You don’t have to worry. Using cruise control won’t hurt your Hyundai Sonata as long as you’re using it correctly.
Will using cruise control wear out my brakes faster?
The wear that cruise control causes on your brakes depends on the type of cruise control and the driving conditions. Traditional cruise control does not use the brakes to maintain a constant speed, so it does not wear out the brakes.
Adaptive cruise control may use them to reduce speed, but it does not necessarily wear out the brakes. While cruise control can help improve fuel economy and reduce gas-wasting acceleration and deceleration, prolonged use of cruise control may lead to later use of the Hyundai’s brakes, which can decrease a driver’s reaction time and increase the risk of accidents.
Can I use cruise control on winding or curvy roads?
You probably shouldn’t use cruise control on winding or curvy roads. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which is not good for curved roads or when you need to make multiple turns that need to be navigated at a reduced speed.
Using cruise control on winding or curvy roads can increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle entirely. Cruise control should not be used on winding roads, in heavy traffic, or when the road surface is slippery, as it could result in loss of vehicle control.
Does cruise control disengage automatically when I brake?
Cruise control disengages automatically when you brake. Here are a few ways these systems disengage:
- When the brake pedal is applied, they use the brake light switch to disengage.
- Some cruise control systems disengage when the clutch is pulled in.
- Pressing the cruise control button on the hand controls can disengage it.
- You can tap the brake pedal or hit the X button, then re-engage it when you’re closer after you remove your foot from the brake pedal.
Can cruise control cause unintended acceleration?
While it is rare, cruise control can cause unintended acceleration in some cases. A defective cruise control switch or throttle control actuator can cause sudden acceleration and high revving. Sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, and electronic malfunction. Most modern cruise control systems are designed to prevent unintended acceleration by using fail-safe mechanisms and safety features. To cancel cruise control, you can push the drive stalk up once or press the brake pedal.
Can I use cruise control while towing a trailer?
Technically, you can use cruise control while towing a trailer but definitely consider the risks and safety concerns. Using cruise control while towing can help you maintain a consistent speed and reduce driver fatigue, but it can also reduce your ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions and cause the transmission to overheat.
Most owner’s manuals recommend shutting off cruise control when driving on wet or icy/snowy surfaces, whether towing or just driving. Some trucks have a tow/haul mode that allows you to use cruise control while towing.
