What is cruise control in a car and how does it work
Reading the specifications of various cars, you can see that some configurations are equipped with a cruise control system. What is this system, what does it control and why is it needed at all?
First of all, it must be said that many people still cannot figure out how cruise control works, and therefore either do not use it at all, or try to use it, but they do not succeed.
Cruise control, in simple terms, is a device that allows you to maintain a constant set speed of the car. First of all, it is best to use it during long journeys along suburban highways, because there is no need to constantly press the gas pedal, so the leg will not get tired.
Why has cruise control become popular?
For the first time, such a development was applied back in the 50s of the last century, but it was used extremely rarely due to technical problems and shortcomings. Real understanding of the benefits of using cruise control came in the 70s, when the financial crisis hit and gas prices skyrocketed.
With the cruise control system, fuel consumption when traveling on long routes is significantly reduced, as the engine is maintained at optimum operation.
Drivers had only to follow the road. American drivers really liked the invention, because in the USA distances are measured in thousands of kilometers, and the car is the favorite means of transportation for the majority of the population.
Cruise control device
The cruise control system consists of several main parts:
- control module - a mini-computer that is installed in the engine compartment;
- throttle actuator - it can be a pneumatic or electric actuator connected to the throttle;
- switch - displayed on the steering wheel or on the instrument panel;
- various sensors - speed, throttle, wheel speed, etc.
If the car leaves the assembly line with this option, then the cruise control is integrated into the overall vehicle control system. Ready-made systems are also sold that can be installed on a car with any type of engine or gearbox.
How does cruise control work?
The essence of his work is that the throttle control is transferred from the gas pedal to the cruise control servo. The driver selects the driving mode, enters the desired speed value, the system orients itself and, depending on the conditions, selects the most optimal engine operating modes in order to maintain the desired speed level.
The systems are different, but cruise control is controlled in the same way:
- On / Off - turn on off;
- Set / Acceleration - set the speed - that is, you can transfer throttle control to cruise control and the speed that was at the time of switching on will be maintained, or enter another higher speed indicator;
- Resume - restore the last settings that were at the time of shutdown (shutdown is done by pressing the brake pedal);
- Coast - speed reduction.
That is, the algorithm of operation is approximately the following: On - Set (activation and setting the speed) - pressing the brake (shutdown) - Resume (recovery) - Coast (decrease if you need to switch to a lower speed mode.
Typically, cruise control is activated at speeds above 60 km / h, although the system itself can operate at 30-40 km / h.
Adaptive Cruise Control
At the moment, the most advanced system is adaptive. It practically approaches the analog of an auto-pilot in aviation, with the difference that the driver still needs to turn the steering wheel.
Adaptive cruise control differs from conventional cruise control by the presence of a radar that analyzes the distance to the vehicles in front and maintains the desired distance. If the front cars start to slow down or accelerate, then the impulses are transmitted to the control module, and from there to the throttle actuator. That is, the driver does not need to independently press on the gas or vice versa to reduce speed.
More advanced systems are also being developed, the capabilities of which will be significantly expanded.
How to use cruise control, using the example of a SKODA Octavia car
Video cruise from KIA
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