotation of the wheel and control of the speed of the rotating wheels and the throttle element can be ensured.

If a cruise control system is installed in the new Lada, the unit will be integrated into the system responsible for controlling a specific vehicle.

Features of work

Installing cruise control on a manual transmission is considered unrealistic for many car enthusiasts. But if you study the issue in detail, you will find out that such an installation can be done even with your own hands. The main thing is to think through the feasibility of such an action. Indeed, in addition to the advantages listed above, the cruise control system also has some disadvantages. They will be discussed further below.

This function is provided for automation and is used in most premium models. This is an advantage of having an automatic transmission. You can install the system using normal mode. Installation is straightforward as it only requires using the space provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Cruise control can be successfully installed on a Lada-Vest if you use a universal device for this purpose.

It’s possible to install cruise control on a manual manual. The advice given by professionals will help with this. As mentioned above, a universal device is used for mechanics. It is desirable that it be German, since these systems are of high quality and, according to consumer reviews, are quite reliable. Choosing a high-quality cruise control system is a guarantee of protection against malfunctions and breakdowns that can be caused by overloads. The cause of overload is incomplete compatibility between the vehicle and the universal cruise control system.

Installation Features

To successfully connect the multi-steering wheel to the Lada-Vest, you will need to additionally install a bracket and an accelerator cable. This will provide the ability to control the speed level of the vehicle. Installing cruise control also requires installing a button that will control the device. It is located under the deflector. Knowing these features is important for a successful installation.

How to connect the system if the manufacturer did not provide it

First of all, you first need to make sure how good the car components are. Good tires must be installed. If these conditions are not met, the machine should not be allowed to operate automatically. If all systems are in working order, the driver will ensure his safety.

It is important to pay attention to the presence of a sensor that controls the location of the accelerator pedal. If there is one, you will need to purchase an additional bracket. You can also install it yourself.

Cruise control system installation steps

It will take an hour to complete the work. Then it is also necessary to check the operation of the system and eliminate any existing problems. The sequence of work is as follows:

  • Select the location where the system will be located. As a rule, this is a fuel filter, but a brake hose can also be used.
  • We connect the second cable and the accelerator. Before cutting it, you need to install a sensor that controls how the gas pedal is positioned. The other end must be connected to the cruise control device.
  • Find the wire that connects to the tachometer and ensure its connection to the new device. This wire is also connected to the green wire coming from the control unit. The red wire is connected to the brake light system.
  • A button is installed that is responsible for activating and deactivating the cruise control system. Here they use a double gray wire. Pulling ground from the black wire is mandatory.
  • Since the steering wheel is required to install the system control handle, it will need to be disassembled. If there are airbags, they will need to be temporarily removed. After installing the handle, the steering wheel is assembled.
  • The serviceability of the system is checked. For cruise control to be activated, all you need to do is press a button on the device.

Let's sum it up

The article discussed the question of whether it is possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission. By its principle, this function boils down to the ability to automatically maintain the speed level that was previously set by the driver. And you don't need to use the gas pedal.

To activate the cruise control system, the driver only has to press a button on the device. You can immediately feel the capabilities of the system and use it to the fullest.

After pressing the button, it is important not to touch the gas pedal with your foot. This ensures a smooth vehicle speed. It will not change even due to uneven road terrain.

In this case, the driver can use the pedal if he is overtaking or wants to stop driving.

Modern systems have two buttons: on/off and SET. If you press the latter in pairs, you can reach the maximum permissible speed.

But it is also important to note that installing such a system is only advisable for driving on country roads that are not congested with other cars. For city driving, installing the system is pointless. After all, the driver still needs to constantly use the pedal to brake.

The tips proposed in the article for installing a cruise control system on a Lada manual will help the car enthusiast successfully cope with this task on his own.

Hi all! Today we’ll talk to you about what cruise control is in a modern car, why it is needed and how to install it on cars yourself.

We have already talked about the main essence and purpose of cruise control (CC) in the previous article. 'Cause I'll leave you , and you can click on it and read interesting and useful information. From it you will learn what cruise control means, what it is like and what its key features are.

