Cruise control in a car: what it is, pros and cons. How does cruise control work with a manual transmission? & Nbsp Do I need cruise control in a car

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

Getting to know your device

Cruise control on mechanics has its main purpose to save gasoline and other types of existing fuel. The system is designed for use on premium vehicles. After all, the process of movement 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. These fluctuations in speed provide uneven fuel consumption and constant driver distraction.

System advantages

Statistics show that the use of cruise control on the mechanics can save fuel by an average of 12%.

In addition, maintaining a constant level of speed allows you to save parts and mechanisms. vehicle from quick wear, 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 the mechanics, many additional options can be obtained. Including scanning the free space that opens in front of the car. This way the driver can find out if there are any unexpected obstacles on his way.

The indicator of the lower speed limit is equal to a number from 30 to 50 km / h. The level of the upper speed limit will depend on who the vehicle manufacturer is. Typically, the performance of such a system varies from 200 to 220 km / h. At a low speed level, for example, if there is a traffic jam, the driver will only need to use 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 the throttle stick.

Description of the cruise control scheme

For example, let's take the new "Lada", which does not provide for the presence of 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 motor compartment.
• Electric or pneumatic throttle actuator. It depends on what type of fuel delivery system is being used. This drive and throttle assembly are connected together.
• A switch is 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 provided.

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

Features of work

Installing cruise control on the mechanics is considered unrealistic for many motorists. But with a detailed study of the issue, you can find out that such an installation can be performed even with your own hands. The main thing is to think over the expediency of such an action. Indeed, in addition to the advantages listed above, the cruise control system also has some disadvantages. They will be discussed later.

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

On Lada-Vesta, cruise control can be successfully installed if you use a universal device for this purpose.

Do-it-yourself cruise control on mechanics can be installed with your own hands. This will help the advice given by professionals. As mentioned above, a universal device is used for mechanics. It is desirable that it be German, since it is these systems that differ high quality and, according to consumer reviews, are quite reliable. Choosing a quality cruise control system is a guarantee of protection against malfunctions and breakdowns, which can be caused by overload. Overload is caused by incomplete compatibility of the vehicle and the universal cruise control system.

Installation features

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

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

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

It is important to pay attention to the presence of a sensor that monitors the position of the accelerator pedal. If you have one, you will need to purchase an additional bracket. It will also be possible to install it with your own hands.

Steps to install the cruise control system

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

• Choose a place where the system will be located. Typically this is a fuel filter, but a brake hose can also be used.
• We connect the second cable and the accelerator. Before cutting it off, it is necessary to install the sensor that controls how the gas pedal is located. The other end is to connect the cable to the cruise control device.
• Find the wire that connects to the tachometer and connect it to the new device. This wire is also connected to a green wire extending 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 gray double wire. Pulling the mass 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 airbags are present, they will need to be temporarily removed. After installing the handle, the handlebar is assembled.
• The health of the system is checked. To activate the cruise control, just press the button on the device.

Let's summarize

The article considered the question of whether it is possible to install the cruise control on the mechanics. By its principle, this function is reduced 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. Already immediately you can 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 an even 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. In the case of double pressing of the latter, you can develop the maximum permissible speed.

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

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

The Euro 2012 championship left us some good “autobahns”, on which cruise control should theoretically be in demand. But how convenient is such a "device"? We were looking for the answer to this question on the Kiev - Lviv highway on a test Renault Megane.

To test the effectiveness of cruise control, the Kiev - Lviv route was not chosen by chance. The fact is that on the four-lane section Kiev - Zhytomyr there is no settlements with a speed limit of 60 km / h, villages with a speed limit 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 the lookout or, perhaps, not activate this assistant at all.

