Ford Mondeo is my first car with cruise control and automatic transmission. Moreover, if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission at the factory without any alternative, then the cruise was additionally installed at my request. I really wanted to try what it is and eat it.

I tried it and liked it. So much so that I wanted it, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.

I use cruise control very often - I turn it on at the first opportunity: no matter in the city, on the highway, for a short or long period of time. Many people ask questions: where can we use a cruise, is it only for the highway, how do you use it in the city, and similar things. To clarify the practice of regularly using cruise control, I wrote this article.

A small digression - only with cruise control did I feel the beauty of an automatic transmission. The car itself maintains the speed, picks it up to a given value, the speed in turns is limited only by the instinct of self-preservation.

At the same time, I understand that using cruise control is not suitable for every driver. For example, my speed limiter did not take root, although more effort was spent activating it than installing cruise control. Therefore, there is no need to perceive the material presented in the article as dogma. This is just my experience that I share with my readers. I would even say a description of my practice of use.

So, the first thing you need to effectively use cruise control is:

• ability to read traffic: anticipate and predict the actions of cars ahead
• the ability to choose the speed of movement so as not to get on the tail of the car in front, but also not to lag behind it too much
• the ability to choose a driving distance in such a way that it is sufficient to respond to changing traffic conditions: wedging traffic, braking of the vehicle in front.

As you can see, the necessary conditions are built according to the matryoshka principle, i.e. each next one is based on the previous one: without the ability to choose a comfortable speed and anticipate the actions of other drivers, it will not be possible to choose the optimal distance.

For me personally, the minimum acceptable distance is 3-5 cars.

Examples of the optimal distance to use cruise control

Using this distance allows you to move with the flow and not have to resort to braking every time the road conditions change. As a rule, the margin of distance is enough for the situation to stabilize.

Changing the lane of the jeep did not affect my speed in any way. If necessary, the reserve distance allowed us to reduce speed and change lanes.

Although the distance of 3 cars is not enough in my opinion. There is a higher probability that you will need to slow down or change lanes. Those. The main advantage of cruise control is that the monotony and stability of movement is leveled out.

Minimum comfortable distance when using cruise control. Especially in the picture on the right.

Above we talked about driving on highways and simply multi-lane roads. Driving on single lanes is easier on one side and more difficult on the other. Easier - because if you find the optimal speed, you can comfortably travel a very significant distance. It’s more difficult - in order to find such a speed, you need to evaluate the perspective (for example, with dense oncoming traffic and a convoy of fellow travelers, overtaking is futile) and often you need to reduce the speed, for example, by 5 km/h relative to the vehicle in front.

Cruise control on single lane. The distance is large due to the truck and tends to shorten. I would have stayed closer to the car.

For those who are used to squeezing out the car, this is not an option. From my experience - when driving on single-lane roads near Moscow, a comfortable speed of movement is 75-80 km/h - on the one hand, you stay in the flow, on the other, you keep a sufficient distance from the truck in front and do not catch anything under its wheels or from the hood the body flies/may fly out.

I’ll make a reservation right away - yes, I know that the maximum permissible speed in the general case is formally 90 km/h, practically 110 km/h. But before you become indignant at the need to “vomit,” I advise you to compare your real average speed according to the on-board computer with the maximum possible. Many discoveries await you - I guarantee it.

In the city, cruise control is also not a problem. Again, if you are ready to curb your temper and do not strive to realize your Schumacher potential. It helps a lot when you are looking for something in an unfamiliar place - set it to 40-50 km/h and look for your destination.

Cruise control in the city - no problem

I cannot help but note that for many, a reasonable distance between you and the car in the direction of travel acts like a red rag to a bull. This is especially true for multi-strips; single-strips are easier. But there will always be dissatisfied people - as they say: the dog barks - the caravan moves on.

In conclusion, I will repeat once again: for me, cruise control is an excellent feature that allows me to reduce stress while driving and has a beneficial effect on my driving style. I wanted to take measurements using a computer - what percentage of the time I drive with activated cruise control, but alas, I did not find such a technical possibility. Let me just say that on a recent trip to Tula, I would rather remember those moments when I turned off the cruise than when I was driving it. Because, without exaggeration, I drove almost the entire way - both on the highway and in Moscow - adjusting the speed on the steering wheel and using the brake in front of traffic lights.

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 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 level of speed allows you to protect parts and mechanisms vehicle from rapid wear, saving 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.