In this material we focus on mechanics. That is, let's talk about how possible it is to equip the steering wheel with special buttons and connect equipment for the cruise to work if you have a manual one.

Many people believe that the system for maintaining a predetermined speed on a car is purely the prerogative of an automatic transmission. But you are wrong. Even in the standard brain of a car with a manual transmission, it is possible to install, if not active, but at least the simplest cruise control. The circuit is quite complicated, but if you understand how the device works, you can even do the work yourself.

Mechanics and cruise control

Not everyone has the opportunity to buy a car like the latest generation Toyota Camry, where adaptive cruise control is installed along with an automatic transmission. Someone also got an ordinary Vesta on their handle. But I still really want to equip the car with the function of maintaining a speed preset by the driver.

It is wrong to think that connecting to cars with cruise mechanics is something fantastic and impossible. If you figure it out and try hard, the function will appear on almost any car. Only you must first decide whether you need such a system, or no one will actually use it. Don't rush to spend money on something you won't need. Although the final decision is yours to make in any case. Your car, your rules.

Some systems such as , are already provided on many cars as standard from the factory. And here or the same automobile Often you have to buy and install separately. The question of their necessity in a car is as relevant as in the case of cruise control.


I don’t argue that the connection diagram for the CC on cars with automatic transmission is much simpler. Car manufacturers have provided for the possibility of installing the system from the factory. Therefore, to connect, it is enough to buy equipment and install it in accordance with standard locations.

But when we talk about manual transmission, things are somewhat more complicated here. If the CC is not provided by the factory, you can still install the device. To do this, install universal equipment with your own hands or the hands of craftsmen. Experienced car owners advise giving preference to German systems. Their price is higher, but you get a unit of increased reliability. The overpayment is worth it. Just when purchasing, carefully check all components and the ability to return the product if it does not fit.

Technically, you have to install an additional bracket and a special cable attached to the gas pedal, which makes it possible to maintain the speed at the specified values. Plus, buttons are mounted on the bottom of the deflector for control. But it will turn off whenever you press the gas pedal. Therefore, you will have to press the button again to activate the cruise.

Probability of full-time work

In functional terms, the CC installed on a car will differ little from a similar system on cars with automatic transmission. Therefore, it is not difficult to figure out how to enable or use the innovation.

The only question is why you need a cruise. Some only realize over time that it was a mistake to install such a system on the car. If you regularly drive on highways and highways where you can maintain one speed for a long time, then an additional lever responsible for cruise control will definitely not hurt. But when driving around the city in heavy traffic and constant stops, the cruise loses its relevance and becomes a completely unnecessary element.

It's like in the case of pre-launch for the engine. Drivers understand that they do not need them at all, since such systems are relevant only for the most severe climatic regions with cold winters. Although against the same I have nothing. A really useful assistant in case of poor visibility on the road.

If you need QC, it can be supplied quite quickly. In this case, management will not cause any difficulties. Check with the car service center to see if cruise can be installed specifically in your case. But practice shows that this is possible on almost any car.

But also keep in mind that there are some nuances here. Namely:

  • Departures on the rise. With such an uphill movement, the car will not switch to a lower gear on its own with manual transmission. This will have to be done manually;
  • To drive up a hill in 5th gear, you need to press the gas pedal yourself. Otherwise you won’t get out on the climb;
  • With a gradual decrease in the current speed of the vehicle (on the same rise), the CC will automatically “turn off” at around 40 kilometers per hour;
  • If there is a RES button, the driver can reduce the speed by pressing it 2 times. If it is not there, you will need to press the gas pedal and determine the new required speed for the CC with the start button.

As you can see, there are some nuances here. But they are not critical.

That’s why you can increasingly find video instructions online where garage technicians talk about the features of self-installation of additional equipment. In the case of cruise control, I would advise contacting trusted specialists and certified workshops.


Tools and materials

Before installing the CC, be sure to check all components and safety systems of your machine for malfunctions. Otherwise, do not be surprised that the cruise does not turn on, or the car behaves inappropriately when trying to maintain the set speed.

