what does the adaptive cruise control icon look like

How Do I Know If My Chevy Has Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an advanced driver-assist technology that helps maintain a pre-set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead of you. It’s available on many modern Chevrolet models, but how can you tell if your Chevy has adaptive cruise control? Here’s what you need to know.

The first step is to check your owner’s manual. Your manual should list all available features on your specific model of Chevy, and if adaptive cruise control is available, it will be noted. If it’s not listed, then your vehicle does not have the feature.

You can also look at your dashboard. If you have adaptive cruise control, you should find the ACC button located on the steering wheel. It looks like a speedometer icon with a few arrows pointing around it. If you don’t see this button, then your car does not have adaptive cruise control.

If you’re still not sure, you can look for the Adaptive Cruise Control icon on the instrument cluster. It’s a car icon with a few arrows pointing around it. If you don’t see this icon, then you don’t have ACC. You may also find a Radar icon, which is a radar like symbol with an arrow pointing downwards. This indicates that your car has adaptive cruise control.

If you still have doubts, then you can take your car to a local dealership and have them check it for you. They can confirm whether or not your Chevy has adaptive cruise control and advise you on what to do next.

Adaptive Cruise Control can be an incredibly useful feature, and it’s available on many Chevrolet models. Before you can use it, though, you’ll have to make sure that your car has it. Follow the steps above and you should be able to confirm if your Chevy has adaptive cruise control.

Implementing Adaptive Cruise Control In Your Chevy Vehicle

If you are wondering if your Chevy vehicle is equipped with adaptive cruise control, then you are in the right place. Adaptive cruise control is an advanced feature that helps to keep your vehicle at a safe and comfortable distance from the vehicle in front of it, no matter what the speed. In this article, we will discuss how to determine if your Chevy vehicle has adaptive cruise control and how to implement it.

If you want to use adaptive cruise control in your Chevy vehicle, you need to first check if it is already installed in your vehicle. To do this, check your car’s manual to see if it is listed as one of the features. If not, you can also look for a button on your dashboard or steering wheel that has the words “adaptive cruise control” written on it. If you find it, then you are in luck and your vehicle already has adaptive cruise control.

If your vehicle does not have adaptive cruise control, then you can purchase and install it aftermarket. To do so, you will need to purchase an adaptive cruise control kit from a reputable aftermarket supplier. The kit will include all the necessary components to install the system such as sensors, wiring, and a control module. After the installation is complete, you will be able to use the feature on your vehicle.

The cost of the adaptive cruise control kit will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. Generally, the cost ranges from $200 to $700, depending on the complexity of the installation. It is important to note that some vehicles may require additional components such as a new ECU, wiring harness or additional sensors, which could increase the cost significantly.

Once you have installed the adaptive cruise control system in your vehicle, you will need to configure it. This is done by setting the desired speed and distance from the vehicle in front. The system will then automatically adjust the speed and distance to maintain the desired settings. You can also configure the system to respond to stop and go traffic, making your drive more comfortable.

Adaptive cruise control is a great way to make your driving experience more comfortable and safe. If you are looking to install it in your Chevy vehicle, you can easily determine if your vehicle has adaptive cruise control installed or not. If not, you can purchase and install the system aftermarket. Remember to configure it carefully to ensure safe driving.

Features Of An Adaptive Cruise Control System In A Chevy Vehicle

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a feature found in some modern cars, such as Chevy vehicles, that uses a combination of radar sensors, lasers, and cameras to automatically maintain a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The goal of ACC is to make long drives easier and safer by reducing driver fatigue and providing added convenience. Here, we will explore the features of an adaptive cruise control system in a Chevy vehicle.

Many Chevy vehicles come with adaptive cruise control as an optional feature or as part of a package. The ACC system typically comes with a range of speeds from 30 mph to around 75 mph, though higher speeds are available on some models. The system is designed to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, and can even bring the vehicle to a full stop if necessary.

In addition to keeping a safe distance from the car ahead, ACC systems are also designed to help you maintain a steady speed. The system will adjust your speed to account for hills, curves, and other changes in the road. It also has the ability to sense changes in traffic and will automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Chevy’s adaptive cruise control system also comes with a variety of other features, such as lane-keeping assistance, which helps keep your car in the center of your lane and alerts you if you start to drift out of it. The system also has a follow-to-stop feature, which will slow the car down to a complete stop if the car ahead stops. Once the car ahead starts to move again, the ACC system will automatically resume your set speed.

The ACC system also integrates with Chevy’s infotainment system, allowing you to view the system’s settings and adjust them on the fly. You can also view the car’s speed on the display, allowing you to keep an eye on the car’s speed and the distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Overall, the adaptive cruise control system in a Chevy vehicle provides a variety of features that make long drives easier and safer. The system is designed to maintain a safe distance from other cars, and its lane-keeping assistance, follow-to-stop feature, and integration with the infotainment system makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to take advantage of the latest technology.

Adaptive cruise control is available as an option in some model years of the Chevy, so you will need to check your car’s specifications.

No, adaptive cruise control is not standard in all Chevy models. You will need to check your car’s specifications to see if it has adaptive cruise control.

To use adaptive cruise control, first press the Adaptive Cruise Control button on the steering wheel. Then, use the + and – buttons to adjust the speed, and the SET button to turn it on and off.

Adaptive cruise control includes features such as maintaining a set speed, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle in front, and slowing to a stop if necessary.

Yes, you can turn off adaptive cruise control by pressing the SET button.

Yes, you can adjust the speed while using adaptive cruise control by using the + and – buttons.

Yes, adaptive cruise control can be used in stop and go traffic.

