Is it better to drive with cruise control on or off?

It’s usually better to use cruise control on long, steady highway stretches in good weather, and better to turn it off in rain, snow, ice, heavy traffic, or on winding and hilly roads. Modern systems—especially adaptive cruise control—can improve comfort, help you maintain a legal, steady speed, and may aid efficiency on flat roads, but the safest and most efficient choice is situational and depends on road, weather, traffic, your vehicle’s tech, and your alertness.

What cruise control means today

“Cruise control” now covers two broad types. Traditional cruise control keeps a set speed but does not manage distance to the car ahead. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a set speed and a driver-selected following gap, and many vehicles pair it with lane centering. These are driver-assistance features, not self-driving; you remain responsible at all times and must be ready to steer and brake.

When using cruise control is advantageous

The following points outline conditions where cruise control typically helps with comfort, consistency, and sometimes efficiency. These advantages are most pronounced on limited-access highways in fair weather.

• Long, steady highway driving: Maintains a constant speed, reducing small speed fluctuations that waste fuel and increase fatigue.
• Speed-limit compliance: Helps prevent unintentional speeding, especially on monotonous roads where speed can creep up.
• Reduced driver workload: Holding speed for you can lower fatigue on multi-hour trips; ACC further reduces workload by automatically adjusting to traffic flow.
• Stop-and-go with ACC: In congested but predictable traffic, ACC with stop-and-go can smooth braking/acceleration and reduce stress.
• EV/HEV efficiency on flat terrain: Steady throttle can support efficient energy use and regenerative braking management in gentle traffic.
• Predictive/eco cruise features: Some newer systems use map data and topography to anticipate hills, easing throttle before climbs and coasting before descents to save energy.

Used in the right environment, cruise control can make trips calmer, help you stick to a safe and legal pace, and, on flat highways, slightly improve fuel economy by reducing unnecessary speed variation.

When you should turn cruise control off

There are clear situations where controlling speed yourself is safer and sometimes more efficient. The following list highlights scenarios where cruise control is not recommended.

• Slippery conditions: Rain, snow, ice, slush, standing water, or gravel can reduce traction; cruise can apply throttle at the wrong moment and worsen a skid or hydroplaning.
• Steep hills or mountainous routes: Traditional cruise may surge uphill and overuse brakes downhill; manual control allows earlier, gentler throttle and engine braking.
• Curvy or winding roads: Maintaining a set speed into bends can be unsafe; you should adjust speed before and through curves.
• Heavy, unpredictable traffic: Constant merges, cut-ins, and erratic braking require quicker, more nuanced responses than cruise commonly provides.
• Construction zones or complex urban segments: Frequent speed changes, lane shifts, and workers nearby call for full manual control.
• Towing or carrying heavy loads: Many manuals advise against cruise on grades while towing due to heat buildup and gear-hunting; follow your specific vehicle guidance.
• Poor visibility: Fog, heavy rain, blowing snow, glare, or smoke reduce your time to react; manual control keeps you more directly engaged.
• If you feel drowsy or distracted: Cruise control is not a remedy for fatigue; if you’re tired, take a break.

In short, if traction is limited, terrain is challenging, traffic is erratic, or your attention isn’t optimal, turn cruise off and drive manually.

Fuel economy: cruise on vs. off

On flat highways in good conditions, holding a steady speed with cruise control often improves efficiency slightly by eliminating constant speed drift. On rolling or hilly terrain, however, traditional cruise will work hard to maintain your set speed uphill, increasing fuel or energy use. Skilled drivers can do better by easing off before climbs, accepting a small speed drop on the hill, and regaining speed on the descent. Some modern “eco” or “predictive” cruise systems narrow this gap by anticipating grades and traffic, but results vary by vehicle.

Safety and best practices

To get the benefits of cruise control without compromising safety, adopt the following practices whenever you use it.

1. Stay engaged: Keep hands on the wheel, eyes up, and feet ready; be prepared to brake at any time.
2. Use appropriate speeds: Set a speed that matches conditions and legal limits; don’t rely on ACC to make an unsafe speed safe.
3. Set reasonable following gaps (ACC): Choose a longer time gap in faster or denser traffic, at night, or in reduced visibility.
4. Anticipate changes: Cancel cruise early for interchanges, curves, work zones, and deteriorating weather.
5. Know your system’s limits: Understand what your cruise/ACC can and cannot detect (e.g., stationary objects, sharp cut-ins, motorcycles, or cyclists).
6. Avoid use on low-traction surfaces: Turn cruise off at the first sign of wheel slip, hydroplaning, or patchy ice.
7. Maintain your vehicle: Good tires, brakes, and clean sensors/cameras are essential for ACC performance.
8. Prefer adaptive systems when available: ACC generally handles speed variation in light-to-moderate traffic better than traditional cruise.
9. Mind speed downhill: Even with ACC, manage descents with appropriate gears and braking; don’t assume the system will control speed on steep grades.