To complete such a task will consist of:

  • shaped screwdriver;
  • sharp scissors or awl;
  • knife;
  • suitable sized heads;
  • strong wrenches;
  • self-tapping screws or good screws;
  • cable for connecting the system;
  • universal QC equipment;
  • special bracket.

The bracket is required if the car is equipped with a sensor that regulates the position of the pedal responsible for accelerating (gas pedal). Then the bracket is connected to it. But in some cases the cable is already included with the cruise control. Therefore, check the package, and then collect all the necessary additional tools and materials.


Step-by-step installation

In general, installation usually takes no more than 2-3 hours. Some craftsmen can even do it in an hour. But keep in mind that then you have to check the operation of the system, correct any identified inaccuracies and make sure that all settings are correct.

Step by step it looks like this:

  • Selecting a location for CC. Most car owners install the equipment near the fuel filter, since this way the unit easily connects to the brake hose. Choose any place, but it must be dry and with the possibility of connecting the cable from the gas pedal to this point. There should be no strong bends;
  • Connecting the second cable to the gas pedal. Just don't cut off the excess right away. To begin, set the desired position on the installed sensor for monitoring the current position of the accelerator pedal, a special bracket, and only after that measure the required length of the cable. Now cut. The second end is brought and connected to the CC itself;
  • To properly connect the system to the car, find the wiring from the tachometer to which the universal CC is connected. You need to connect the green wire coming from the QC ECU to the wire of your tachometer. A red wire is needed to connect to the feet;
  • Setup button to turn the system on and off. It will correspond to double gray wiring. In order for the button to work correctly, ground must be connected (it runs along the black wiring);
  • The KK control knob is located on the steering wheel, so you have to disassemble it yourself. If there are airbags, they must be disabled and removed in advance. The handle is placed on the steering wheel, and it is assembled in the reverse order.


Cruise control on a manual may seem like something fantastic to many, but if you try, you can install such an additional function on your own car. The only thing you should think about right away is whether or not you need cruise control on your car? After all, although in general this additional function greatly simplifies the process of driving a car, it also has its drawbacks.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances. Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission? The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer. What you will need for installation Installation process Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances.

Those car enthusiasts who are wondering whether there is cruise control on a manual transmission have most likely encountered this function only on cars with an automatic transmission. Indeed, this additional function is mainly used only on cars with automatic transmission, which normally have the ability to install it.

In this case, the procedure for connecting the device will be practically no difficulty, since the car owner will only have to install it in the place provided by the manufacturer.

As for cars operating on a manual transmission and on which the possibility of installing cruise control was not provided, then a universal device can be manually installed on them.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing cruise control for a car with a manual transmission, give preference to German manufacturers whose devices are highly reliable. This will allow you to avoid unexpected breakdowns of the cruise control due to overloads, which may occur due to incomplete compatibility with the car.

Technically, a similar procedure involves the additional installation of a bracket and an additional cable to the accelerator pedal, with the help of which it will be possible to control the speed of the car. Cruise control on the mechanics also involves installing a device control button at the bottom of the deflector.

However, often this button turns off after each press on the pedal (for example, when overtaking), which is why you have to activate the cruise control again.

Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission?

The operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is practically no different from its operation when installed on a car with an automatic transmission.

However, in this case, there may also be one drawback: when trying to go uphill with cruise control turned on, the driver will not be able to automatically switch to a lower gear.

Because of this, if the driver is driving in 5th gear of a manual transmission, then without additional pressing of the gas pedal he is unlikely to be able to completely overcome the entire climb.

In such a situation, another feature of cruise control appears - if the car’s speed decreases (which happens when it is impossible to drive onto a slope), the device automatically turns off at 40 km/h, so the driver in any case will have to resort to mechanical control of the gas pedal.

IT IS IMPORTANT! If there is a RES button on the cruise control device, you can reset the speed by pressing it twice. If it is absent, you can reduce the speed by pressing the gas pedal and fixing the new speed using the cruise control start button.

