- Cruise control can save gas by maintaining a constant speed, with studies showing savings from 7-20% when driving on a level freeway.
- Cruise control works best on freeways or flat highways, but should be avoided while driving in traffic, on hills, and through rain & ice overall.
- Adaptive cruise control, which allows you to keep speed, but can technically reduce your speed slightly based on the traffic around you, to help boost gas savings.
- For additional fuel savings, use cruise control with slow driving, and shut off your engine at long & steady stops.
Cruise control saves gas efficiently when you’re driving on flat highways & can keep your speed consistent to sip fuel instead of gulping it.
However, when you encounter hills or drive through traffic or bad weather, it might cost you more.
Fun fact: Cruise control kicked off with Chrysler in 1958, making long drives a breeze ever since!
Let’s take a look at how cruise control works, when it will help you save fuel, & if it’s often a better option for your vehicle.
What Is Cruise Control & How Does It Save Gas?
Cruise control is a handy car feature that allows the driver to maintain a steady speed without the need to keep their foot on the gas. It’s a little like having a co-pilot with your throttle that relies on electronics to keep things smooth.
The idea behind cruise control is simple! Maintaining a steady speed reduces the amount of fuel that gets wasted from starting and stopping, actions that the U.S. Department of Energy argues use the most fuel when accelerating.
Cruise control is particularly beneficial in flatter & more open highway conditions. There’s an estimated 7-20% fuel economy gain by reducing speed fluctuations, such as going from 47 mph to 53 mph every 18 seconds.
But here’s the catch! Hilly terrains or rapid traffic stop-and-go force your engine to work harder.
When Does Cruise Control Save or Waste Gas?
It’s all about the road & conditions. Here’s when cruise control helps & when it hurts.
Saves Gas: Flat highways are the sweet spot for cruise control. Allowing your speed to drop 5-10 mph when going uphill (and then letting it rise when going downhill on the same hill) can save even more gas on rolling hills. But on level ground, you’re very likely better off with cruise control. In addition, good weather can enhance the effectiveness.
Wastes Gas: Hills are a tough no-go situation. Getting between 60 mph up and down mountains (or any substantial elevation gains) adds “strain” on the engine when utilizing cruise control. Traffic jams or poor weather, such as rain or icy conditions, can also make cruise control a problematic feature. You may not have the quick-on-your-feet response time needed in busy situations.
If you have adaptive cruise control, your cruise control has sensors & it may save gas in light traffic if it’s able to adjust your speed. But on steep grades, it’s likely not going to save you much.
If you own a Honda or Acura, you most likely have a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) feature as well, which corrects skids, slips, or unexpected loss of traction. For example, when you turn too sharply or hit ice on the road.
How Much Gas Does Cruise Control Save?
You can save about 7-20% gas by using cruise control in your vehicle. Natural Resources Canada cites a 20% reduction in fuel consumption by maintaining an even speed and avoiding speed cycles.
A study by Edmunds suggests a 7-14% decrease, depending on the condition. The American Automobile Association (AAA) also supports this. Obviously, gas savings will depend on your personal style & road conditions.
The federal government study shows a 15-30% loss in fuel efficiency due to aggressive driving, at which point cruise control could help with that.
Your jerky ankle is likely consuming more fuel than necessary, so sustaining 50-60 mph with cruise on long trips probably will save 5-10%. Test varying speeds with a free GPS app and test it for yourself.
Is Cruise Control Bad for Your Car?
No, it’s definitely not a car killer! It will actually reduce the wear on your driveline by eliminating those unnecessary speed changes that waste fuel.
Your transmission & engine appreciate the consistency, and there is no evidence that cruise control damages them.
Although avoid using cruise control in slippery conditions, which could lead to loss of control of your vehicle. You can maintain a smooth-running vehicle with regular maintenance. Check out our car maintenance tips.
Cruise Control vs. Other Fuel-Saving Tips
Cruise control is a good option, but there are other ways to save money on gas, too. Kia suggests gradual acceleration (slowing down to 60 miles per hour over 15 seconds) to save 31% to 37% on fuel, and driving at a lower speed.
This often means below 65 miles per hour, and will save you around 12% to 14%.
If you can turn off your vehicle when you’re stopped for over a minute, that will save you about 19%. Also, remove any roof racks and additional weight, and this will help your fuel consumption a lot!
So if you combine these tips with cruise control on a flat road, you will certainly save gas!
Read Also: How Much Does A Gallon Of Gas Weigh?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does cruise control save gas?
Yes, cruise control can save between 7-20% fuel consumption on flat highways by maintaining a steady speed.
Is cruise control good for MPG?
Cruise control improves fuel economy on level roads, but may reduce fuel economy when going uphill.
When should you never use cruise control?
Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, rain, icy roads, or hilly terrain for safety & fuel economy purposes.
Is cruise control hard on your transmission?
Cruise control is not bad for your transmission. In fact, it may actually prolong your car’s transmission life. You can reduce the risk of wear on the vehicle’s engine by avoiding unnecessary speed changes.
Is it safe to use cruise control on a highway?
Yes, it is safe to use cruise control on a highway when the roads are dry & flat. But disable cruise control if weather conditions worsen.
What are the benefits of cruise control?
Cruise control saves gas, reduces driver fatigue, and reduces the risk of speeding.
Does braking stop cruise control?
Yes, tapping on the brake will stop cruise control in most vehicles, as they have a common design.
Final Tips for Cruise Control Users
In order to maximize efficiency, I recommend that you use cruise control on flat, level highways, but definitely avoid using it on hilly roads or in bad weather. I’ve seen the difference in my car’s fuel economy when I started using cruise control wisely.
Have a safe & fuel-efficient drive! Let us know in the comments below about your experience using cruise control.