Free track

So, a free track. This is the best way to use cruise control. The only negative is that boredom very quickly overcomes, which can imperceptibly induce a sleepy state, or there is a desire to find a passing activity. It is these two factors that are the reasons for a significant part of road accidents on the autobahns of Europe, which, in fact, led to the emergence of active cruise control systems. Such a system monitors the situation in front of the car and, in case of danger, warns the driver or brakes on its own. Of course, automatic systems are not yet widespread in our country, so it is necessary to tune oneself to an active state. If this fails, turn off cruise control and operate the speed limit yourself. Footwork will make your blood circulate better, which will reduce the likelihood of drowsiness. Conversations with a passenger or food - for example, candy, sweet straws, chips, dried squid or anchovies, etc. - also save you from such a nuisance while driving.

Loaded track

With cruise control on on such roads, you should always be on the lookout so that in case of danger from neighbors downstream in time to raise your foot off the floor and press the brake pedal. If a car at a slower speed is rebuilding into your lane in front, far enough away from you, you can lower your speed by pressing the "-" button without using the brake pedal. But if the car being rebuilt is not far from you, you need to slow down using the braking system, since the electronics react slowly and engine braking is delayed. Well, if someone props up from behind, you can accelerate as quickly as possible only with the help of the gas pedal. When you press the "+" button several times (one press - +2 km / h), dynamic acceleration starts with a delay and is not so active. It is worth noting that with all these button manipulations, 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, it is dangerous to functionally overload your hands with cruise control in conditions of dense and unstable traffic.

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

Settlements without restrictions

In given road conditions, regardless of density traffic flow use cruise control with caution, as the speed is 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 screens along the highways, our compatriots manage to overcome these obstacles.

Localities with restrictions

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

Verdict

The outcome of our trip was impressive in several ways. Firstly, for 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 of 120 km / h (on most routes) was 5.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. And this is when the air conditioner is on! Secondly, fatigue turned out to be much less than during normal driving, and this is a plus for safety, and it is easier to go to work the next day. Thirdly, transmission units operate under more even loads, which increases their resource. True, on mountain roads, you should forget about cruise control even on a free track (especially with a manual gearbox). Closed corners and different radii of the trajectory make it impossible to drive on constant speed... Cruise control on our roads is also dangerous 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 a cruise control, it can be installed as an option. It will cost 1300-2500 UAH. The price depends on the type of vehicle and cruise control (factory, non-native, with electronic or mechanical gas pedals). If a complete set with this system is offered for your foreign car, then it is very easy to install it.

Yuri Datsyk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak

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Long driving trips can be tiring for drivers. Monotonous position of the legs can lead to muscle pain and sometimes cramps. To reduce the strain on your legs and give you the opportunity to rest from the pedals, you can use the popular option - cruise control.

Car manufacturers mainly provide their cars with this system when equipped with automatic transmissions. However, it is not uncommon for you to find cruise control on the mechanics, which gives the driver, you will learn from the article.

The system automatically participates in providing the car with a constant speed while driving. The set speed is maintained until the driver switches it off on his own. This mode is most in demand outside the city, since on this section of the road it is possible to make longer journeys at a constant speed.

Before using the cruise control, you need to know that it has several levels of dependence on the car's on-board computer. During its operation, the rest of the systems, such as ESP or ABS, must be in good condition.

The mode is activated using the paddle paddle 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 ability 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 a button or lever with a "+" sign, the speed reduction is done in reverse 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 the cruise control.

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

Using the levers of the system, it is possible to set the desired vehicle speed. It is entered into the memory of the car computer. Leaving this mode, and then entering again, the driver activates the last recorded speed of the car.

Multi-wheel with cruise control

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

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

"Mechanics" and cruise

Most often, cars with an automatic transmission are equipped with this function, although you can independently put cruise control on the mechanics if this option is not provided by the automaker. In this case, you will have to switch the gear yourself.

A specialized company will also help you to carry out tuning for the installation of the cruise. Some organizations have universal systems prepared for installation. Self-purchase of electrical equipment is also allowed. In this case, the car owner selects the most comfortable option for his vehicle, taking into account ergonomic features.