If the adaptive cruise control system malfunctions, you should turn off the system and contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Adaptive cruise control comes with safety features such as maintaining a set speed, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle in front, and slowing to a stop if necessary.

Adaptive cruise control works best in normal weather conditions, however it may not function properly in adverse weather conditions such as snow or ice.

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Guide to Adaptive Cruise Control

How this convenience feature works to reduce your stress on long drives

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is like traditional cruise control, but smarter. ACC systems allow you to set a desired speed until your vehicle encounters slower-moving traffic. Then it will brake to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. Once the traffic starts moving again or if there is no longer a car in the lane ahead, ACC will accelerate to resume the previous set speed. Although ACC systems may take some getting used to, our survey respondents told us they appreciated the stress relief the feature brings.

“I use the feature mostly on the freeway and in stop-and-go traffic. I find it reduces tension and fatigue,” wrote a 2020 Subaru Outback owner. A 2018 Audi Q5 driver agreed. “It is so nice to just set it and let the car worry about the traffic,” they told CR.

The systems use lasers, radar, cameras, or a combination of those. If traffic slows to a stop, most ACC systems will bring the car to a complete stop, then bring it back up to speed when traffic gets going again. Others work only within certain speeds and/or might not start to accelerate automatically.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC): Cruise control that also assists with acceleration and/or braking to maintain a driver-selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue while others cannot. If the car comes to a full stop, you may have to press the accelerator or a button on the steering wheel to start moving again.

Not all systems work at low speeds, so drivers who plan to use ACC in slow traffic should check the limitations of any system they plan to buy. These particular systems will often have the words “traffic jam” or “stop and go” in their name.

These features are usually activated using a button on the steering wheel with the image of a car next to a speedometer with an arrow pointing at it. A conventional cruise control system does not automatically keep a set distance away from the car in front, and it is indicated by a similar logo without the car next to the speedometer. A tip to know if your car has adaptive cruise control or regular cruise control is to look for the “gap distance” button, which usually shows a symbol of a car with horizontal distance bars in front. This button will determine how much space your car leaves between its front bumper and the rear of the car it is following.

In our most recent survey, we asked CR members to rate their experiences with the advanced safety and driver assistance systems on their model-year 2017 to 2022 cars. Respondents answered questions about their satisfaction with the systems. The survey covered about 47,000 vehicles. Most respondents told us they were “very satisfied” with ACC. Satisfaction was higher for older drivers.

OVERALL SATISFACTION

What to Look For in an Adaptive Cruise Control System

Every ACC system works slightly differently, says Kelly Funkhouser, manager for vehicle technology at CR. Some do a better job than others at recognizing merging traffic and automatically apply the brakes, while others wait too long to slow your car, requiring the driver to take control—especially when a vehicle in front of you cuts you off with a close merge.

“Most ACC systems can only be set to speeds above 20 mph but will slow the vehicle to speeds below that in stop-and-go traffic,” she says. “There are a few systems out there that don’t bring the car all the way to a stop but instead just shut off at low speeds. That can be dangerous when you’re traveling behind another slowing vehicle.” She recommends reading the automaker’s website closely and learning about the speed ranges before using ACC while on your test drive.

ACC is meant for convenience, not as a replacement for an alert driver, Funkhouser says. So don’t use adaptive cruise control as an excuse to get distracted. “Just because the car is controlling your speed doesn’t mean that you can check out,” she says. “These systems do not do well at detecting or slowing for vehicles ahead if you approach them at a high rate of speed. The driver should always be monitoring the surrounding traffic and looking ahead for potential hazards.”

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry .

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Demystifying Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comprehensive Guide

As an auto tech expert and self-driving car enthusiast, I often get asked about Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and how exactly it works to automatically adjust your car‘s speed. ACC is one of the coolest semi-autonomous technologies available today, making highway drives safer and less stressful. But it‘s also complex under the hood!

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you an in-depth look at ACC – how it works, different types, key benefits, limitations, and what the future holds for adaptive cruise and autonomous driving.

ACC 101 – Adjusting Speed to the Car in Front

ACC uses radar, laser sensors or cameras to monitor the vehicle ahead and adjust your speed accordingly to maintain a preset following distance. If the vehicle in front slows, so does your car – automatically! ACC reduces the constant manual braking and acceleration required in heavy traffic.

Here‘s a quick ACC capability comparison:

ACC delivers a major safety and convenience upgrade from old cruise control technology first introduced in the 1950s. Let‘s look under the hood at how ACC performs this speed adaptation trickery…

ACC Sensor Technology – Radar vs. Laser vs. Camera

ACC systems rely on forward-facing sensors to detect the speed and distance of vehicles ahead. Most ACC systems use radar (radio waves), while some premium vehicles use laser sensors or cameras paired with image processing. Here‘s how each sensor approach works:

Radar Adaptive Cruise Control

• Uses radio waves in the 24 GHz or 77 GHz frequency bands
• Excellent range (160m+) and unaffected by weather
• Distributed beam provides wide field of view
• Cannot identify shape and classification of objects
• Overall the most robust and widely adopted ACC technology

Laser Adaptive Cruise Control

• LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) laser sensors
• Very high resolution and accuracy
• Narrow, focused beam with longer range than radar
• Performance impacted by weather and dirt
• Limited adoption due to higher cost

Camera-Based Adaptive Cruise Control

• Uses front-facing camera and video processing
• Can visually identify vehicles braking ahead
• Shorter effective range with narrow field of view
• Limited use for ACC, better for lane centering

Radar ACC is the most common since it combines long range, wide scanning angle, with reasonable cost. However, some automakers like Toyota and BMW use both radar and cameras to complement each other.

