The question does cruise control save gas has been a long debate among drivers. We will cover the facts on how cruise control can impact your fuel mileage, the benefits of cruise control and ways you can save gas while driving
Does Cruise Control Save Gas?
The answer is yes, cruise control can help you save gas. Not only does it help with fuel economy, cruise control is even good for your car. Constant acceleration and braking causes wear and tear on your vehicle and when you utilize cruise control, acceleration and braking is minimized. Cruise control is at it’s most beneficial when used on level ground as well as steady uphill or downhill climbs.
Edmunds ran a test to see if cruise control saves gas consumption. They concluded that it does save gas and they found that it can save up to 14% with and average of 7%. According to Edmunds, cruise control saves gas by smoothing out the drive since the diver is not accelerating or braking and prevents nervous surging of RPMs.
It’s important to note that with new vehicles there is a recommended break-in period where you shouldn’t use cruise control. We have broken the break-in mileage down by manufacturer:
- GM: 500 miles
- Hyundai: 600 miles
- Volkswagen: 1000 miles
- Ford: 1000 miles
- Kia: 600 miles
- Genesis: 600 miles
- Ram: 300 miles
Benefits of Using Cruise Control:
Reduce Driving Fatigue
When you use cruise control your foot can be taken off the gas or break. This allows for a more comfortable seating position and reduces the chance of fatigue in your foot.
Reduce the Risk of a Speeding Ticket
Cruise control maintains a consistent speed that you have set and reduces the chance of getting a speeding ticket
Increase Focus
With cruise control activated, you will have one less driving task to monitor, your speed. This allows you to focus more on your surroundings and driving.
More Comfortable
Cruise control is more comfortable to use because you do not need to accelerate or brake which allows you to comfortably sit with your foot not extended.
Adaptive Speed
A feature found in most new vehicles is the adaptive cruise control feature. This allows you to set a speed and if the vehicle detects a car in front slowing down the cruise control will adjust to maintain a safe distance.
Automatic Braking
While using cruise control, many newer vehicles are equipped with automatic braking which senses if a vehicle in front of you is slowing down and if you haven’t adjusted your speed the cruise control will adjust for you.
Other Methods to Save Gas Consumption Include:
- Driving conservatively instead of aggressively
- Driving the speed limit
- Avoiding long periods that the vehicle is idling in
For more information about cruise control, contact our friendly team at McGrath Auto. If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, especially to one with added cruise control features like adaptive speed and automatic braking, shop our full inventory online at McGrathAuto.com.