Does Cruise Control Save Fuel or Consume More?
2 Answers
Whether cruise control saves fuel or consumes more depends on individual driving habits. The fuel consumption situation regarding cruise control is as follows: 1. On straight highways without frequent deceleration, activating cruise control allows the vehicle's fuel injection and throttle opening to be controlled by the onboard computer. Both fuel injection and speed become very consistent, reducing unnecessary speed variations, which can achieve fuel-saving purposes. 2. On roads with heavy traffic or undulating terrain, cruise control does not save fuel but instead consumes more. For example, during uphill and downhill driving, speed variations occur. Cruise control will maintain fuel injection to return to the set speed, increasing throttle opening and raising engine RPM to accelerate the vehicle faster, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
I've been driving for over a decade and find cruise control quite fuel-efficient on highways. It maintains a constant speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration caused by unstable footwork, thus ensuring more even fuel consumption. I often use it during long trips and have noticed about a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. However, remember not to use it in hilly or congested areas, as it will aggressively accelerate uphill or brake, which actually consumes more fuel. Additionally, to maximize fuel savings, check if the tire pressure is appropriate—low pressure increases resistance; don't blast the AC; and avoid overloading the vehicle. These small habits, combined with proper use of cruise control, can save a lot on fuel costs. Overall, it's not a cure-all, but when used correctly, it's truly a fuel-saving gem.
