How Cruise Control Works
The cruise control system is used to control and maintain a consistent speed
of the vehicle with the help of an
electrical or vacuum actuator
connected to the engine throttle. The cruise control system is also known by alternative
names such as auto-cruise and speed control. A mechanical engineer by the name of
Ralph Teetor in 1945, invented the Speedostat, the modern cruise control system.
The idea was the ground speed was calculated by counting the drive shaft rotations.
The throttle position was changed by the actuator using a controller sensing the
rotations. The cruise control system is by default turned off, but can be activated
by the user. Other than the on switch, there are switches for set, accelerate, resume,
cancel and coast features.
Cruise Control Lever (appearance will vary) While in cruise mode you can use the cancel button or simply tap the brake or clutch pedal to disable cruise. The memory feature helps to resume the set speed after disabling the system. The set speed can be decreased with the help of the coast feature without using the brakes. The throttle can be used to increase the speed while the car is set is cruise mode. But after it is released, the speed decreases until it returns to the previously set speed. Most cruise control systems consist of a control unit, shaft or wheel speed sensor, control switches, brake switch, throttle body, wiring harness and vacuum lines. Some systems unitize an electronic throttle body control which responds like a mechanical link between the throttle and the accelerator pedal which is easily controlled within the engine management system. Some of the latest automobiles have a laser or radar control system which is known as the autonomous cruise control or active cruise control. With the help of this program the set distance between the car in front of you is maintained. When the distance setting is compromised the speed is automatically decreased and then holds an alternative set speed when the distance increases. Some systems also include the forward collision warning. In this system, the speed of both the cars is calculated and when the distance between them is compromised a warning signal is illuminated.
If further technical assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information
Cruise Control Lever (appearance will vary) While in cruise mode you can use the cancel button or simply tap the brake or clutch pedal to disable cruise. The memory feature helps to resume the set speed after disabling the system. The set speed can be decreased with the help of the coast feature without using the brakes. The throttle can be used to increase the speed while the car is set is cruise mode. But after it is released, the speed decreases until it returns to the previously set speed. Most cruise control systems consist of a control unit, shaft or wheel speed sensor, control switches, brake switch, throttle body, wiring harness and vacuum lines. Some systems unitize an electronic throttle body control which responds like a mechanical link between the throttle and the accelerator pedal which is easily controlled within the engine management system. Some of the latest automobiles have a laser or radar control system which is known as the autonomous cruise control or active cruise control. With the help of this program the set distance between the car in front of you is maintained. When the distance setting is compromised the speed is automatically decreased and then holds an alternative set speed when the distance increases. Some systems also include the forward collision warning. In this system, the speed of both the cars is calculated and when the distance between them is compromised a warning signal is illuminated.
If further technical assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Related Car Repair Information