What Is An Adaptive Cruise Control?
One of the advantages of today’s vehicles is the increased number of active safety and driving assistance systems that equip them. Among these modern technologies, there is the adaptive cruise control, also called “smart” or “radar” cruise control.
Depending on the year and model of vehicle you want to buy, this device that many drivers enjoy could be included. But just how useful is it? And how does it work? Let's take a closer look.
How Does It Work?
In short, a vehicle equipped with an adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses sensors to measure the distance between itself and the vehicle ahead. Its speed adjusts automatically to maintain a gap between the two, according to the driver's preference. When the vehicle ahead exits the lane, the ACC returns to the set speed.
When your car’s ACC detects an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle in front of you, or if another vehicle cuts you off, it will automatically apply measured braking and notify you with a warning light or sound.
In some cases, the system is more sophisticated and can slow the vehicle down to a complete stop, when it detects very slow traffic for example, and make it accelerate when the cars ahead start moving again.
How Do You Use It?
The ACC can be used the same way you’d use a traditional cruise control. However, your steering wheel will feature an additional button (or two) to set the distance you wish to maintain between your car and the one in front of it. Three or four distance levels are generally offered: short, medium and long.
Are these systems useful? Like many other modern-day driving assists, the goal is to reduce the driver’s stress and fatigue, which in turn reduces the risks of collision and makes the roads safer in general.
But remember, the adaptive cruise control is there to help you drive; they are NOT a substitute for your judgement and alertness. You might have to apply the brakes to avoid a collision, or if a slower vehicle cuts you off.
Lastly, you should only use your ACC on the highway and never in the city. To learn more about its capabilities and limitations, we strongly suggest you read the owner’s manual included with your new vehicle.
