Since the first automobile was invented by Henry Ford, the automobile world has shown a non-stop development process. After the 2000s, with the development of technology, vehicles that are truly engineering wonders began to appear before us. Car lovers following the market have seen Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control systems in all cars released in recent years.
So, what is Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control? These systems, which are cruise control in their most basic definition, eliminate the need for drivers to be constantly on the gas pedal, especially on long journeys. Of course, the Adaptive system and similar types offer much more possibilities to the drivers. Let’s take a closer look at what Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control are, what they do and what their advantages are.
What is Cruise Control?
Cruise Control, CC for short, Cruise Control system in Turkish; It is an automobile technology that was introduced by the American automobile manufacturer Chrysler in 1958 for the first time, but was developed and widely used after the 2000s.
In vehicles with Cruise Control system, the driver can activate this system with only one button. Even if he then takes his foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continues to travel at the specified speed. The sole task of the basic Cruise Control system is to keep the vehicle at a constant speed. All control, braking and steering steering, is again in the driver’s hands.
It is recommended to use the Cruise Control cruise control system, especially when driving at a constant speed on long roads. Because while driving on a wide highway, the driver does not need to gas and brake too much. Thus, the foot pressing the gas pedal is rested and the driver is less tired.
How does Cruise Control work?
The button that activates the Cruise Control cruise control system is generally located on one of the instrument clusters of the vehicle or on the steering wheel. There is a speed that the system sets by default, but this speed can be adjusted by the driver.
The system is activated as soon as you press the Cruise Control button. The system is disabled with the same button. Fixed speed is adjusted with plus and minus buttons. In most cases, the system is disabled as soon as the driver applies the brakes. When the gas is pressed, the speed increases, but as soon as you stop giving the gas, it continues at a constant speed. All these options can be customized by the driver.
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive Cruise Control, ACC for short, Adaptive Cruise Control system in Turkish; It was first introduced by Mitsubishi in 1992 in Japan. Adaptive Cruise Control, which has been widely used after the 2000s, enables the vehicle to recognize objects in front of it and to brake when necessary, in addition to the basic Cruise Control system features.
When the Adaptive Cruise Control system works, the vehicle starts to move at a constant speed. Unlike the basic system, it detects obstacles and reduces speed. This system, which has a range of approximately 200 meters, provides a safe following distance. There are some types of Adaptive Cruise Control system;
- Radar based systems
- Laser based systems
- Binocular computer vision systems
- Auxiliary systems
- Multi sensor systems
- Predictive systems
Radar-based systems
In radar-based systems, radar-based sensors are placed on the plastic coatings of the vehicle, allowing it to sense its surroundings. Each radar sensor deployed works collaboratively to detect surrounding objects and other vehicles.
Laser based systems
In laser-based systems, a black box-shaped device is placed inside the grill section, which is generally located in front of the vehicle. This device detects objects in front of it thanks to its laser technology. It is said that it does not work very well in rainy and similar weather.
Binocular computer vision systems
Introduced in 2013, binocular computer vision systems are seen as one of the newest Adaptive Cruise Control systems. Binocular computer vision systems, which have a very simple working principle, detect objects in front thanks to small cameras placed behind the rear view mirror.
Auxiliary systems
Auxiliary systems are essential parts of the Adaptive Cruise Control system for most users. Drivers can receive additional services such as lane control, brake assist, additional cruise control, corner object proximity warning, and steering power within the scope of auxiliary systems offered with additional packages.
Multiple sensor systems
Multi-sensor systems combine sensor systems of all types to make Adaptive Cruise Control almost seamless. In multi-sensor systems, a vehicle can have both a radar sensor, a camera and a GPS sensor, and they all work together.
Predictive systems
Predictive systems also work with similar sensors, but the only difference is that they take precautions before an object approaches. For example, when changing lanes with your vehicle, Predictive Systems can reduce speed by considering the possibility of a possible vehicle approaching rapidly.
Advantages and disadvantages of using Cruise Control:
Even if you are using the latest version of Cruise Control cruise control systems, it would not be right to write advantages and disadvantages item by item because the results of the features offered by such systems may vary for each driver. But we can say with certainty that the Cruise Control system is a true long-distance friend.
It is strictly not recommended to use the Cruise Control system at night, because being inactive can make the driver drowsy. Even with the newest systems, do not rely too much on this system on winding roads. Always keep your hand on the steering wheel and your foot on the brake pedal. No matter how smart your vehicle is, you as the driver always have to act smarter.
We answered the frequently asked questions, such as what are Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control, and what they do, and we talked about the details you need to know about these systems. You can share your thoughts about Cruise Control cruise control systems in the comments.
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