What is the 'cancel' button on the steering wheel?
4 Answers
The 'cancel' button on the steering wheel is generally the control key for cruise control. Concept of 'cancel': The word 'cancel' means to terminate, and this button usually only appears on vehicles equipped with cruise control functionality. After activating cruise control on the highway, you can cancel it by pressing the 'cancel' button or by stepping on the brake pedal. Next to the 'cancel' button, there is typically a 'set' button. Pressing this button will maintain the vehicle's current speed in cruise control, allowing the car to sustain a constant speed without the driver needing to press the accelerator pedal. This feature effectively reduces driver fatigue during long highway drives. How to use the 'cancel' button: When you notice a vehicle ahead while in cruise control, you can press the 'cancel' button in advance to deactivate cruise control. After cancellation, the vehicle will no longer maintain speed automatically, and acceleration/deceleration is entirely returned to the driver's control. If you wish to resume the previous cruising speed, you can press the 'res' button on the steering wheel to restore the cruise speed.
When I'm using cruise control on the highway, that CANCEL button on the steering wheel is a lifesaver! Accidentally touching the throttle or brake automatically cancels the cruise, but this button can directly pause the set speed, saving me from having to reset it. Last week when I was stuck in traffic taking my kid to school, I pressed the button and the tachometer instantly dropped, allowing my right foot to immediately take over the speed. Just a heads-up though, in some cars holding down CANCEL will completely shut off the system, requiring reactivation. I prefer quick taps to preserve the settings, then press RESUME when I need to restore cruise control - it's way more convenient than adjusting the stalk. The mechanic at the tuning shop said there's a microswitch under the button, so it's better to press with the pad of your finger rather than poking with your fingernail for durability.
I've gotten so used to the CANCEL button on the steering wheel that I can't live without it now. My domestic SUV has it positioned perfectly under my left thumb - just a light tap during traffic jams pauses the cruise control speed, preventing sudden acceleration even if I press the accelerator. I remember my driving instructor emphasizing during lessons that when driver assistance functions disengage, immediate takeover is crucial. This button replaces lifting off the accelerator, making the control transition much smoother. During a heavy rainstorm last time, tapping the cancel button gave me faster response than hitting the brakes when facing sudden road hazards. Just remember to check the dashboard indicators - some models show the green light turning gray after cancellation.
A few days ago, I finally understood the ingenious design of CANCEL while helping a friend test a new car. Unlike the OFF button which directly shuts down the system, CANCEL temporarily stores the current cruise parameters. For example, after setting 80km/h and encountering a toll booth, pressing CANCEL slows the car down to pass through. When returning to the main road, pressing RESUME immediately restores the original speed. An engineer friend mentioned this design reduces misoperation rates by 30% and extends the control module's lifespan. Some car owners mistakenly think it's an emergency brake, so manufacturers should add symbolic labeling. However, mechanical buttons are safer than touchscreens, allowing blind operation while moving.
