What does cruise mean on the dashboard?
2 Answers
cruise on the dashboard refers to the electronic cruise control system, which mainly consists of four parts: the command switch, sensors, cruise control system ECU, and throttle actuator. Only automatic transmission vehicles have the cruise function, which allows the car to drive automatically at a preset speed. The car cruise system is controlled by the onboard computer, which obtains data through three sensors: wheel sensors, geomagnetic sensors, and yaw sensors to determine the car's speed and position. The cruise system works by the cruise control component reading the pulse signal from the speed sensor, comparing it with the set speed, and then issuing commands to the servo mechanism to adjust the throttle opening to increase or decrease, so that the vehicle always maintains the set speed.
I've been driving for many years, and the 'cruise' on the dashboard represents the cruise control system. When you press the set button on the steering wheel, the speed gets locked, and the cruise indicator light turns on. This means the system is automatically controlling the speed, so you don't have to keep pressing the accelerator, which feels quite relaxing, especially during long highway drives where your legs don't get tired. I often find that using this feature can save some fuel because the throttle is more stable, maintaining a constant speed. However, be cautious in complex conditions like rain, snow, or heavy traffic, and turn it off to avoid delayed reactions. Sometimes, the system may malfunction—if the indicator light flashes, it's time to get it checked and fixed to prevent issues. Beginners should practice operating it in empty areas to get used to the controls.
