Is it good or bad to use cruise control?

It can be both—good when used on dry, open highways with light traffic, and risky in poor weather, heavy traffic, or complex roads. Cruise control reduces fatigue, helps maintain consistent speeds, and can modestly improve fuel economy, but it can also encourage inattention and perform poorly on slippery surfaces or in stop‑and‑go conditions. Understanding when to use it—and when not to—makes all the difference.

What cruise control does—and what it doesn’t

Traditional cruise control holds a set speed so you don’t have to modulate the throttle. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), often called traffic‑aware or radar cruise, also adjusts speed to follow a vehicle ahead and may handle stop‑and‑go. Neither system turns your car into a self‑driving vehicle: you must steer, monitor the road, and be ready to brake at all times. Safety agencies and automakers consistently advise against using cruise control on slippery surfaces and in conditions that demand rapid driver intervention.

Benefits when used in the right conditions

When the road is dry and predictable—think long highway stretches—cruise control can deliver several advantages that make driving easier and potentially more efficient. Here are the main benefits drivers generally experience:

• Consistent speed that helps avoid unintentional speeding and speed fluctuations.
• Reduced fatigue on long trips by offloading constant throttle control.
• Potential fuel‑economy gains on flat, steady highways by smoothing out speed variation (often a few percent, with results varying by terrain and driving style).
• With ACC, smoother traffic flow and automatic gap management that can reduce tailgating when properly set.
• More mental bandwidth to scan farther ahead and anticipate hazards, since you’re not micro‑managing your right foot.

These benefits are most pronounced on limited‑access highways with steady traffic and good visibility. In more dynamic or low‑traction conditions, the advantages shrink and the risks grow.

Risks and when not to use it

Cruise control can become counterproductive when traction is limited or rapid decision‑making is required. Safety groups such as NHTSA, IIHS, and AAA emphasize caution in the following scenarios:

• Slippery surfaces (rain, snow, ice, standing water): maintaining or applying throttle while traction is compromised can worsen loss of control; hydroplaning may not be detected until it’s too late.
• Heavy or stop‑and‑go traffic: frequent cut‑ins and rapid speed changes can exceed system response; some ACC systems can “phantom brake,” surprising following drivers.
• Winding, hilly, or urban roads: set speeds may be unsuitable for curves or downhill grades; traditional systems can overspeed on descents.
• Poor visibility (fog, heavy precipitation, glare): sensor performance degrades and human reaction time needs to be sharper, not dulled by automation.
• Driver inattention/complacency: automation bias can slow reactions; several studies show drivers may look away more or react later when cruise/ACC is active.
• Towing or heavy loads: stopping distances increase and control margins shrink, making manual modulation safer.

If traction, visibility, or traffic predictability is reduced, switch cruise control off and revert to fully manual control until conditions improve.

Best practices for safer use

Used thoughtfully, cruise control can be a helpful aid. The following practices can help you get the benefits while minimizing the risks:

1. Reserve use for dry, open highways with light to moderate, predictable traffic.
2. Set a speed appropriate for conditions, not just the posted limit; leave headroom for grades and curves.
3. Keep your right foot poised and hands on the wheel so you can cancel or brake instantly.
4. Maintain a generous following distance; with ACC, select a longer time gap when available.
5. Increase vigilance: scan farther ahead and check mirrors frequently to anticipate changes.
6. Disengage before entering slippery patches, work zones, sharp curves, or steep/downhill sections.
7. Never use cruise control to fight fatigue; if you’re drowsy, stop and rest.
8. Know your system’s limits: read the owner’s manual to understand behaviors, sensor placements, and conditions that cause shutdowns or false alerts.
9. Keep software and recalls up to date; updates can refine ACC behavior and reliability.

Following these steps helps preserve your reaction time and ensures the technology remains an aid, not a crutch.

