Cruise control vs. manual driving: Weighing the pros

Nowadays, car manufacturers not only prioritise engine efficiency, safety and mileage but also focus on maximising comfort for the driver and the passengers. One such comfort feature that is slowly becoming an industry-standard in India is cruise control. In this article, we will talk about cruise control in detail, explain how it works and list some merits and demerits of using it over manual driving.

What is cruise control?

Cruise control is an electric system in cars that enables drivers to cruise in their cars at a constant speed without the need to press their foot on the accelerator pedal. It is a very popular comfort feature that is widely available in American and European cars and is slowly becoming popular in the Indian automobile market.

Cruise control vs. manual driving- What are their pros?

Though manual driving allows people to have full control over the car’s operation, there are plenty of scenarios where relying on cruise control can be beneficial. Here are some of the main merits and demerits of using cruise control over manual driving:

Better fuel economy:

One of the main advantages of using cruise control in cars is that it helps the engine to run on constant RPMs, which in turn leads to less fuel consumption. Hence, on highways and long journeys, it can increase fuel efficiency.

Minimise risk of overspeeding:

With normal driving, you may end up spending a bit over the limit by mistake. However, with cruise control, you can maintain a constant speed, which you can set within the speed limit, and avoid the risk of overspeeding.

Reduces leg fatigue:

Driving requires a lot of eye, hand and leg coordination, which can be tiresome for long trips. With cruise control in cars, you can give your leg some rest as the car maintains a constant speed without needing throttle intervention.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, more and more manufacturers are offering cruise control in cars across various budget segments. While it has its advantages, it faces certain limitations on Indian roads. So, make sure to weigh its pros and cons to find whether it suits your driving style.