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There are only a few things drivers value more than efficiency in a vehicle. And in pursuit of fuel economy, the thought of the effect of cruise control may have crossed your mind. So, does cruise control use more fuel or help you save gas? Well, the answer isn’t as direct as you’d expect. That’s why we’ll take the time to explain the benefits and drawbacks of cruise control when it comes to fuel saving.
Cruise control is a technological feature that allows your car to drive at a constant speed. In simple terms, it is an autopilot feature that lets drivers maintain a constant speed without having to press the accelerator pedal from time to time. Most drivers rely on cruise control when driving along long, straight stretches of road like motorways or A-roads where you expect speed to be constant.
Does Cruise Control Use More Fuel?
No, cruise control does not use more fuel. The truth is, you can even save fuel using this feature in many situations. However, there are some cases where cruise control can be counterproductive for fuel economy. We’ll explain both sides of the argument as we go on.
When Cruise Control Saves Fuel
Say goodbye to coasting when driving because you can easily save fuel with cruise control. Cruise control makes a lot of sense when you’re driving at a consistent speed. One example is when driving on open roads and highways. Because it takes out the fluctuations of human input, your car gets to operate at a steady speed. This helps avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, which are among the major causes of fuel waste.
Also, most vehicles are most efficient between 45 and 65 mph (72 and 105 kph), and cruise control can help you stay within this optimal range. As a result, you’re likely to save fuel by cutting out the habit of gradually speeding up without realising it.
Remapping is another option for drivers looking to save fuel. SDVH’s complete guide explains that in more detail.
When Cruise Control Uses More Fuel
Cruise control might be very helpful in some situations, but it is not very practical in other scenarios. For instance, cruise control in heavy traffic is not helpful in any way, and it can also increase fuel use in automatic and manual vehicles. The constant acceleration and deceleration can put a strain on your engine and cause the car to consume more fuel.
Cruise control may also not be great for winding roads or hilly terrain. Routes like this require your constant input and adjustments to maintain ideal speeds, and this is counterproductive for fuel efficiency.
Consider switching to manual control on hilly terrain to take advantage of engine braking and reduce unnecessary throttle or brake use. This can further improve fuel economy.
Adaptive Cruise Control & Fuel Efficiency
Unlike cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) adjusts your vehicle’s speed automatically to keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you. It can slow down and accelerate in response to changes in traffic conditions.
Using ACC leads to smoother driving, and it can even further reduce fuel consumption compared to manual driving or basic cruise control when driving in light traffic. However, in heavy stop-and-go traffic, frequent adjustments may reduce fuel savings. But even then, ACC still tends to be gentler than many human drivers.
While you’re here, check out our blog post, which explains the impact of air con on fuel consumption.
Tips To Use Cruise Control More Efficiently
- Stick to moderate speeds: Fuel efficiency drops at higher speeds, so make sure to set your cruise control in the optimal range for your vehicle.
- Use “Resume”: If you cancel cruise control briefly (e.g., for a slow vehicle at your front), use the ‘resume’ function to return smoothly to your previous speed instead of accelerating manually.
- Combine with Eco mode: Use the eco driving mode if your car has the feature. It helps conserve fuel to a higher degree when used with cruise control.
- Know when to turn it off: Efficiency comes with knowing when not to use cruise control as well. Conditions like rain, snow and heavy traffic are not great for cruise control.
Hire an economy car from SDVH and drive around town without constantly worrying about your fuel usage. We also offer prestige car rental deals for those special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Use Cruise Control Or Drive Manually?
It’s better to use cruise control when driving on long, flat highways because it maintains a set speed and reduces fuel waste during acceleration and braking. Driving manually is better when going up against road conditions like hilly and mountainous terrain because you have to change speed and adjust your input more frequently.
Can Using Cruise Control Damage Your Engine?
No, using cruise control cannot damage your engine. In fact, it is actually great because it reduces the strain on your vehicle’s engine by helping it maintain a steady speed. Modern cruise control systems are made to work safely with other car components, often improving efficiency on long drives.
Does Adaptive Cruise Control Use More Fuel Than Regular Cruise Control?
No, adaptive cruise control does not use more fuel than regular cruise control. In fact, it can be more efficient in many cases. Traditional cruise control maintains a constant speed, but ACC takes it up a notch by adjusting your speed automatically to keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead. This leads to smoother driving and potentially less fuel consumption.
Can I Use Cruise Control In Eco Mode?
Yes, you can use cruise control in eco mode, and doing so can even make your vehicle more fuel-efficient. Eco mode adjusts your car’s throttle response and transmission to help minimise fuel use. Pairing this with cruise control, which maintains a steady speed, reduces unnecessary acceleration and strain on your engine.
What Is The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed To Use Cruise Control?
The most fuel-efficient speed to use cruise control is between 45 and 65 mph (72 and 105 kph). This range is often seen as the sweet spot for fuel economy because it allows your engine to operate without the aerodynamic drag that increases at higher speeds. Also, cruise control at these speeds helps maintain a consistent speed without the fuel-wasting acceleration.
Conclusion
So, does cruise control use more fuel? The simple answer is ‘no’. Unless you happen to be driving in stop-and-go traffic or routes with multiple inclines and declines. Other than these scenarios, cruise control and ACC are perfect for drivers looking to minimise their use of fuel. So whether it’s your personal car or a hire, you now know how to get the best fuel efficiency when using cruise control.
