How to use adaptive cruise control the RIGHT WAY | Driving.ca

Adaptive cruise control technology is developing at a rapid pace, but the fine print is getting ignored too often

While I’m historically not a huge fan of cruise control – I’m too much of a, hm, “control enthusiast” – there’s no denying when the industry, starting with GM, rolled out adaptive cruise control, it was a game-changer.

Using a combination of radar and front-facing cameras, a computer system will detect the rear end of the car ahead of you slowing down, and in turn slow your vehicle down to maintain a distance, or gap, that you have set.

This is a great concept on at least two levels: a driver can maintain use of cruise control without constantly changing settings, or pausing or cancelling the feature; and it reinforces safe distancing, something sorely needed on our packed highways. Even just a flash of brake lights “up ahead” is enough to send a pulse of braking down a long line of vehicles, when usually a combination of safe distancing and easing up on the throttle would iron out the snag without incident.

But many manufacturers are developing their version of hands-free systems, now, systems that allow you to take your hands off the wheel while on cruise control. A big selling point for upscale brands like Tesla, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Acura, now Nissan – the first of the Japanese brands – has entered the field with the 2018 Rogue. Its ProPilot Assist is optionally available on Rogues, Altimas and Leafs.

Read more at: driving.ca/nissan/column/lorraine/lorraine-expl…

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