WARNING!

Cruise control can be dangerous in an environment where safety reasons require frequent vehicle speed reductions. The vehicle may be moving too fast in a changed road situation. This is fraught with loss of control over the vehicle and a traffic accident. Do not engage cruise control under the following conditions:

In the car. Meanwhile, this is an old system that previously could only maintain the speed of the car, and the driver did not have to hold down the gas pedal. This system provided additional convenience and comfort when driving on highways and highways. As a result of using cruise control, the driver is less tired while driving. Also, in theory, this helps to reduce fuel consumption, since the engine runs evenly when the system is used, and its rpm does not jump.

What is cruise control in a car for?

This system is needed to provide additional convenience when traveling long distances. For example, if a driver needs to get from one city to another, having covered 500-600 kilometers at the same time, then by car without this system he will have to hold the gas pedal for 5-6 hours (depending on the speed of movement), which is actually equal to holding the right foot in an uncomfortable position. During the entire travel time, you want to change the position of your leg, but this cannot be done. It seems that this is a trifle, but keeping the gas pedal for 5-6 hours is actually very difficult.

By activating the cruise control function in the car, the driver can afford to release the accelerator pedal. The system will supply fuel to the combustion chambers not through the gas pedal, but through special pneumatic actuators. The driver will be able to adjust the speed of movement using the buttons that are located on the steering wheel (usually there are 5 buttons).

System management

Now that we understand what it is - cruise control in a car, we can figure out how it works. Usually there are 5 buttons on the steering wheel to control this system:

1. On / Off button that activates and deactivates the system.
2. Switch for fixing the speed mode and increasing the speed. That is, after accelerating to the required speed, the driver can use the switch to fix the current speed and release the accelerator pedal. Subsequent pressing of this button will increase the driving speed by 1 km per hour.
3. If, while using the cruise control, the driver had to quickly accelerate or brake by pressing the gas or brake pedal, then the parameters of this system are reset. To quickly activate cruise control and return to the previously set speed, the driver must press the Resume button.
4. Coast speed reduction button. Each press of the button decreases the driving speed by 1 km. In some models, the step of decreasing and adding speed is 1.5 km.
5. The Cancel button deactivates the system.

Depending on the car model, this system can be represented by other buttons, the step of accelerating and decelerating may differ. But the principle looks exactly as described above.

Views

There are several types of cruise control in the car. What does passive or active type mean? In the first case, the driver can only set the speed of the vehicle. However, the second type involves the use of sophisticated electronic devices that scan the space in front of the car, which opens up additional possibilities for controlling the vehicle depending on the driving conditions.

Passive type (PPC)

As we have already found out, passive cruise control allows you to maintain a given speed, which is convenient for long trips over long distances. Due to the constant high-speed operation of the engine, fuel economy is provided.

The control is deactivated when the driver is slightly pressed on the gas pedal. The design of such a system has a special pneumatic drive that regulates the flow of the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber through the throttle valve. This eliminates the need to use the gas pedal.

Active (or adaptive) type

Adaptive cruise control is an improved version of the active type. In addition to the ability to maintain the speed limit without pressing the gas pedal, cars with adaptive cruise control can calculate the distance to the vehicle in front, and also reduce or increase speed depending on the situation on the road. That is, if the system detects that the distance to the vehicle in front is decreasing, then the system also slows down. The deceleration is carried out until the time between the cars, in the opinion of the system, becomes optimal. If the sensor stops seeing an obstacle in front, then the car picks up speed and keeps this speed limit.

Security

The adaptive setting of cruise control on the car is quite smart, it provides not only comfort when driving on highways and highways, but also the safety of the driver who can relax too much on the road.

In addition, this system can produce not only emergency braking, but also evasive maneuvers. This greatly improves driving safety, and often such systems preserve the life of people and the integrity of the vehicle itself in various situations on the road.

Note that adaptive (or active) cruise control is closely related to the operation of the ABS and ESP systems (stabilization and anti-towing systems), and if at least one of them stops working, then cruise control cannot be activated either.

Dynamic type

In addition to adaptive and passive cruise control, there is also a dynamic one. It is one of the varieties of the passive type. A feature of this system is the control of engine operation, which saves fuel and engine resource.

For example, when climbing a hill, the system slows down and slows down, which protects the motor from unnecessary loads. Also, the speed is reduced when there are any problems with the engine and when the car enters corners. After cornering, the previous speed is restored.