Real World ACC Performance

In optimal highway conditions, ACC works exceptionally well to adapt your vehicle‘s speed based on traffic ahead. However, ACC has limitations that require driver supervision:

Following distance – Most systems allow setting 1,2 or 3 second gap to car ahead. Younger drivers tend to prefer the risky 1 second gap!

Cut-ins – When a vehicle changes lane in front, ACC response can be delayed

Curves & hills – Around blind turns or over hills, performance drops as radar line-of-sight is lost

Bad weather – Heavy rain, snow, and fog degrade radar and laser sensor effectiveness

Bright light – Low sun angles and bright reflections can overwhelm camera sensors

Small objects – Most ACC systems have trouble consistently detecting motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians

While ACC has its limits, it‘s remarkably helpful day-to-day in reducing driver burden. But expect some occasionally quirky behavior so you‘re not caught off guard!

ACC Availability Across Vehicle Makes

ACC technology premiered in 1992, but only became popular on luxury cars in the early 2000s. ACC is now commonplace across all major auto brands:

And it‘s a standard feature on most luxury vehicles:

With so many automakers offering ACC, it‘s now an expected convenience feature for car buyers.

Comparing OEM Adaptive Cruise Systems

While ACC capabilities are similar across brands, there are some notable differences between automaker systems:

Mercedes-Benz Distronic

• Industry-leading ACC technology since introduced in 1998
• Uses long-range 77 GHz radar + stereo cameras
• Capable of full stop-and-go operation
• Automatically adjusts speed for curves and junctions

GM Super Cruise

• Camera + radar ACC combined with precision GPS mapping
• Enables hands-free driving on limited access highways
• Driver attention monitoring via face tracking camera

Nissan ProPilot Assist

• Budget ACC + lane centering system
• Smooth performance but more limited capability
• Delayed responses compared to premium systems

Toyota Dynamic Radar Cruise

• Lower speed operation down to 25mph
• Conservative speed adjustment when following
• Prone to leaving large gaps in traffic

Overall Mercedes sets the benchmark for ACC performance and capability in my opinion, with German automakers continuing to lead the way.

Adding ACC to Older Vehicles

You don‘t need to buy a new car to experience ACC convenience. There are aftermarket ACC systems available to add radar-based speed adaptation to older vehicles:

Comma Two : $1100 standalone ACC system powered by camera and radar sensors. Installs by connecting directly to vehicle CAN bus. Impressive capabilities given aftermarket nature.

Autocruise : $2500 ACC system requiring professional installation. Uses front camera and radar sensors. Provides ACC + lane centering.

RoadMate : $1800 radar-only ACC system. Easier self-install with OBDII plug-in. But limited braking capability.

Aftermarket systems provide a taste of ACC and advanced driver assist capabilities. But overall, OEM automaker ACC integration delivers a smoother and more reliable driver experience.

The Road to Fully Autonomous Driving

A key benefit of ACC systems is paving the way for fully autonomous self-driving vehicle (SDV) technology. The cruise control computers, radars, and cameras ACC relies on provide the foundational sensing and actuation building blocks for SDVs.

Here are some of the key ACC enhancements feeding into full autonomy:

Improved camera imaging – Higher resolution, HDR, night vision, wider field of view

Sensor fusion – Combining radar, camera and ultrasounds for 360 degree coverage

Tighter vehicle integration – Braking and steering authority expanded beyond ACC

Detailed 3D mapping – Ultra-precise maps enable self-driving without relying solely on sensors

V2X communication – Sharing intent and sensor data with nearby vehicles, infrastructure

Redundant systems – Backup sensors, computers, and actuators to maximize safety

The big challenge is mastering full self-driving in complex urban environments. While ACC handles long boring highway drives, crowded city streets require an entirely new level of autonomous driving expertise.

Optimizing ACC for the Future

As an auto tech expert, I see great potential ahead for ACC technology. But there are also improvements I‘d love to see:

Quicker reactions – Faster stopping when vehicle cuts in front

All speed operation – ACC availability even in start-stop traffic

Improved object detection – Identifying pedestrians, cyclists, animals

Left/right radar – Side-facing sensors to monitor blind spots

Personalization – Driver tailored ACC preferences and profiles

Intuitive controls – Simplifying overly complex ACC settings menus

Seamless transitions – Handoff between ACC, lane centering and parking systems

Driver monitoring – Alerts for distraction and loss of attention

With future refinement, ACC can move beyond just being a convenience feature and provide truly safe semi-autonomous driving.

Challenges Facing Consumer ACC Adoption

Despite the benefits of ACC, there are still barriers to mass consumer adoption:

Cost – Only available on higher trim models outside budget for many car buyers

Trust – Drivers underestimate capabilities and effectiveness of ACC

Complexity – Many settings overwhelm drivers new to the technology

Reliability – Sensor degradation and performance concerns over vehicle lifetime

Education – Lack of ACC training for consumers

Addressing these challenges will be key for ACC to transition from a luxury feature to a standard capability that drivers actually use day-to-day.

Testing and Validating Adaptive Cruise Systems

Before ACC systems hit the road, automakers put them through rigorous testing to ensure safety:

Hardware-in-the-Loop – Validating ACC sensor + ECU integration

Test track assessment – Repeated runs observing ACC capability in action

Scenario testing – Emulating cut-ins, curved roads, weather effects

Naturalistic driving – Recording ACC use in real uncontrolled driving

Simulation – Modeling ACC components and logic virtually

Public road testing – Validation in early prototype vehicles

Safety audits – Third-party review of ACC functionality

Months of testing provides confidence in ACC operation. But it‘s impossible to evaluate every edge case scenario an ACC system may encounter once on the road.

