In the right conditions, cruise control can reportedly reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20%. So when is the right time to use the technological innovation now available in almost all new vehicles?
Last week, South African motorists found themselves paying more for both petrol and diesel again. This was following a few months of decreases in prices but not enough to return fuel prices to the sub R20 per litre mark. Thus, the 51c increase in both grades of petrol and the steep R1,44 increase per litre of diesel has left a bad taste in most drivers’ mouths. Even with government intervention, the price of fuel is still unaffordable as South Africans head into the festive season.
Related: Fuel price got you in a spot of bother? Here are some driving efficiency tips
Internationally, many countries face their own steep increases in fuel prices albeit not as extreme as South Africa. Consequently, motorists in the UK are being warned that technology in vehicles that can save fuel needs to be used correctly for this to be a reality. Incorrect use could actually cause motorists to use more fuel.
CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert states: “The technology being referred to is cruise control. While it can boost fuel economy considerably, this is only when driving on a constant, flat surface. On inclines, cruise control is slower than a driver to react to gradient changes. When a driver reaches the top of a hill, they decrease their pressure on the accelerator much faster than what cruise control can sense a change in the gradient.”
The same applies to traffic driving. “Firstly, cruise control is never recommended in heavy traffic because of the potential for something to go wrong. If, however, a driver uses cruise control in moderate traffic and is consequently adjusting or stopping and restarting regularly, they will not get the most fuel-saving benefits from cruise control, safety concerns aside.
“A Natural Resources Canada Study found cruise control could potentially reduce fuel consumption by 20% – if used correctly. If you are consistently adapting your cruise control between 110km/h and 120km/h, for example, as opposed to keeping it at a consistent 120km/h, you are unlikely to see this saving. If you find you regularly need to adjust your speed, driver anticipation and correct following distances are more likely to get a bigger saving than using cruise control.”
Yet, if adaptive cruise control (ACC) manages following distances, can the same be said for ACC? “According to a study conducted across Europe in 2012, it found the sensors that adapt the speed according to traffic, result in fuel savings. Yet, most of these studies are conducted in open highway settings where there are minimal adaptions. Additionally, the savings are around 2,8%, thus negligible at best. More research needs to be conducted in real-driving settings.”
Thus, there is a place for cruise control in saving fuel and also for consuming more. “Before deciding to use cruise control, look at the driving conditions and decide whether they allow for it. Also do not sacrifice safety for reducing fuel consumption, for example, using cruise control in wet weather. There is a place for all car technology that requires correct use to get the most benefit from it,” says Herbert.