The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer.

Before proceeding with the installation of cruise control, the car owner must make sure that all technical components of his “iron horse” are in working order, and also install good tires on the car. This is due to the fact that in the presence of such malfunctions it is very dangerous to allow the car to drive under automatic control. If everything is in order, the driver will not expose himself to danger by driving on cruise control.

What you will need for installation

To complete the work, it is important to prepare in advance:

curved screwdriver;

scissors or an awl (the main thing is that they are very sharp);

nut head;

wrench;

a set of self-tapping screws (screws can also be used);

a cable for connecting to the accelerator (it can also be included with the device);

universal cruise control.

IMPORTANT! If your car has an accelerator pedal position sensor, then you will need to purchase an additional bracket for it, which you will also have to install yourself.

Installation process

In general, the entire work of installing cruise control on the mechanics will take you no more than an hour, however, you should set aside time to check the operation, as well as eliminate possible malfunctions. In general, the work consists of the following sequential actions:

Choosing a location for the new device. Often, car enthusiasts attach it near the fuel filter, which also allows you to connect the cruise control to the brake hose. You can choose another place for it, the main thing is that it is dry, and the cable from the accelerator can be freely connected to it (if there are strong bends in the cable, you will not be able to control the speed).

IMPORTANT! If you cannot run the cable from the accelerator in such a way that there are no bends in it, you can use a regular fishing reel, along which it will bend freely without breaking or damaging other mechanisms of the car.

We connect the second cable to the accelerator, but do not rush to cut it. First, install the bracket on the gas pedal position control sensor, and only then measure the required length of the cable and cut it. After this, the second end of the cable can be connected to the cruise control device.

To connect cruise control to a car, you must first find the tachometer connection wires, to which you need to connect the new device. The green wire that comes from the cruise control control unit must be connected to the tachometer wire. The red wire of the device is intended for connection to brake lights.

Install the cruise control activation/deactivation button. To connect it, we connect the gray double wire. For full operation of the button and device, be sure to stretch the ground that runs along the black wire.

The cruise control control knob must be installed on the steering wheel of the car, for which it will have to be disassembled. If your car has airbags, they will also have to be removed for a while. We install the handle on the steering wheel and put it back together, not forgetting about the airbags.

We check the operation of the cruise control. To do this, we recommend that you drive along an empty road where there is no traffic. It is rational to do a test activation of the device at low speed (but above 40 km/h), while being prepared for the need to control the accelerator pedal if the device suddenly does not work.

Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

The principle of operation of the cruise control function is that the device system automatically maintains the speed set by the driver, without requiring mechanical action of the foot on the gas pedal.

To activate cruise control, the driver just needs to press a button on the device, and immediately after that he can take his foot off the pedal and enjoy the car’s smooth speed, which will not change even if the road terrain changes.

But this does not mean that the driver will not be able to use the pedals when overtaking or stopping is necessary. All this is quite possible, and even more - after forced acceleration or braking, the car will still return to the same speed that was set on the cruise control.

THIS IS INTERESTING! Modern cruise control systems are equipped with more than one function on/off button. In addition to it, a SET button can be installed, pressing it in pairs will allow the driver to double the speed of the car as quickly as possible, without touching the gas pedal with his foot.

In general, the advantages of this additional function on a car with a manual transmission include the ability to relieve stress from the leg during a long trip that does not require dynamic control of the car. Thus, when driving out onto a long and unloaded highway, the driver really gets the opportunity to rest.

However, the operation of manual cruise control is rational only if the car owner constantly travels out of town onto uncrowded roads. In urban conditions, there is practically no point in installing cruise control, since the driver will constantly press the pedals with his feet.

We hope you were able to answer the question for yourself whether it is worth installing this additional function on your car, and you can clearly explain to others what cruise control is on a manual and how to install it.

The Euro 2012 Championship left us with several good “autobahns”, on which cruise control should theoretically be in demand. But how convenient is such a “device”? We looked for the answer to this question on the Kyiv-Lviv highway in a test Renault Megane.