Traditional vs. Adaptive Cruise Control

How they differ

While both systems automate speed control, their capabilities and limitations diverge. Understanding the distinction helps set safe expectations in real‑world driving.

• Traditional cruise: holds a set speed and relies entirely on the driver to brake or adjust to traffic changes.
• Adaptive cruise: uses radar and/or cameras to maintain a set following distance, may handle stop‑and‑go, and sometimes integrates with lane centering, but still requires continuous supervision.
• Limitations: sensors can be obstructed by snow, ice, grime, or glare; both systems can misjudge complex cut‑ins, tight curves, or stationary objects; some vehicles exhibit “phantom braking.”

Neither system substitutes for attentive driving. Treat them as driver aids with clearly defined boundaries, not as autonomy.

Safety and efficiency implications

Independent testing and research offer a nuanced picture of how ACC affects driving behavior and efficiency. The key takeaways include:

• Users may set higher speeds with ACC but typically maintain longer headways; overall safety depends on driver attention and conservative settings.
• Efficiency gains are modest and highly context‑dependent; ACC can smooth speed variation, but benefits shrink on hilly, windy, or congested routes.
• Systems with robust driver monitoring (hands‑on checks, eye tracking) and conservative default gaps tend to support safer outcomes.

In practice, outcomes hinge more on driver behavior and conditions than on the badge on the trunk. Conservative settings and active monitoring are decisive.

Bottom line

Using cruise control is “good” when it reduces workload on clear, dry highways and helps you hold a safe, steady speed; it’s “bad” when it undermines traction, visibility, or attention. If conditions are stable and you remain fully engaged—with your hands on the wheel, foot ready to brake, and generous following distance—cruise control can be a net safety and comfort win. The moment conditions deteriorate or traffic becomes unpredictable, turn it off and drive manually.

Summary

Cruise control and ACC are helpful but limited tools. Use them on dry, open highways; avoid them in rain, snow, ice, heavy traffic, sharp curves, or poor visibility. Keep your attention high, maintain long gaps, be ready to brake, and understand your car’s specific system. Done right, you gain comfort and consistency without sacrificing safety.

Is cruise control bad for your engine?

No, cruise control is not bad for your engine; in fact, it’s beneficial for long-term engine health and fuel efficiency. Cruise control reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which are the main causes of engine wear and tear. By maintaining a steady speed, your engine operates more smoothly, resulting in less stress on its components. 
How Cruise Control Benefits Your Engine

• Reduces Wear and Tear: Opens in new tabConstant acceleration and deceleration from manual pedal control cause more stress on the engine and driveline. Cruise control helps to avoid this by maintaining a consistent speed. 
• Improves Fuel Efficiency: Opens in new tabBy keeping a steady pace, cruise control helps your car use fuel more efficiently, which can lead to less engine wear in the long run. 
• Smoother Engine Operation: Opens in new tabA constant speed allows the engine to run on a smooth cadence, promoting more consistent operation and less strain. 

When to Be Cautious
While not bad for the engine itself, there are certain situations where using cruise control might pose a risk: 

• Adverse Weather Conditions: Avoid using cruise control in heavy rain, snow, or icy conditions, as any unexpected acceleration on a slippery surface can lead to a loss of control. 
• Congested Roads: Cruise control is best suited for long, open stretches of highway. 
• Manual Transmission Vehicles: In a manual transmission, using cruise control on inclines can force the engine to strain in a higher gear to maintain speed, which could lead to increased wear, notes one Reddit thread. 

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.

Should you use cruise control at 30 mph?

Cruise control is designed for driving at a steady speed of a minimum of 30mph without constant stopping. Before using cruise control, build up to a steady speed of 30mph or more.

Is it better to use cruise control or not?

Cruise control is convenient for long stretches of driving and it can keep you from speeding if you set your speed to the correct limit. However, if the road conditions are rainy or snowy, cruise control can be dangerous. To use cruise control safely, it’s best to know when you should and shouldn’t use it.