Now we figured out what it is - cruise control in a car. Let's define its main advantages and disadvantages.

pros

The benefits of this system are obvious to every driver. First of all, this is convenience when driving and reducing the stress on the back due to the absence of the need to keep your foot on the gas pedal. Some drivers cite fuel economy as a virtue of this system. In theory, savings are achieved by ensuring the uniformity of the engine and the absence of drops in fuel injection. In addition, if adaptive cruise control is installed, then it also provides additional vehicle safety.

disadvantages

The main disadvantage is the high cost of the system. Cars with cruise control systems are expensive and out of reach for most consumers. However, cars with conventional passive systems are already available to the middle class of consumers.

If you believe the reviews of some drivers who actively use this system, fuel economy is completely absent, and in some cases there is even increased consumption. Another serious drawback is the unsafe use of the system due to the fact that the driver can relax too much while driving the car. Constantly keeping your foot on the gas pedal, you will not be able to relax too much.

The next disadvantage is the impossibility of using the system on roads with frequent descents and turns, as well as on highways with heavy traffic. There is no need to talk about using the system in the city at all.

Many drivers do not recommend using this system on the road after or during rain, as the driver needs to feel the car when braking. Otherwise, it may lead to an accident. This system is suitable only for those drivers who often travel from city to city. In city traffic, the function is practically useless, since there are no long sections of the highway in the city where it would be possible to keep a stable speed for a long time.

Conclusion

Now we finally understand what it is in a car - cruise control. Such a system is really useful and necessary - it should be in every car. Gradually, such systems appear in cars of the middle and even budget class, but so far these are just passive varieties. In addition, this system can be installed even on a car in which this technology is not provided by the manufacturer. Special installations are sold at car dealerships.

On this you can put an end. We figured out what it is - cruise control in a car. The technology is useful in some cases, but you shouldn't get carried away with it, since the driver must not lose concentration on the road.

Cruise control is a special device in a car that allows you to maintain a constant speed while driving by increasing speed during natural deceleration (uphill) or by reducing the gas supply during descents. The system is needed on long journeys when intense attention is required from the driver. For the cruise control to work effectively, so that the driver can feel it, you need large sections of the road with good coverage. Naturally, the cruise control system is most in demand in countries such as the United States, where there are good long roads.

How sad it is to realize, it turns out good roads maybe even where there are no large settlements

Many drivers who have bought a used foreign car (even a very expensive and luxurious one) sometimes do not know about the full functionality of their car. This can be explained by the fact that to drive a car, it is enough to study its main characteristics, or by the fact that the documents (passport or description) for the car are not complete or have been completely lost.

Most often, a key device built into the steering wheel of a car is ignored in whole or in part, after unsuccessful attempts to turn it on.

Many owners of foreign cars still cannot understand why the CRUISE button on the steering wheel is needed

Today's cruise control systems are categorized into passive and adaptive.

Passive systems

The passive cruise control system includes the following elements:

• system control keys;
• automatic control controller;
• servo;
• solenoid valves for servo control;
• throttle actuator.

How cruise control works

The servo uses the vacuum generated in the manifold when the engine is running. The controller, depending on the difference between the signals about the real and the set speed, controls the vacuum and ventilation valves of the servo drive according to the set program. The signal from the servo diaphragm goes to throttle control, adjusting the fuel flow. This maintains a constant (set) speed of the machine when the load on the engine changes (ascent, descent).

On a road where the descent is constantly replaced by an ascent, it is better to drive with the cruise control on, otherwise you will constantly have to press and then drop the gas pedal

The controller is programmed in such a way that the cruise control system cannot be forced on if the vehicle speed is less than 40 km / h. On the other hand, the controller is automatically disabled when the driver presses the brake pedal.

Cruise control

As a rule, the control keys are located on the multifunction lever or in the center of the steering wheel, in some models on the front panel, usually labeled CRUISE.

Cruise control

1. OFF key - off.
2. Key ON - turn on the cruise control controller. When you press this key, the system itself is activated, but to set the desired speed value, you need to dial required speed while pressing the accelerator, for example 60 km / h, and press and release the SET button. From this moment, the car will keep the set speed under the control of the controller, the CRUISE ENGAGED indicator will light up.
3. To accelerate the car with activated cruise control (the ON button was pressed), press the RES + (RESUME / ACCELERATE (R / A)) button (switch). A short press (half a second) will result in a minimum speed increase of 1.6 km / h. If you press (hold the switch) RES + during acceleration to the desired speed, the controller will remember exactly the value that was reached at the moment the button (switch) was released.
4. A short press of the SET button while the cruise control is activated (the ON button was pressed) will reduce the speed by 1.6 km / h, and a long hold on the button will allow you to reduce the speed to the desired one.
5. When overtaking, you need to press the gas pedal (increase the vehicle speed), after completing the maneuver, release the accelerator pedal. The controller will reduce the speed to the value before overtaking, and the vehicle speed will again be constant.
6. You can turn off the cruise control either by pressing the brake pedal, then the system will not remember the set speed, or by pressing the OFF button, the next time the system is activated without turning off the car, the system will pick up and maintain the previously set speed.