Insider ACC Troubleshooting Tips

To dig deeper into ACC, I connected with Sam who works on ACC radar sensor calibration at General Motors. He shared some pro tips on troubleshooting ACC issues:

"One problem we see is radar misalignment that prevents ACC from detecting vehicles ahead accurately. This can occur if the radar or front bumper gets even slightly shifted, say due to a minor collision. I recommend first visually inspecting the radar position and realigning if necessary. Also watch out for mud or snow buildup around the sensor which can block radio waves."

"Software bugs are another ACC gremlin, like incorrect gap distance or delayed braking. But these can often be remedied with an ECU update at the dealership. And make sure the windshield in front of the camera is squeaky clean for camera-based systems! Dirty glass is an easy pitfall."

So when ACC acts up, check for sensor obstructions, misalignment, and also ask your dealer to verify the latest software is installed.

I hope this ACC deep dive has helped shed light on how this clever technology works and what the future holds. Let me know if you have any other ACC questions!

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What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help road vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system designed to help vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit. This system adjusts a car's speed automatically so drivers don't have to.

Adaptive cruise control is one of 20 terms used to describe its functions so that you might see adaptive cruise control as the following in advertisements and vehicle descriptions:

• Active cruise control
• Dynamic cruise control
• Radar cruise control
• Automatic cruise control
• Intelligent cruise control

ACC functions by sensory technology installed within vehicles such as cameras, lasers, and radar equipment, which creates an idea of how close one car is to another, or other objects on the roadway. For this reason, ACC is the basis for future car intelligence.

These sensory technologies allow the car to detect and warn the driver about potential forward collisions. When this happens, red lights begin to flash, and the phrase 'brake now!' appears on the dashboard to help the driver slow down. There might also be an audible warning.

Advantages of Adaptive Cruise Control

Limitations of adaptive cruise control.

Although there are many advantages to adaptive cruise control, there are still limitations to consider. One of the main faults in this system is the fact that it is not entirely autonomous. The driver of the vehicle still needs to practice safe driving habits that will work in tandem with this technology to produce the best results. Similarly, adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog might confuse the system's sensors, as well as environmental factors such as driving through tunnels.

What Is the Difference Between a Level 1 Autonomous Car and a Level 2 Autonomous Car?

According to SAE International, when a car only has autonomous cruise control , it is considered to be a level 1 autonomous car. In contrast, a vehicle with autonomous cruise control and an additional feature, such as lane control, gets classified as a level 2 autonomous car.

How Much Does an Adaptive Cruise Control System Cost?

According to ExtremeTech, The cost of an adaptive cruise control system will vary depending on how many features you want. If you're going to have an ACC with all available features, you should be willing to pay anywhere between $2000 and $2500. If you are looking for minimal cruise control that would benefit speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour, these more basic ACCs can cost as low as $500. The good news is that as ACC becomes more common, it will most likely reduce in price.

History of Adaptive Cruise Control

U.S. News says Mitsubishi first introduced adaptive cruise control in Japan in 1992 . This was a lidar-based distance detection system that detected objects that were getting too close. It was labeled as 'Debonair' and it was programmed to provide a warning to the driver about oncoming objects. The main difference was that it was the driver's job to apply the brakes and reduce their speed.

However, two years later in 1995, the Mitsubishi Diamante featured an upgraded approach to the Debonair called 'Preview Distance Control.' Unlike the original technology, this laser-powered system could adjust a driver's speed by downshifting or controlling the throttle. The driver was still responsible for applying the brakes.

From the early 2000s onward, big names in the car industry, such as Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Infinity, Hyundai, Toyota, and Audi, created their versions of adaptive cruise control in their vehicles. These individual features have evolved into a high-tech system with automatic braking and speed control.

Types of Adaptive Cruise Control

Radar-based systems.

According to eInfoChips, radar-based systems work by placing radar-based sensors on or around plastic fascias to detect your vehicle's surroundings. Each radar sensor works together to create a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's proximity to other cars or potentially hazardous objects. This type of sensor can look different depending on the design and model of the car.

Laser-Based Systems

As mentioned by Electronic Design , this type of ACC system operates out of a large black box typically placed in the grille of your vehicle. It uses laser technology to detect the proximity of objects to your car. It does not operate well during rainstorms and other weather conditions.

Binocular Computer Vision Systems (Optical)

According to ExtremeTech, this is a relatively new ACC system put into use in 2013. It uses small cameras that are placed on the back of a vehicle's rearview mirror to detect front-facing objects.

Assisting Systems

Assisting systems are radar-based add-ons that customers can buy together. These pre-crash systems can offer lane control, brake assistance, cruise control, proximity alerts to objects like corners, and steering power.

Multi-Sensor Systems

According to Fierce Electronics , adaptive cruise control systems sometimes integrate more than one type of sensor to aid in a vehicle's operation. Multi-sensor systems incorporate several different sensor types to provide a driver with advanced information. These sensors might include GPS data equipment or cameras to gather information about a vehicle's geographic environment and proximity to other cars.

Predictive Systems

As mentioned by Autoblog, prediction systems are a type of ACC that uses sensory data to predict the actions of neighboring vehicles. This means that your car might slow down to brace for another vehicle suddenly switching lanes and, in doing so, promotes passenger safety.