To test the effectiveness of cruise control, the Kyiv - Lviv route was not chosen by chance. The fact is that on the four-lane section Kyiv - Zhitomir there are no settlements with a speed limit of 60 km/h, between Zhitomir and Rivne there are villages with speed limits and traffic lights, and from Rivne to Lviv there are many two-lane sections with dense traffic and speed limits. That is, all the conditions to understand where you can completely trust the cruise control and relax a little, and where you need to be on guard or, perhaps, not activate this assistant at all.

Free route

So, free route. This is the best option for using cruise control. The only negative is that boredom overcomes very quickly, which can imperceptibly induce a sleepy state, or a desire arises to find a related activity. It is these two factors that are the causes of a significant part of accidents on European autobahns, which, in fact, led to the emergence of active cruise control systems. Such a system monitors the situation in front of the car and, if there is danger, warns the driver or brakes independently. Of course, automatic systems are not yet common among us, so it is necessary to set yourself up for an active state. If this fails, turn off the cruise control and control the speed limit yourself. Exercising your legs will cause your blood to circulate better, which will reduce the likelihood of drowsiness. Talking with a passenger or eating food - for example, candy, sweet straws, chips, dried squid or anchovies, etc. - can also save you from such trouble while driving.

Busy track

With cruise control turned on, you should always be on alert on such roads so that in case of danger from neighbors downstream, you can lift your foot off the floor in time and press the brake pedal. If a car with a lower speed changes into your lane in front far enough from you, you can reduce your speed by pressing the “-” button without resorting to the brake pedal. But if the car changing lanes is not far from you, you need to slow down using the braking system, since the electronics react slowly and engine braking occurs with a delay. Well, if someone is supporting you from behind, you can accelerate as quickly as possible only with the help of the gas pedal. When you press the “+” button multiple times (one press - +2 km/h), dynamic acceleration begins with a delay and is not so active. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that with all these manipulations of the buttons, the driver is distracted from the road, because usually the legs are responsible for deceleration and acceleration, and the hands control the steering wheel. Therefore, with cruise control in dense and unstable traffic conditions, it is dangerous to functionally overload your hands.

Renault models are convenient because, in addition to cruise control (photo on the left), there is a system for limiting the maximum speed (photo on the right). In the Megane III, these systems are activated by a single button on the console between the front seats.

Settlements without restrictions

In these road conditions, regardless of traffic density, cruise control should be used with caution, since traffic speeds are high, and the likelihood of pedestrians, horse-drawn carriages or pets on the road is much greater than on the highway. The situation is aggravated by the fact that even despite the presence of separation barriers, fences and noise barriers along the highways, our compatriots manage to overcome these obstacles.

Settlements with restrictions

Cruise control paired with a limit of 60 km/h works perfectly. A low speed, even with a clearance of up to +20 km/h, eliminates surprises that could upset the balance of safety on the road - in the event of an obstacle, the time to stop at this speed will be quite enough even with cruise control turned on.

Verdict

The outcome of our trip was impressive on several levels. Firstly, during a one-day 1200-kilometer march to Lviv and back with one passenger, the average fuel consumption of the Renault Megane dCi (105 hp) at a speed limit of 120 km/h (on most highways) was 5.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. And this is with the air conditioner on! Secondly, fatigue turned out to be much less than during normal driving, which is a plus for safety, and it’s easier to go to work the next day. Thirdly, transmission units operate under more even loads, which increases their service life. True, on mountain roads you should forget about cruise control even on an open road (especially with a manual transmission). Closed turns and different radii of the trajectory make driving at a constant speed impossible. Cruise control is dangerous on our roads even in winter, since suddenly appearing slippery areas require an instant response from the gas pedal, and in the push-button control mode it is almost impossible to control the torque transmitted to the wheels.

If there is no "cruise"

If your car does not have cruise control, it can be installed as an option. It will cost 1300-2500 UAH. The price depends on the type of car and cruise control (factory, non-original, with electronic or mechanical gas pedals). If your foreign car is offered with this system, then installing it is very simple.

Yuri Datsyk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak

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