Since cars were first invented, auto manufacturers have used new technologies to improve the safety and convenience for the customers. Today, automakers use the most modern technology to integrate advanced features in their cars, such as backup cameras, blind spot warning systems, airbags, etc. Amongst the host of modern technologies you may find in newer car models, Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control deserve special mention.
If you are unsure what is cruise control or what is adaptive cruise control in a car, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we discuss different aspects of cruise control and adaptive cruise. So, without any further ado, let's get started.
What is cruise control in the car?
Driving on an empty and open road can be fun. You may love cruising along. However, driving for a long time can be challenging, tiring, and sometimes painful, as you may have to keep pressing the accelerator to maintain a constant speed. This is where the cruise control system of your car comes into play.
Cruise control is a system that allows you to maintain the car speed that you set without any external intervention. It automatically controls the car's speed, keeps the car running at a specific speed, and never crosses the set speed limit.
Today, cruise control has become a common feature in modern cars, and you can easily find it in many top-variant sedan and hatchback models.
How does the cruise control system work?
Cruise control in a car is a unique technology that replicates the driver's inputs to control the vehicle's speed. However, instead of pressing the accelerator, it uses a different mechanism to maintain a constant speed so that the car cruises smoothly.
Initially, when the system was introduced, it used a cable to control the accelerator. It adjusted the car's speed by engaging the throttle with the help of an actuator. So, depending on the speed limit the driver sets, the system automatically adjusts the throttle position.
However, cruise control systems have evolved significantly over the years with technological advancement. In modern cars, the cruise control system relies entirely on electronic components. Instead of a cable, the system communicates with the throttle through different sensors connected to the car's electronic control unit or ECU. So, when the driver sets a specific speed limit, ECU determines the throttle position and engages it wirelessly.
Pros and cons of cruise control system
The cruise control system in a car makes driving easy, convenient and safe. But, like any other feature, it has both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- Helps reduce fatigue while driving
- Improves car's fuel efficiency
- Helps you abide by the traffic rules and drive within the speed limit
- Allows you to increase or decrease the car speed with just a click of a button
- It works best with automatic cars.
Cons
- It is not suited for Indian roads that are primarily narrow, in bad condition, and congested
- It can induce drowsiness
- You cannot use the cruise control system at night
- The system does not work effectively in manual cars as it does in automatic cars
What is an adaptive cruise control system in a car?
In simple words, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is the advanced and more evolved version of the Cruise Control System. ACC does more than maintain the steady speed of the car that you set. It uses adaptive systems to automatically adjust the car speed as per the speed of the vehicle ahead of you.
If the vehicle ahead of you slows down or accelerates, ACC can automatically match its speed. Once the vehicle in front of you moves out of the lane or accelerates beyond the speed limit you have set, ACC allows the car to return to the set speed limit.
While using or activating the adaptive cruise control system in the car, you must set the speed limit and the following preferred distance.
How does adaptive cruise control work?
The ACC system in a car uses built-in computers and sophisticated sensor systems, such as lasers or radars, to monitor the other vehicles on the road. Because of this, adaptive cruise control is also commonly referred to as autonomous cruise control, radar cruise control or active cruise control.
Once you set the preferred speed limit into the ACC system, it will take over and start monitoring the car's surroundings. It runs a signal from the radar headway system through a digital signal processor to assess the distance of the nearest vehicle or other object and then uses the longitudinal controller to determine a safe distance behind.
If you set a too small following distance, the ACC system will immediately signal the engine or brakes and slow down the car. Once the path is completely clear, the system will accelerate the car back to the preferred speed limit. The ACC helps the car maintain a constant speed by restricting the airflow to the engine when the vehicle is close to its speed limit and increasing the airflow when it is below the speed setting.
Pros and cons of cruise control system
The traditional cruise control system is useful only in specific conditions, such as driving on an empty road or in light traffic. However, when you drive in heavy traffic, you may have to constantly adjust the car speed to maintain a safe distance from other cars and objects and avoid accidents. In such situations, the cruise control system becomes more of a hassle than a convenience.
This is where the adaptive cruise control in a car is a blessing. With the ACC system, you can take advantage of cruise control even in heavy traffic situations. Today, many modern ACC systems are paired with pre-crash warning systems that inform you about the sudden change in the car's speed ahead of you and warn you to apply brakes.
While the ACC system has many advantages, it has limitations too. Even if you engage in the ACC system, you must still be cautious and aware of the surroundings to get the best results. Besides, the ACC system may not be helpful while driving in adverse weather conditions like snow, fog or rain, as it may confuse the system's sensors.
Both cruise control and advanced cruise control systems are incredible innovations that make driving more fun, comfortable and safe. You can enjoy driving your favourite car integrated with such high-end features without buying it. Instead, you can subscribe to the car through Quiklyz, one of India's leading car subscription services.