Adaptive cruise control is evolving each year. Car companies are continuously making adjustments to this technology and, in doing so, creating more common and affordable options that can be purchased with a new car or added to older car models, making driving safer for everyday people.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com . For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at [email protected] .

https://www.einfochips.com/blog/why-automotive-companies-should-adopt-radar-based-adas-systems/

https://www.electronicdesign.com/markets/automotive/article/21797633/adaptive-cruise-control-laser-diodes-as-an-alternative-to-millimeterwave-radars

https://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/14/new-honda-smart-cruise-control-predicts-other-motorists-future/

https://www.fierceelectronics.com/components/three-sensor-types-drive-autonomous-vehicles

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/157172-what-is-adaptive-cruise-control-and-how-does-it-work

https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/adaptive-cruise-control/

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/what-is-adaptive-cruise-control

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/columns/

https://www.sae.org/

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What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

What it does, plus other names for it and how it's different from autopilot and super cruise.

Today’s cars don’t look all that different from the cars of 10, 20, or even 30 years ago, but once you delve past the drivetrain, the seating configuration, or the body style, you’ll find today’s cars share as much in common with a small business computing network than they do with the cars that came before them. The technology in cars has become significantly more advanced over the past decade, bringing the car’s capabilities into the realm of things that were previously only part of the driver’s skill set – things like staying in the intended lane, braking in the event of an emergency, or following at a safe and consistent distance. This latter ability – typically known as Adaptive Cruise Control – is one of the most prevalent and the most useful. But what is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)?

A Basic Definition of Adaptive Cruise Control

As the name suggests, ACC is like normal cruise control, except it can adapt. Adapt to what? Typically, ACC systems use a combination of sensors to gauge the distance and speed of the vehicle directly ahead of the subject car, using that data to adjust the throttle and/or brake to maintain the desired following distance and speed. When there is no vehicle ahead, the ACC will function as a standard cruise control system, accelerating to the set speed and maintaining it.

Abilities of Adaptive Cruise Control Systems

ACC systems fall into a spectrum of functionality, as the extensive computerization of the car has led to ACC systems that do much more than merely follow a car ahead at a fixed distance. 

Some of today's systems can control the vehicle's follow distance and speed from a stop to highway speeds and back again, with minimal or no input from the driver, like Mercedes-Benz ’s Distronic Plus or Ford ’s ACC with Stop & Go. Some systems, like the standard version of Distronic or Honda ’s ACC, will brake all the way to a stop, but then deactivate themselves. Other systems skip the low-speed functionality in favor of a more traditional high-speed adaptive cruise control system intended for highway usage.

Essentially none of the ACC systems on the market today are standalone systems. Instead, they're integrated into suites of safety technologies and systems, often cooperating with features like lane-keeping assist to provide further driver assistance by doing most of steering for you (but you do need to keep a hand on the wheel). Ford's Intelligent ACC, for instance, wraps up its ACC with Stop & Go and speed limit sign recognition for a sort of low-level autonomous driver assistance system that’s capable of following at a set distance, staying within a lane, and starting up again from a stop with the press of a button.

Although adaptive cruise control is typically considered a premium feature and is often offered as an option, an increasing number of car companies are including it along with those other driver-assist technologies as standard equipment. Toyota , Honda and Mazda , for instance, provide it standard on all trim levels on nearly all their cars. 

Different names for Adaptive Cruise Control Systems

  “Adaptive cruise control” is a generic term. Although most brands use it, some have their own names for the same type of system. Here’s a list of some alternative names you might come across, but rest assured, they’re just adaptive cruise control.

• Acura: AcuraWatch (a suite of systems that includes adaptive cruise control)
• BMW: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Honda: Honda Sensing (a suite of systems that includes adaptive cruise control)
• Hyundai, Kia and Genesis: Highway Driving Assist
• Infiniti : Intelligent Cruise Control
• Lincoln : Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Mazda: Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Mercedes-Benz: Distronic Plus
• Nissan : ProPilot Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control (two systems with different capabilities)
• Subaru : EyeSight (a suite of systems that includes adaptive cruise control)
• Tesla : Traffic-Aware Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Toyota and Lexus: Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

How is Adaptive Cruise Control Different than Autopilot, Super Cruise or BlueCruise?

All adaptive systems control the accelerator and brake, but some go beyond that. Some can do most of the steering for you on the highway (we call this lane-centering steering assist), but require you to keep a hand firmly on the wheel. Some can go even further than that by making automated lane changes once the driver signals and the car determines it’s safe to proceed.

Tesla’s Autopilot, GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise go one crucial step beyond that by allowing you to drive without a hand on the wheel. Effectively, they are hands-free driving. There are crucial differences, however. The GM and Ford systems are geofenced to operate in only specific stretches of highway, whereas Tesla’s system operates more freely (for better and for worse). Tesla also does not monitor the driver’s attention as Super Cruise and BlueCruise do. The Lincoln version of BlueCruise, called ActiveGlide , is pictured in action below.

None of these systems are close to what one would consider autonomous driving.

A (Very) Brief History of Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control was pioneered in the 1990s largely by Japanese carmakers including Mitsubishi , Nissan, and Toyota, though Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW, Audi,, Lancia , Renault , Volkswagen , Subaru, and Cadillac were also early players in the ACC game through the 1990s and early 2000s.

The first ACC system to reach the U.S. market was in the 2001 Lexus LS 430 . The "Dynamic Laser Cruise Control System" used a laser-based sensor to estimate traffic distance.

Types of Sensors for Adaptive Cruise Control

Ever since the earliest days of adaptive cruise control, there's been a wide range of thought about which are the best type of sensors to use to detect traffic and the speeds of nearby vehicles. The earliest systems used laser or radar, and while both of those sensor types remain in use today, today's greater computing power and higher-resolution digital camera sensors have made camera-based ACC possible.

Laser-based systems, though they may sound super high-tech, are susceptible to a number of issues with false readings, especially in inclement weather or when the path of the (invisible) laser beam is interrupted by other debris or foreign objects, including road grime and dirt on the target vehicle.