Let us explain how the cruise control works on the mechanics, because there is some difference from the work on the "automatic". Pressing the clutch or brake pedal automatically disengages. The driver must shift the transmission to the desired gear and then restart cruise control if necessary. Also, shutdown is performed when the ignition is turned off, as well as resetting the speed settings.

Self-installation of cruise control

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

Cruise control kit

All wires are hidden under the casing and lead to the electronic control unit. Signals are supplied for operation with the throttle valve. This can only be done on machines equipped with an electronically controlled damper. The installation procedure takes 1-1.5 hours.

In some cases, problems with the central locking system are possible side complications. At the same time, 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 progressive service for cruise control is its adaptive version. It allows you to control the speed limit of the vehicle in front, and on the basis of the data obtained, the speed parameters of your own car are adjusted. Such services are usually called active, in contrast to the classic passive.

Adaptive cruise control

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

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

When the approach begins with the front car, a signal is given 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 with braking or other action on the car. Such services provide drivers and passengers with increased safety conditions.

Conclusion

In the presence of cruise control, it is easier for the driver to control the car, both with an automatic transmission and with a "mechanic". You can install this system yourself if you have an electronic control unit. Modern cruise control improves road safety.

Hello everyone! Today we'll talk with you about what cruise control is in a modern car, why you need it and how you can install it on cars yourself.

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

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

Many believe that the system for maintaining a predetermined speed on the car is purely the prerogative of the automatic transmission. But you are wrong. Even in the standard brain of a car with a manual transmission, it is really possible to put, if not active, but at least the simplest cruise control. The scheme is quite complex, if you figure out 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, which is equipped with adaptive cruise control along with an automatic transmission. Someone got the usual Vesta on the handle. But all the same, I really want to equip the car with the function of maintaining the speed preset by the driver.

It is wrong to think that connecting to cars on a cruise mechanic 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 be in a hurry to spend money on something you don't need. Though final decision take you anyway. Your car is your rule.

Some systems such as , are already provided on many cars in the standard factory configuration. But or the same car often you have to buy and mount separately. The question of their need for a car is as relevant as in the case of cruise control.

I do not argue that the QC connection diagram for 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 deliver it according to regular places.

But when we talk about the manual transmission, the situation here is somewhat more complicated. If the QC is not provided by the factory, you can still install the device. For this, universal equipment is mounted with their own hands or by the hands of craftsmen. Experienced car owners are advised to give preference to German systems. Their price is higher, but you get a unit with increased reliability. The overpayment justifies itself. Only when buying, carefully check all components and the possibility of returning the product if it does not fit.

Technically, you have to install an additional bracket and suspension to the gas pedal, a special cable that provides the ability to maintain the speed at the set values. Plus, buttons are mounted at the bottom of the deflector for control. But it will turn off whenever you step on the gas pedal. Therefore, you will have to repeatedly press the button to activate the cruise.

The likelihood of full-fledged work

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

The only question is what you need a cruise for. Some only eventually realize that it was a mistake to put such a system on the machine. If you regularly move on highways and highways, where you can keep one speed for a long time, then the additional lever responsible for cruise control will definitely not hurt. But when driving around the city in conditions of heavy traffic and constant stops, the cruise loses its relevance and becomes a completely unnecessary element.

This is the case with prestarting 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 helper in poor visibility on the road.

If you need QC, it can be delivered pretty quickly. At the same time, management will not cause any difficulties. Check with the car service if it is possible to set the cruise 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:

• Trips to the rise. With such an uphill movement, the machine will not independently shift to a lower gear with CC on mechanics. This will have to be done manually;
• To drive up the hill in 5th gear, you need to press the gas pedal yourself. Otherwise, you will not get to the rise;
• With a gradual decrease in the current speed of the vehicle (in the same ascent), the spacecraft will automatically be "cut down" at around 40 kilometers per hour;
• If there is a RES button, the driver can reset 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.