When the cruise control system is on, there is no need to "press on the gas" - you can take your foot off the gas pedal. You can also set the permitted speed to 90 km / h and sometimes increase it.

Operating conditions

With frequent descents and ascents, there may be some difficulty in driving with cruise control activated. It depends on a combination of three factors: the steepness of the road, the set speed and the steepness of the descent (ascent). When going uphill, a loss of speed is possible, while on a steep descent, engine braking may not be enough, you will need to press the brake pedal. This inevitably leads to drivers disabling the cruise control system in these variable conditions.

A WARNING!!!

It is categorically impossible to turn on the cruise control system when icing on the road, on wet and slippery roads. This could lead to an accident.
Cruise control must not be used in difficult road conditions (fog, night, rain, snow, drizzle).

What is modern adaptive cruise control

Created more advanced adaptive cruise control (ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control) allows you to keep the necessary distance between cars at a given speed. The system is equipped with a laser or a radar installed behind the radiator grille. The speed at which the radar signals are constantly returning is scanned by the controller, which either forces the vehicle to accelerate or to brake. This allows you to set the optimal distance between vehicles, which contributes to traffic safety.

The adaptive cruise control automatically calculates the distance to the vehicle in front. The indication is displayed on the instrument panel (click the picture to enlarge)

The adaptive cruise control works as usual after the obstacle is removed to a safe distance: the previously set speed is restored.

Adaptive laser control systems are much cheaper than radar ones. The disadvantage of laser systems is that poor weather conditions(rain, snow, spray from cars in front) the laser does not see the obstacle. Dirty car not perceived by the laser at all.

The radar cruise control system is installed on executive and expensive sports cars.

Many European countries consider the adaptive cruise control system to be the most promising in the automotive industry. The system allows the driver to drive comfortably and improves the safety of all passengers by avoiding collisions.

Today's “advanced” adaptive cruise control systems are equipped with audible and visual warning signals. And the most modern ones can make independent decisions about emergency braking if the driver hesitates or avoids braking.

I would like to warn the drivers: adaptive cruise control sometimes makes mistakes, mistakenly identifying an obstacle, so the driver must be careful on the road even with such a perfect system.

It should be noted that when the cruise control is on, the engine operating mode is selected in which the least amount of fuel is consumed.

Additional information for drivers

Checking the passive cruise control system

If the car does not maintain speed when the cruise control system is activated, you need to make sure that it is working.

Checking procedure:

1. Switch on the ignition. Turn on the cruise control ON switch. The CRUISE ENGAGED indicator light should come on. The indicator light may be burnt out, if so, you need to replace it.
2. Press the RES + button (switch) for 3 seconds. The indicator light should be on for 3 seconds and off for 2 seconds. After that, if there are breakdowns, the indicator will give out error codes in the self-diagnosis mode. If everything is normal, to reset the self-diagnosis mode, you need to accelerate to 16 km / h, turn off the cruise control system by pressing the OFF button and make sure that the indicator goes out.

Error codes read by indicator light

When reading, remember that:

• there is a long pause between codes;
• two-digit codes are separated by a short pause.

Example code 12: long flash, short pause, two short flashes.

Error code 01
It is necessary to check the wiring going to the main cruise control buttons, inspect the brake light switch, check the serviceability of the cruise control brake pressure sensor.

Error code 05
It is necessary to check the fuse and the wiring between the fuse and the cruise control.

Error code 07
You need to check the cruise control brake press sensor and brake light switch.

Error code 11

Error code 12
Need to check the cruise control switch.

Good afternoon, readers of my AUTOBLOG, today I am starting a new section, which will be called technical lessons. Here I will tell you how and what works in a car. And the first technical video lesson will be called - How to use cruise control... I think that the information is quite useful, so we read and watch ...