Radar-based systems function in essentially the same manner as laser-based systems, but with the benefit that radar can penetrate through inclement weather and other obstacles more easily.

Camera-based systems use a totally different operational method, using computers to attempt to recognize objects and features from their visual representations, rather than using time-of-flight of a beam of directed energy like laser or radar. This can make the systems more robust against problems like inclement weather, but can also lead to new problems, like distinguishing between real objects and images of objects, or their shadows. The Subaru Eyesight safety suite, which includes ACC, is a dual camera-based system. 

Today, most ACC systems use a combination of laser, radar, or camera sensors to help overcome the shortfalls of each individually. 

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What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?

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Advanced Driver-Assist Systems Make Our Lives Easier (and Safer)

Sadly, millions of people are involved in car crashes every year. According to the CDC, about 90 people die each day in the U.S. as a result of a car crash. However, crash fatalities are decreasing almost every year, even though there are more cars on the road. While the reasons for the decline aren’t clear-cut, advances in overall vehicle safety and advanced driver-assist systems seem to be contributing to the decline.

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While most of today’s cars offer multiple driver-assist features, cruise control is still arguably one of the greatest advancements in the history of car technology. Interestingly, the feature was first invented over 60 years ago. Since then, there have been notable improvements that make the latest versions of cruise control safer and much more useful. 

The invention of cruise control, along with its evolution to adaptive cruise control, marked the beginning of what may eventually lead to self-driving cars. Continue reading to learn all about adaptive cruise control.

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The History of Cruise Control

Various forms of cruise control were used in cars dating all the way back to the beginning of the twentieth century. However, modern cruise control was invented by American engineer Ralph Teetor in 1948. He secured a patent for the technology in 1950, and it made its way into passenger cars by the 1960s.

Teeter came up with the idea while riding along in a car with his lawyer. As a passenger in the car, he noticed that every time his lawyer talked, the car changed speeds.

Adaptive cruise control’s roots date back to 1992 when Mitsubishi launched a Lidar-based distance-detection system in Japan. However, the technology didn’t adjust the car’s speed on its own, but rather alerted the driver to take action. 

By 1995, Mitsubishi improved the system to adjust the car’s speed on its own via transmission and throttle management, though actual braking was still controlled by the driver. In the early 2000s, many automakers started offering their own, more advanced versions of adaptive cruise control.

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What Is Cruise Control?

To most people, this may seem like a silly question. However, to better understand the evolution of cruise control, it’s important to take a look at its basic functionality.

Cruise control is a system designed to automatically control a vehicle’s speed, which the driver must pre-set after activating. It’s most useful for long highway or freeway drives, and/or in areas where there’s not much traffic, or a need to stop often. Cruise control isn’t very useful at low speeds, or in areas where there are many stop signs or traffic lights.

With cruise control engaged, you don’t have to keep your foot on the accelerator pedal or work to maintain a consistent speed. This means you can more easily adjust your seating position, rest your legs and feet, and focus on other aspects of driving. As an aside, keeping a car at a consistent speed typically leads to better fuel economy.

The controls and buttons for cruise control vary among vehicles. Typically, they’re found on either the steering wheel or a stalk on the steering column. The driver holds a steady speed using the accelerator pedal and then “sets” the speed before taking their foot off the pedal. There are also “+” and “-” buttons to change speed incrementally, as well as a button to disengage the feature and/or resume the pre-set speed. Touching the brake pedal immediately turns off cruise control.

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Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a system that helps cars stay within the speed limit or the pre-set speed while maintaining a safe, predetermined distance behind a “leading” car. When the vehicle in front of you speeds up or slows down, the system adjusts the car’s speed as necessary. 

Some advanced adaptive cruise control systems have “stop-and-go” technology – sometimes called traffic jam assist. This means the system will, when necessary, bring the car to a complete stop, wait for traffic to clear or for the leading car to begin moving, and then accelerate again to the speed limit or pre-set speed. The system continues to maintain a safe distance throughout these maneuvers.

While adaptive cruise control is the most commonly used term for this technology, different automakers have different names for it. If you read that a car offers smart cruise control, active cruise control, automatic cruise control, dynamic cruise control, radar cruise control, or intelligent cruise control, be sure to find out exactly what the feature’s capabilities are.

Most importantly, find out if the feature adjusts the car’s speed on its own, and if it has stop-and-go capability. Be sure to test-drive any vehicle before buying or leasing it. Get acquainted with the adaptive cruise control feature during your test drive. Make sure you understand exactly how it works and what it’s capable of before moving forward with the transaction.

How Does Adaptive Cruise Control Work?

Various car manufacturers have different technologies for adaptive cruise control. However, the basic idea is the same. The car uses either a laser or radar to measure the distance to the leading vehicle. These are essentially the same lasers and radars used for features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. They’re also used in vehicles with semi-autonomous technology. For this reason, it’s fair to say that cruise control was the first step toward what may eventually evolve into self-driving vehicle technology.

It’s important to note that some laser-based adaptive cruise control systems won’t function properly in inclement weather and/or if the sensors are wet or dirty. Radar-based systems are largely unaffected by weather or debris. While more systems employ radar than lasers, be sure to find out which technology your car – or the car you’re planning on buying – uses.

Adaptive cruise control isn’t often a standalone technology. Instead, it’s usually part of a suite of safety systems that work together. If a car has adaptive cruise control, it likely also has forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Some more advanced vehicles also have pedestrian detection, as well as systems that help keep your car in its lane, or even help steer the car on the highway when adaptive cruise control is engaged.

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What Are the Limitations of Adaptive Cruise Control?