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 - Zhytomyr there is no settlements with a speed limit of 60 km/h, villages with speed limits and traffic lights appear between Zhitomir and Rivne, 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 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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Long trips behind the wheel can be quite tiring for drivers. A monotonous position of the legs can lead to muscle pain and sometimes cramps. You can reduce the load on your legs and give yourself a break from the pedals using the popular option – cruise control.

Automakers mainly provide their cars with this system when equipped with automatic transmissions. However, it is not uncommon to find cruise control on a manual transmission; you will learn from the article what this gives the driver.

The system automatically participates in ensuring the vehicle maintains a constant speed while driving. The set speed is maintained until the driver independently turns it off. This mode is most popular outside the city, since on this section of the road it is possible to make longer journeys at a constant speed.

Before using cruise control, you need to know that it has several levels of dependence on the car’s on-board computer. When it is running, other systems, such as ESP or ABS, must be in good condition.

The mode is activated using the steering wheel paddle shifter or buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. To start, just use the “on/off” button. On certain sections of the road, the driver, without leaving the cruise control mode, has the opportunity to add gas without pressing the accelerator pedal with his foot. This function is also carried out using a lever or buttons on the steering wheel.

To add speed, the driver presses the button or lever with the “+” sign; the speed decrease is done in the opposite direction to the “-” sign.

You need to know that if the driver presses the brake or gas pedal while the cruise mode is on, the system will automatically switch to manual control, disabling cruise control.

Information content is provided using a special light indicator on the car panel. If the light with the corresponding image is on, then the cruise control is on.

Using the system levers, you can adjust the desired speed of the car. It is stored in the memory of the car computer. When leaving this mode, and then entering again, the driver activates the last recorded speed of the car.

Multifunction steering wheel with cruise control

As a rule, moving the lever towards “plus” or “minus” adds 1-2 km/h to the car’s speed. The minimum possible speed for setting the cruise mode is 30 km/h.

If necessary, you can exit the mode by pressing the “on/off” button again. After this, the corresponding indicator on the panel should go out.

"Mechanics" and cruise

Most often, cars with automatic transmissions are equipped with this function, although you can independently install cruise control on a manual transmission if this option is not provided by the automaker. In this case, you will have to change gears yourself.

A specialized company will also help you with tuning to install the cruise. Some organizations have universal systems prepared for installation. It is also possible to independently purchase electrical equipment. In this case, the car owner selects the most comfortable option for his vehicle, taking into account ergonomic features.

Let's explain how cruise control works on a manual, because there is some difference here from working on an automatic. When you press the clutch or brake pedal, it switches off automatically. The driver must shift the transmission to the desired gear and then reactivate the cruise control if necessary. Also, the shutdown is performed when the ignition is turned off, as is the speed settings reset.

Self-installation of cruise control

Installation is carried out on the steering wheel. To do this, a three-position button or lever is installed to provide control. They make it possible to customize the system, but you need free access to work with them. An on/off element is also mounted.

Cruise control installation kit

All wires are hidden under the casing and are routed to the electronic control unit. Signals are sent to operate the throttle valve. This can only be done on machines equipped with electronic damper control. The installation procedure takes 1-1.5 hours.

In some cases, possible side complications are problems with the central locking. There is no key adaptation. To resume this function, you will need to contact the official service, since the issue cannot be resolved on your own.

Adaptive Cruise Control System

The most advanced service for cruise control is its adaptive version. It allows you to control the speed limit of the vehicle in front, and based on the data received, the speed parameters of your own car are adjusted. Such services are usually called active, in contrast to classic passive ones.

Adaptive cruise control

The ability to maintain a safe speed limit and a sufficient interval between the front cars is ensured by built-in small radars and an additional digital signal processor.

Modern service is capable of operating at speeds of 30-200 km/h. They are already equipped with certain middle-class and premium segment models. In some cases, such systems monitor not only the nearest vehicle, but also take into account road markings, ensuring movement in the required lane.

When the car begins to approach the front car, a signal is sent to the driver about a change in road conditions. Such actions help to quickly respond to a possible obstacle. More advanced cruise controls independently perform maneuvers involving braking or other actions on the car. Such services provide drivers and passengers with increased safety conditions.

Conclusion

With cruise control, it is easier for the driver to control the car, both with an automatic transmission and a manual one. You can install this system yourself if you have an electronic control unit. Modern cruise control improves safety on the road.