Therefore, more and more often you can find video instructions on the network, where garage masters talk about the features of self-installation of additional equipment. In the case of cruise control, I would advise you to contact trusted specialists and certified workshops.

Tools and materials

Before installing the KK, be sure to check all components and safety systems of your machine for faults. Otherwise, do not be surprised if the cruise does not start, or the car behaves inappropriately when trying to go to maintain the set speed.

To accomplish such a task, it will consist of:

• curly screwdriver;
• sharp scissors or an awl;
• knife;
• matching heads;
• durable wrenches;
• self-tapping screws or good screws;
• cable for connecting the system;
• universal QC equipment;
• special bracket.

The bracket is required if the machine is equipped with a sensor that regulates the position of the pedal that is responsible for accelerating (accelerator pedal). Then a bracket is connected to it. But in some cases, the cable is already included in the cruise control kit. Therefore, check the package contents, 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 do it even in an hour. But keep in mind that then you have to check the operation of the system, correct the identified inaccuracies and make sure that all the settings are correct.

In stages it looks like this:

• Choosing a place for QC. Most car owners install the equipment near the fuel filter, since it easily connects the unit to the brake hose. Choose any place, but always dry and with the possibility of bringing a cable to this point from the gas pedal. There should not be any strong bends;
• Connecting the second cable to the gas pedal. Just don't cut the excess right away. To begin with, set a special bracket on the installed sensor for monitoring the current position of the accelerator pedal, and after that measure the required length of the cable. Now cut it off. The second end is supplied 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. To the wire of your tachometer, you need to connect the green wiring coming from the KK ECU. The red posting is required to connect with the feet;
• Settings button to turn the system on and off. Double gray wiring will answer for it. For the button to work correctly, the mass must be connected (it passes through the black wiring);
• The KK control handle is located on the steering wheel, therefore it has to be disassembled independently. If airbags are present, they must be deactivated and removed in advance. The handle is placed on the steering wheel, and it is assembled in the reverse order.

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

I tried it, I liked it. So much so that I wanted to, that alas, it did not work out.

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

A small lyrical digression - only with the cruise control I felt 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 cruise control is not suitable for every driver. For example, the speed limiter did not take root for me, although the efforts to activate it were spent more than installing the cruise control. Therefore, there is no need to perceive the material presented in the article as a dogma. This is just my experience that I share with my readers. Even I would say a description of my practice of use.

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

• the ability to read the stream: to anticipate and anticipate the actions of the cars in front
• the ability to choose the speed of movement so as not to press on the tail of the car in front, but also to keep up with it too much
• the ability to choose a driving distance in such a way that it was sufficient to respond to changing traffic conditions: wedging traffic, braking of the vehicle in front.

As you can see, the necessary conditions are built on the principle of matryoshka dolls, i.e. each next 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 Optimal Distances for Using Cruise Control

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

Although the distance of 3 cars is not enough in my opinion. There is already a higher probability that it will be necessary to slow down or rebuild. Those. the main advantage of cruise control is that the monotony and stability of movement is leveled.

Above, we talked about driving on highways and simply multi-lane roads. With the movement along single-strip on one side it is easier, on the other it is more difficult. Easier - because if you find the optimal speed, you can comfortably travel a very significant distance. It is more difficult - to find such a speed, you need to assess the prospect (for example, with dense oncoming traffic and a convoy of fellow travelers, overtaking is futile) and often you need to slow down, for example, by 5 km / h relative to the vehicle in front.

For those who are used to squeezing out of the car - not an option. From my experience - when driving along the Moscow region odnoloposki comfortable speed of movement - 75-80 km / h - on the one hand, you keep in the stream, on the other, you keep a sufficient distance from the truck in front and you do not catch with the hood everything that it has from under the wheels or from body flies / can 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, almost 110 km / h. But before resenting the need to "vomit" I advise you to compare your real average speed on the on-board computer with the maximum possible. A lot of discoveries await you - I guarantee.

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

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

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