These habits keep the driver in the loop while letting the technology reduce workload when conditions are suitable.

Special considerations

Electric and hybrid vehicles

EVs and many hybrids pair cruise or ACC with regenerative braking, which can make speed control smoother and efficient. Eco or “efficiency” modes may temper acceleration. Still, on long descents or in cold weather, monitor speed, following distance, and available regen to avoid overreliance on the system.

Manual transmissions

Cruise control on a manual typically disengages when you press the clutch and may struggle on steep grades. Use higher gears at steady highway speeds, and be prepared for more frequent manual intervention.

Towing and heavy loads

Heavier loads increase stopping distances and transmission/engine heat. Many manufacturers advise against cruise on steep grades when towing. If you use it on gentle, flat highways, watch temperatures, select tow/haul modes if equipped, and disengage early on climbs and descents.

Bottom line

Use cruise control when conditions are favorable—straight, dry highways with predictable traffic—especially if your vehicle has adaptive cruise. Turn it off when traction is low, roads are curvy or hilly, traffic is erratic, or your attention isn’t 100%. The “better” choice is the one that matches the road, weather, traffic, and your vehicle’s capabilities while keeping you fully engaged.

Summary

Cruise control is better on when it can safely hold a steady, legal speed—typically on dry, straight highways—and better off in poor weather, heavy or complex traffic, and challenging terrain. Adaptive cruise can add comfort and consistency, but it doesn’t replace attentive driving. For fuel economy, expect small gains on flat roads and potential losses on hills unless you or a predictive system manage speed proactively.

What are the downsides of using cruise control?

Cons of Using Cruise Control

• Reduced situational awareness.
• Decrease in EEMG brain wave activity.
• Increased driver fatigue.
• Reduction in eye movement.
• Increase in distracted driving.
• Reduced reaction time.
• Increased stopping distances.
• Reduced directional control.

Is it better to have cruise control on or off?

Conclusion: Using cruise control can be beneficial for fuel efficiency and reducing fatigue on long, straight drives, particularly on highways. However, it should be avoided in heavy traffic, adverse weather, or complex driving scenarios where constant speed adjustments are necessary.

Is it better to drive without cruise control?

You really shouldn’t use it unless you’re driving in an area where the traffic is free flowing and predictable. The problem is that you don’t know when an Unexpected thing will happen, and cruise will shorten your reaction time. If your car has auto braking, do not rely on it.

Is it okay to use cruise control all the time?

No, it is not okay to use cruise control all the time because it is meant for specific conditions, not constant use, and relying on it can be dangerous. You should avoid using cruise control in hazardous situations like wet or slippery roads, heavy traffic, hilly or winding roads, and dense urban areas. It’s crucial to stay attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle at all times, as cruise control can reduce driver vigilance and lead to accidents. 
When You Should Not Use Cruise Control

• Adverse Weather: Never use cruise control during rain, snow, or ice. Slippery conditions increase the risk of hydroplaning, and the system can’t properly adapt to these hazards. 
• Heavy Traffic: Cruise control is not suited for low-speed driving and situations that require frequent stops and starts, like heavy traffic. It can lead to collisions if you can’t react quickly enough. 
• Winding Roads and Hills: You must be able to slow down for curves and descents, which cruise control will not do effectively. 
• Dense Urban Areas: In cities, you need to adjust speed constantly for lights, pedestrians, and other vehicles, making cruise control unsuitable. 

Risks of Overuse

• Reduced Vigilance: Relying too heavily on cruise control can make you less attentive to your surroundings and slow your reaction times. 
• False Sense of Security: The system can lull drivers into a false sense of security, leading them to become complacent or even fall asleep. 
• Inability to Handle Road Hazards: Cruise control systems are not designed to handle unpredictable road conditions or traffic, putting you at risk in these scenarios. 

When Cruise Control Is Appropriate

• Long, Open Roads: Cruise control is best used on highways with dry, clean, and clear conditions for extended periods. 
• Maintaining Legal Speed: It can help you avoid speeding and keep your speed within legal limits. 
• Reducing Fatigue: For long, uneventful stretches of road, it can help reduce driver fatigue by maintaining a steady speed.