Many drivers know the somewhat uncertain state of driving for a long time at one speed on an empty or almost empty road. Gradually, a certain feeling of internal inhibition and dullness sets in, and if an unexpected obstacle or obstacle appears on the road at this moment, the driver often does not have time to react correctly to changing traffic conditions. In such a situation, adaptive cruise control can be very useful.

A little history

The first system recognized as cruise control appeared in America in the middle of the last century, which is not surprising. There are quite long sections of the road, free from other cars, on which you need to move at a given speed. In fact, such conditions must be considered ideal for the operation of such a device as cruise control.

Over time it was improved, the principle of speed control and maintenance used on the first systems received further development, resulting in adaptive cruise control, first installed on Mercedes-Benz in 1999.

What are we even talking about, why do we need cruise control?

About the so-called cruise control system. Its task, in its simplest form, used on the first examples of such equipment, is to maintain the speed set by the driver. How cruise control works is quite simple to understand. What is characteristic of it is that the principle of operation coincides with the actions of the driver - the device changes the position in which the throttle valve is located when deviations from the driving mode set by the driver occur.

For example, on an ascent, when the speed slows down, the cruise control will additionally open the throttle valve, and when descending, on the contrary, it will close the throttle valve, reducing the speed. The throttle position changes according to signals from the electronic unit thanks to the special mechanics of the drive system.

The question of whether cruise control is necessary, if not considered provocative, is quite close to this. Of course, such a device does not belong to the category of mandatory and necessary car devices, such as a gearbox or clutch; it is quite possible to do without it, but it greatly facilitates the driver’s work. This is especially true for truck drivers, who have to move for a long time at the same, sometimes quite low, speed. In such cases, there is no need to think about how to use cruise control - drivers set the required speed, and the system maintains it, thereby making the driver’s work easier.

But it would be quite appropriate to ask the question whether cruise control is needed in such a somewhat primitive form as described above. And a unique answer has already been received - new systems have now been created, including adaptive cruise control, which make it possible to implement significantly more functions when driving a car. In this case, mechanics have to give way to electronics.

New generations, new opportunities and new requirements

Described earlier Cruise control, the so-called passive, provides the driver with a limited list of additional capabilities. While improving this system, various automakers have created their own versions of their implementation.
Of these, the following can be noted:

1. Radar Cruise Control - manufactured by Toyota;
2. Preview Distance Control - manufactured by Mitsubishi;
3. Distronic – Mercedes-Benz;
4. Adaptive Cruise Control – Volkswagen, Audi, Honda.

These systems already represent the next generation - adaptive cruise control. Its characteristic feature is that it is not passive, but active cruise control. With its help, you can not only maintain and control a given speed - under its control, the car independently brakes and accelerates.
To perform such functions, adaptive cruise control includes:

• sensor used to control speed and distance;
• electronic control controller;
• devices that execute the required commands coming from the controller.

To understand why and how intelligent cruise control is needed, just look at the figure below:


In this case, not only the speed is controlled, but also the distance between moving cars, for which the active cruise control of the car behind irradiates the front car and, based on the reflected signal, determines the distance between them. If it decreases, then the second car begins to slow down, if it increases, then it accelerates, remaining within the speed set by the driver.
Active cruise control can be equipped with two types of sensors:

1. laser;
2. radar

The laser sensor is cheaper, but its effectiveness depends on external conditions; fog or rain negatively affect its operation. Radar is not subject to such influences, but its price is higher.

What else can he do?

It is worth touching on the additional features that cruise control provides. In addition to determining the distance between cars, calculated from the delay time of the reflected signal, the system is able to determine the speed of the car ahead, for which a change in the frequency of the reflected signal is used according to the Doppler effect.


Dynamic control - monitoring the movement parameters of the car ahead, is supplemented by monitoring its position on the road, i.e. the location of the front car relative to the rear one on the road.

How to use cruise control

It is generally accepted that cruise control is controlled using the steering column switch.
These controls are shown in the illustrations below as an example:


When organizing such a control system, it becomes intuitively clear how to use cruise control. Initially, you need to turn on the system. Then, as you begin to move, when the desired speed is reached (in the range from thirty to two hundred km), it is entered into the system memory and will be maintained. The required distance is set by moving the corresponding slider. All set driving parameters for driver control are displayed on the instrument panel, as well as additional indicators in the form of glowing LEDs and special pictograms.

The set speed value can be increased/decreased using the switch. The information provided on how to use cruise control is sufficient to set safe vehicle driving conditions thanks to a well-designed control system.

Although cruise control is not a mandatory element of car equipment, it contributes to increasing the level of traffic safety and providing additional comfort when driving a car.