Like almost all vehicle safety technologies, adaptive cruise control is constantly improving. However, it’s still not a substitute for a human driver. While adaptive cruise control is meant to reduce stress and make driving easier, you still need to remain aware, engaged, and ready to take over the accelerator and brake pedal at a moment’s notice.

Adaptive cruise control isn’t meant to steer the car, though other complementary safety systems may help with steering as well. Adaptive cruise control systems with stop-and-go technology will monitor the car in front of you and adjust the speed accordingly. Some systems even observe speed limit signs and slow down around tight curves. With that said, if another driver slams on the brakes in front of you, cuts you off, or makes a sudden maneuver, you should immediately take over. Remember, some cruise control systems either won’t operate or shouldn’t be used in inclement weather.

While your car may also have features like automatic emergency braking, you can’t count on those features to do the job for you. Instead, the features are there just in case you don’t react quickly enough.

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Should You Avoid Cars That Don’t Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

When searching for a new or used car, you should try to prioritize finding a vehicle with as many of the latest advanced driver-assist systems as possible. This is especially true if you plan to keep the car for many years. 

Safety is of the utmost importance when shopping for a car. As vehicle safety systems are improving rapidly, it doesn’t take long for a car’s safety systems to become dated or even considered obsolete. For this reason, making sure you have the latest advanced driver-assist systems means you’ll be able to keep your car for a longer period of time before its features are no longer consistent with the most up-to-date technologies.

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Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth it?

It depends. While any technology that will make your life easier and safer is arguably worth it, adaptive cruise control can be a pricey option in some cars. You may have to buy a trim above the base and/or add a package. However, in many cars, adaptive cruise control comes standard, usually as part of a full suite of active safety technologies.

When you’re shopping for a car, make sure it comes equipped with as many safety systems as possible. If you have your eyes on a vehicle, and you learn that it doesn’t include a suite of safety systems, find out how much it costs to add them. If it exceeds your budget, you may want to consider a competing model that includes adaptive cruise control and other safety systems as standard.

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Which Cars Have Adaptive Cruise Control?

Nearly every automaker offers adaptive cruise control. However, some systems are more advanced than others. Automakers such as Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Toyota are generally known for having some of the best advanced driver-assist systems, though many other brands offer adaptive cruise control technology that works well.

While advanced driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control were once reserved for luxury cars or top-level trims on larger cars and SUVs, that’s not the case today. In fact, well-priced small cars like the Honda Civic , Mazda3 , Subaru Legacy , and Toyota Corolla come standard with adaptive cruise control. Even budget-mobiles, such as the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa offer the feature.

Many of today’s SUVs come standard with adaptive cruise control as well, and those that don’t have it on the base model still offer it as an upgrade. The feature even comes standard on some small, relatively inexpensive SUVs, including the Honda CR-V , Mazda CX-3 and CX-30 , Subaru Forester , and Toyota C-HR . To see a list of the cheapest cars and SUVs with adaptive cruise control, click here .

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If you’re in the market for a new car, check out our new car rankings to compare different models and see which vehicles offer adaptive cruise control. Also, be sure to visit our new car financing deals and lease deals pages to learn about the best current manufacturer-sponsored incentives on new cars, trucks, and SUVs.

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Adaptive Cruise Control | Ford Co-Pilot 360™ Technology

Adaptive cruise control.

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Beyond Conventional Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

*If the vehicle is stopped for more than three seconds, the driver must intervene and press the “RES” button or accelerator pedal to resume system operation.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC)

Adaptive cruise control availability.

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Control with Brake Support
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Adaptive cruise control * - symbols and messages

The adaptive cruise control (ACC – Adaptive Cruise Control) helps the driver to maintain an even speed combined with a pre-selected time interval to the vehicle ahead.

Sometimes the adaptive cruise control may display a symbol and/or text message. Here are some examples - follow the recommendation given if appropriate:

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What does this dashboard icon mean?

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I can't find it anywhere in my manual Tiguan 2020 SE. Look at the centre display at the bottom. It looks like it refers to adaptive cruise control (icon is a car with sensor out front) but the 2020 SE does NOT have that feature (the 20201 SE does). Thanks.  

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It’s starting up to be in a ready state. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

Reihenmotor5 said: It’s starting up to be in a ready state. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Click to expand...

The ACC systems Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

But as I said it's a 2020 SE which does NOT have adaptive cruise control.  

Any DAP on the SE? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

I believe that's referring to the Forward Collision Warning (Front Assist) system and that it's not available immediately after start. It clears after driving around a few 100 meters or so.  

It is mostly the collision alert symbol. I've only ever seen in MUCH larger in the digital dash when the systems think something is about to impact the car. It's not just for front, that warning showed on my dash before I was rear-ended. a version of that is in the user guide (for my 2018 at least) VW Digital Owners Manual (figure 141) Did you re-code any modules that may have caused the computer to think there's a feature installed but you don't have the actual hardware? Others have said that the hour glass means it's "warming up" but I've never seen that icon in my dash since new in 2018. Since it involves a safety system I'd either call their support or pop into a dealer service to check for codes.  

This is specific to the 2020 model and it's letting you know the front assist system is waiting to start, once you start driving.  

Good morning; if equipped, that icon seems to refer to Lane Assist. If not, it could also reference Front Assist or Blind Spot Assist. I have a 2021 Jetta SE, and I have seen the frontal assist icon (two cars side by side) show up when I drive over 40 mph and too close to the car in front of me.  

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Cruise Control Symbol On Dashboard: Standard Symbol

The cruise control system is an important part of a vehicle. It is a feature that helps the driver maintain a consistent speed without having to constantly adjust the accelerator pedal. This can be especially helpful on long road trips or in stop-and-go traffic. The cruise control system uses sensors to monitor the speed of the car and then adjusts the throttle accordingly.