Many modern cars are equipped with cruise control, but many drivers do not know how to use it, especially if the car is not new and the car's manual has long been lost. And then the question arises - how to use it. Nothing complicated.

As a rule, the controls are located on the steering wheel. And it is, here is such a set of keys, here is a photo.

These are the cruise control activation key, as well as the adjustment keys.

After activating the "cruise", you can do this even when the car is parked, the instrument panel will light up, this is the icon, I have it white, you may have another. We've activated - but haven't launched it yet.

After that we start driving by car.

After you have typed the desired speed on the speedometer, press the "set -" key.

On the parting panel, the "cruise" icon will light up green, we all activated it. The car moves without human intervention. You can take your foot off the gas pedal. It is very convenient on long trips, the leg does not strain and does not get tired. Also, the convenience is that you can set 90 km / h and accelerate only if necessary.

In order to increase the speed set by the cruise control, you need to press the "set +" key, the car will accelerate and the speed set by default will increase.

In order to turn off the cruise control, just press the brake pedal. You will enter normal driving mode, that is, the speed is controlled by foot on the accelerator pedal.

That's all, elementary and simple. And most importantly, it is very convenient, especially on long trips. Now watch the video.

Video how to use cruise control

Now I think it became clear, our lesson explained everything. Read our autoblog, and the new heading "technical lessons". Also, someone will be interested in ours.

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Cruise control system - device and characteristics

Reading the characteristics of various cars, you can see that some configurations are equipped with a cruise control system. What is this system, what does it control and why is it needed at all?

First of all, it must be said that many people still cannot figure out the principle of the cruise control, and therefore either do not use it at all, or they try to use it, but they cannot.

Cruise control, in simple terms, is a device thanks to which you can maintain a constant set speed of the vehicle. First of all, it is best used during long journeys along suburban highways, because there is no need to constantly press the gas pedal, so the leg will not get tired.

Why did cruise control become popular?

For the first time, such a development was applied back in the 50s of the last century, but it was used extremely rarely due to technical problems and shortcomings. The real understanding of the benefits of cruise control came in the 70s when the financial crisis hit and gasoline prices skyrocketed.

With the cruise control system, fuel consumption when traveling on long routes is significantly reduced by maintaining optimal engine operation.

The drivers only had to keep an eye on the road. The invention was very popular with American drivers, because in the United States, distances are measured in thousands of kilometers, and the car is the favorite means of transportation for the majority of the population.

Cruise control system device

The cruise control system consists of several main parts:

• control module - a mini-computer that is installed in the engine compartment;
• throttle valve drive - this can be a pneumatic or electric drive connected to the throttle;
• switch - displayed on the steering wheel or on the dashboard;
• various sensors - speed, throttle, wheel speed, etc.

If the car comes off the assembly line with this option, then the cruise control is integrated in common system driving a car. Also sold are ready-made systems that can be installed on a car with any type of engine or gearbox.

How does cruise control work?

The essence of its work is that the throttle control is transferred from the gas pedal to the cruise control servo. The driver selects the driving mode, enters the desired speed value, the system navigates itself and, depending on the conditions, selects the most optimal engine operating modes in order to maintain the desired speed level.

The systems are different, but the cruise control is controlled according to the same scheme:

• On / Off - enable disable;
• Set / Acceleration - set the speed - that is, you can transfer throttle control to the cruise control and the speed that was at the moment of activation will be maintained, or enter another higher speed indicator;
• Resume - restore the last settings that were at the moment of shutdown (shutdown is done by pressing the brake pedal);
• Coast - decrease in speed.

That is, the algorithm of work is approximately the following: On - Set (activation and setting the speed) - pressing the brake (off) - Resume (recovery) - Coast (decrease if you need to switch to a lower speed mode.

Typically, cruise control is activated at speeds above 60 km / h, although the system itself can work at 30-40 km / h.

Adaptive cruise control

On this moment the most advanced system is adaptive. It practically approaches the analogue of an auto-pilot in aviation, with the difference that the driver still needs to turn the steering wheel.

Adaptive cruise control differs from ordinary cruise control by the presence of a radar that analyzes the distance to those in front Vehicle and maintains the desired distance. If the front cars begin to slow down or accelerate, then the impulses are transmitted to the control module, and from there to the pneumatic throttle valve. That is, the driver does not need to put pressure on the gas on his own or, on the contrary, reduce the speed.

Development of more advanced systems is underway, the capabilities of which will be significantly expanded.

How to use cruise control, using the example of a Skoda Octavia car

Cruise video from the KIA company