Cruise Control Kits: what are they and why you need one

Published by John on 3rd Nov 2021

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Ready to hit the road (hopefully interstate) this summer after what felt like an eternity? If you are planning long trips...cruising along, and enjoying the scenery, well.. cruise controls may come quite handy.

This post will cover a few critical aspects of cruise controls, what they are, how they work, and how they can benefit you on the road.

First of all, how does cruise control work?

Cruise control is a system that automatically manages the speed of a car. Cruise controls help reduce drivers fatigue while driving a long distance by imitating how a human driver would drive.

But instead of pushing the accelerator pedal, it utilises an actuator to regulate the throttle helping your car cruise at the same speed. Or technically, a servomechanism's system that leads over the car's throttle to sustain the steady speed set by the driver.

Ok, you may ask, is a cruise control connected to the transmission?

The quick answer is that a cruise control utilises some of the same sensor inputs the transmission uses, affecting the transmission and cruise control. So, for example, if the transmission is slipping, the cruise control may not control the speed steadily.

You can check this video to learn more about all the nitty-gritty:

Can you brake on cruise control?

Sure, you can but applying the foot brake automatically shuts off the cruise settings.

Alternatively, you can step on the brake pedal using the decelerate button on your car's cruise control panel.

Typically, you can adjust the speed setting by tapping up or down.

When should you use cruise control?

Ideally, you should press on cruise control when there is little to no traffic and let you enjoy those clear roads, helping you maintain a consistent speed.

And, of course, use it only when the speed limit stays the same for long periods.

Could cruise control be bad?

Well, it can potentially affect your reaction times.

As mentioned, cruise control makes it super-easy.

Still, it can get too comfortable, causing you not to stay alert while driving.

In addition, it can lead to slower reaction times in the event of unexpected stops in traffic.

Such as or when other drivers cut you off, distracted pedestrians, crazy kangaroos crossing into your path, you name it.

So when is it advisable NOT to use cruise control:

When it's wet or slippery. Even if your car has ACC or traction control, play safe and not cruise control on wet terrain.
When you feel sleepy (obviously)
When driving in urban areas or heavy traffic.
When driving through strong winds.

Do we suggest not using cruise control in the rain?

There is a bit of debate on using cruise control when raining.

Most people would recommend being fully in command and turning it off; however, others may suggest otherwise, as you can learn below:

Can cruise control be bad for your engine?

Not at all.

The constant change in acceleration and deceleration costs extra fuel plus wear and tear on the driveline.

So cruise control is good for your car.

And generally speaking, it can save petrol by helping you become more fuel-efficient, saving an average of 7-14% on fuel, thanks to its ability to keep a constant speed and apply gentle acceleration.

Does cruise control use the battery?

You will save battery on flat roads. Doesn't matter what you drive: electric, petrol or diesel car.

On hilly roads, cruise control will use more energy, kind of obvious, really.

So, after all, is cruise control worth using?

Sure is.

Using cruise control is an excellent method to control your speed when driving in determined areas.

Setting your vehicle's cruise control at a reasonable speed (speed limit would be a good start) will also reduce fuel consumption by limiting abrupt accelerations and decelerations.

My 4wd doesn't have cruise control. Can I still install it?

You sure can, and it's never too late.

There are many aftermarket cruise control kits suitable for specific make/models (but you can also get universal fitting cruise control kits).

Both are pretty straightforward to install, as you can see in this video:

Does All Four x 4 Spares sell cruise control kits?

You bet!

We proudly stock Plug and Play Autostrada E-Cruise Controls as a perfect addition for your 4WD.

They're easy to install, use, and engineered to ensure an ideal fit with the highest level of reliability.

OEM style steering wheel stalk and electrical connectors for reliability and ease of installation, giving that factory fitted look with a quality feel.

Installation is a simple process with all plugs being OEM style with only one wire which needs soldering.

A template is provided for cutting the hole required for fitting the stalk through the steering column shroud.

Includes LED for with 8mm bezel and cruise control decal.

Our Autostrada cruise control kits come with comprehensive, easy to follow fitting instructions, including diagnostic mode and troubleshooting guides.

Suits automatic or manual transmission vehicles with airbags.

Kits include steering column control stalk (with bolts and template), two wiring harnesses, RF transmitter, RF Receiver, LED bezel, cruise control decal, instructions and cable ties.

We stock the following:

Concluding with a bit of fun

Wonder what it is like driving using CRUISE CONTROL ONLY? Check it out here (and of course, please don't try this on the road)