If you have ever been driving and seen a small symbol that looks like a car with wavy lines behind it, you were probably wondering what it meant. This article will explain the meaning of the cruise control symbol on your dashboard. In this powerful guide, you are going to learn cruise control symbols and also adaptive cruise control symbols with pictures in two minutes.

Cruise Control Symbol On Dashboard

Cruise control is an electronic feature that maintains the car’s constant speed without holding the foot on the accelerator pedal. It evolved over the years, but the essence of cruise control is still the same to maintain a constant speed without holding your foot on the accelerator pedal.

It uses symbols to let you know the state of the cruise control. Every car manufacturer uses symbols with little variation, so it is better to visit the car owner’s manual for the specific symbol your car use.

Some cars, especially old cars use the text symbol “Cruise Main” to show the cruise control is turned ON. Once the car speed is SET, then the text symbol turns to “Cruise Control”. There are variations in Text symbols.

Related Post: What Is Cruise Control In A Car

The new cars use the cruise control symbol instead of the text symbol. The new cruise control symbol replaces the word “Cruise Control” With a speedometer symbol and an arrow pointing to a set speed.

Cruise control uses two types of colors to show the state of the cruise control. The cruise control uses orange light when the cruise control stays on, but the speed has not been set yet.

Related Post: How Does Cruise Control Work: We Have The Best Answer

Once the cruise control speed is SET, the light turns green. So, a green light indicates that the cruise control has been set to the chosen speed.

Sometimes when the cruise control is turned ON and the cruise control speed is set, A SET indicator symbol appears on the instrument panel telling you that cruise control speed has been chosen.

Related Post: Does Cruise Control Save Gas

In some models, when you turn ON the cruise control, it gives a symbol to manually set the speed of the car. They are usually written MPH.

When a fault occurs in cruise control, an exclamation mark is added to the cruise control orange symbol.

There is a variation in cruise control signs showing fault in cruise control. But all variations inform the driver that the cruise control cannot be engaged.

Related Post: Adaptive Cruise Control System

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Understanding the Cruise Control Symbol on Your Car Dashboard. Decoding Standard Symbols

As a driver, understanding the symbols on your car dashboard is essential for vehicle safety and functionality. The cruise control symbol is one such symbol that may be confusing or unfamiliar to some drivers. In this blog post, we will discuss what the cruise control symbol means and how to use it.

What is Cruise Control?

Cruise control is a feature in cars that allows you to maintain a constant speed without the need to continuously press on the accelerator pedal. By using cruise control, you can give your foot a break during long drives or on stretches of highway where you don’t need to vary your speed.

What Does the Cruise Control Symbol Look Like?

The cruise control symbol can vary depending on your car make and model, but it typically looks like a speedometer with an arrow or a car with a speedometer inside of it. Sometimes, the symbol may also have the word “Cruise” written below or beside it.

How to Use Cruise Control

To use cruise control, follow these steps:

• Accelerate to your desired speed.
• Locate the cruise control button on your steering wheel or dashboard. It’s usually labeled with the same symbol we discussed earlier.
• Press the cruise control button to turn it on. You should see the symbol light up on your dashboard.
• Once you’re traveling at your desired speed, press the “set” or “resume” button on your steering wheel or dashboard. This will activate the cruise control and maintain your current speed.
• To turn off cruise control, simply press the “off” button or tap the brake pedal.

Important Safety Considerations

While cruise control can be a helpful feature on long drives, it’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings while using it. Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic or on winding roads. Additionally, always wear your seatbelt and keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you.

In conclusion, understanding the cruise control symbol on your car dashboard is important for any driver who wants to take advantage of this helpful feature. By following the steps we outlined above, you should be able to use cruise control safely and effectively on your next long drive.

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What does the cruise control symbol on my car dashboard represent?

The cruise control symbol on your car dashboard represents the availability and status of the cruise control feature. It is typically depicted as a speedometer icon with an arrow or a vehicle icon with speed lines. The symbol is designed to indicate that the cruise control system is active and ready to be engaged.

How does the cruise control feature work?

The cruise control feature allows you to set a desired speed for your vehicle to maintain without continuously pressing the accelerator pedal. Once activated, you can increase or decrease the set speed using the controls provided. The system automatically adjusts the throttle to keep your vehicle at the set speed, providing convenience and reducing driver fatigue on long drives.

What are the common methods to activate the cruise control feature?

The specific method to activate the cruise control feature can vary depending on the vehicle make and model. However, it commonly involves locating the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel or the dashboard. Typical controls include an “On/Off” button, “Set” or “Resume” button to set the desired speed, and buttons to increase or decrease the set speed.

Can I use the cruise control feature in all driving conditions?

No, the cruise control feature should not be used in all driving conditions. It is recommended to use cruise control only in appropriate situations, such as on long, straight highways with little traffic. Avoid using it in heavy traffic, city driving, or in inclement weather conditions, as these scenarios may require frequent speed adjustments or immediate braking.

What should I do if the cruise control symbol starts flashing on my dashboard?

If the cruise control symbol on your dashboard starts flashing, it indicates a potential issue with the cruise control system. The exact meaning of the flashing symbol can vary between different car models. To determine the specific problem, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and resolve the issue.

Is it safe to rely solely on the cruise control feature while driving?

No, it is not safe to rely solely on the cruise control feature while driving. Cruise control is meant to assist drivers in maintaining a constant speed, but it does not replace the need for attentive and responsible driving. It’s important to remain aware of the road conditions, traffic, and any unexpected situations that may require immediate control of the vehicle. Always be prepared to override or disengage the cruise control feature when necessary.

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