30 September 2009
Does using cruise control save fuel?
Posted by Cecilia under: Transportation .
Cruise control is one of the great automotive features of the 20th century. It helps drivers maintain a constant speed, while relieving sore leg muscles and making for an overall less exhausting trip on highways. While taking our cross-country trip this month we wondered if using cruise control also saves fuel.
Driving behavior can certainly influence the fuel efficiency of our car. When we avoid rapid accelaration and excessive speed, we can achieve our cars rated efficiency. Intelligent cruise control enhances these practices by maintaining a constant speed with gentle acceleration.
On the other hand, a poorly designed cruise control accelerates rapidly to overcome hills, rather than applying pressure evenly or slowing down to compensate. This technique uses more fuel and makes cruise control less efficient.
A skilled driver, and intelligent cruise control would regulate the accelerator up and down hills to maintain fuel efficiency. If your cruise control isn’t behaving as if you were doing the driving, then it’s probably costing you precious fuel economy.
One Comment so far...
Today in Sikantis – September 30, 2009 « Sikantis Says:
30 September 2009 at 1:32 am.
[...] Innovative News - Does using the cruise control save fuel? [...]
