Using cruise control on long-distance trips can provide several benefits:
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Erratic acceleration and deacceleration lead to inefficient gas consumption. Cruise control helps you maintain a consistent speed and better fuel efficiency.
Compliance with Speed Limits
Cruise control prevents unintentional speeding. Especially helpful on long open roads. It also ensures you adhere to the posted speed limits, making you a safer driver and reducing your risk of receiving a speeding ticket.
Enhanced Safety
Cruise control can contribute to safer driving. It helps prevent speed fluctuations that may lead to distractions or erratic driving behaviours. It also allows you to focus more on the road and potential hazards rather than continuously monitoring your speed.
Reduced Fatigue
Long journeys can be tiring. Cruise control allows you to set a steady speed, reducing the need for constant adjustments; this can help alleviate driver fatigue and increase comfort during extended drives.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Accelerating and decelerating frequently can strain your vehicle’s engine and transmission while using cruise control keeps speed fluctuations to a minimum. When driving with cruise control, the car accelerates gradually to reach the desired speed; this can reduce wear on these elements.
Controlled Braking
Cruise control allows the vehicle to maintain a consistent speed without excessive braking; this can help reduce wear on the brake pads and rotors that typically occurs when manually adjusting speed.
However, it’s important to remember that you should only use cruise control in appropriate conditions and with caution. Using it in heavy traffic, slippery roads, or where frequent speed adjustments are required is not recommended. Additionally, always remain attentive and be prepared to disengage cruise control if necessary, especially when encountering unexpected situations or hazards on the road.