A modern car is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. An incredible number of various electronic assistants, complex systems and options allow you to multiply the comfort of driving your iron horse and save the driver's strength and nerves. Today we will talk about such an indispensable assistant as cruise control, and the specifics of its work on cars with manual transmission.
General information
To understand how cruise control works on a manual transmission, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of its operation in more detail and at least approximately knowing the structure of such complex electronics.
Cruise control is designed to keep the vehicle at a constant speed without driver intervention.
In other words, the driver will not have to once again pull his foot to the pedals to adjust the speed and constantly take care that the car does not lose speed on the highway.
Many claim that cruise control, as such, is a useless system and not so necessary on modern cars. The main argument in such a controversy is that many cars in the recent past did not a priori have such an option even in the maximum trim levels, and only a certain and rather narrow number of premium models were equipped with the coveted set of keys on the steering column lever.
However, in a certain number of cases, it will be so easy to do without this option. To understand whether it makes sense to purchase an option package that includes cruise control, it is worth understanding where the car most often moves.
If the car spends most of the time in the city, jostling in traffic and driving in variable speed mode, there is no point in cruise control. Otherwise, you will have to constantly “play” with the controls and thereby constantly load the already sensitive and expensive electronics.
Things are completely different if the driver constantly has the need to move along the highway, away from cities. For example, long-term driving on a flat, straight road requires constant force applied to the accelerator pedal. If the driver constantly keeps the foot in the same position, it will quickly get tired and numb. To prevent this from happening, one has only to activate the desired button, and the leg can be immediately released.
Instructions for use
As you know, cruise control is the prerogative of a car that works with an automatic transmission. Indeed, in a car with an “automatic” it will be much easier to manage cruise control - just press the gas pedal, accelerate your car to the required speed and fix the speed mode using the button on the steering column or dashboard.
However, as surprising as it may sound, there are a number of manual transmission models on the market, where cruise control also works. On the mechanics, such a system has several features, expressed in the nuances of its use during trips.
How to use cruise control? How does it work, and what do you need to know about such systems? Let's figure it out.
Typically, the control panel for the cruise control system is located on the stalk, which, in combination, controls the lighting or wiper blades. The main controls are two switches with a two-way principle of operation. They can be tilted to the left or right, depending on what needs to be activated.
The first switch is the cruise control enable lever. It should be transferred from one extreme position to another, the system will be activated and will be ready to work in the specified mode. Immediately on the on-board computer of the car, the corresponding indicator lights up, and on the dashboard - an icon depicting a speedometer with a limited scale. It is often possible to reset the steady-state speed readings and deactivate the system with the same key.
Another switch is the adjustment of the operating mode and the key for fixing the current speed. So, on cars with manual transmission, you need to select the desired gear, disperse the car and press the lock button. The current speed will be displayed on the dashboard, and the car will automatically maintain it without the help of the driver.
If for some reason it is necessary to adjust the speed, and the cruise control is already activated, then there is no need to reset the current readings and accelerate or brake the car yourself. It is enough to move up or down the switch responsible for fixing the current speed. At the same time, the value of the fixed speed on the dashboard will change up or down, and the car will instantly accelerate to the set value.
A feature of cruise control on vehicles with manual transmission is the inability of the system to change gears on its own. In other words, when adjusting the speed, you will have to choose the gear yourself, and during acceleration, control the transmission manually: otherwise, there are no differences from systems on automatic transmissions.
Results
Cruise control is definitely a useful feature for those who most often move around the track. Such electronics will not only save the driver from fatigue, but also seriously save fuel. Driving the car at a constant speed will reduce the rate by 20-30 percent.
In the car. Meanwhile, this is an old system that previously could only maintain the speed of the car, and the driver did not have to hold the gas pedal. This system provided additional convenience and comfort when driving on highways and highways. As a result of the use of cruise control, the driver is less tired behind the wheel. Also, in theory, this helps to reduce fuel consumption, since the engine runs evenly when using the system, and its speed does not jump.
What is cruise control for in a car?
This system is needed to provide additional convenience when traveling long distances. For example, if a driver needs to get from one city to another, while covering 500-600 kilometers, then on a car without this system, he will have to hold the gas pedal for 5-6 hours (depending on the speed of movement), which is actually equal to holding right foot in an uncomfortable position. During the entire journey, you want to change the position of your leg, but you can’t do this. It seems that this is a trifle, but holding the gas pedal for 5-6 hours is actually very difficult.
By activating the cruise control function in the car, the driver can afford to release the accelerator pedal. The system will supply fuel to the combustion chambers not through the gas pedal, but through special pneumatic actuators. The driver will be able to regulate the speed of movement using the buttons that are located on the steering wheel (usually there are 5 buttons).
System management
Now that we understand what it is - cruise control in a car, we can figure out how it works. Usually there are 5 buttons on the steering wheel to control this system:
- On/Off button that activates and deactivates the system.
- The switch of fixing of the high-speed mode and increase in speed. That is, after accelerating to the required speed, the driver can use the switch to fix the current speed and release the gas pedal. Subsequent presses of this button will increase the speed by 1 km per hour.
- If, while using cruise control, the driver had to accelerate or brake sharply by pressing the gas or brake pedal, then the parameters of this system are reset. To quickly activate cruise control and return to the previously set speed, the driver needs to press the Resume button.
- Coast down button. Each press of the button reduces the speed by 1 km. In some models, the step of decreasing and adding speed is 1.5 km.
- The Cancel button deactivates the system.
Depending on the car model, this system may be represented by other buttons, the step of accelerating and decelerating speed may differ. But the principle looks exactly as described above.
Kinds
In total there are several types of cruise control in the car. What does passive or active type mean? In the first case, the driver has the opportunity only to set the speed of the car. However, the second type involves the use of complex electronic devices that scan the space in front of the car, which opens up additional possibilities for driving a vehicle, depending on traffic conditions.
Passive type (PPC)
As we have already found out, passive cruise control allows you to keep a set speed, which is convenient for long trips over long distances. Due to the constant high-speed operation of the engine, fuel economy is ensured.
The control is turned off when the driver slightly presses the gas pedal. The design of such a system has a special pneumatic drive that regulates the flow of air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber through the throttle valve. This eliminates the need to use the gas pedal.
Active (or adaptive) type
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced version of the active type. In addition to being able to maintain speed without stepping on the accelerator, vehicles with adaptive cruise control can calculate the distance to the car in front, and slow down or speed up depending on the situation on the road. That is, if the system determines that the distance to the car in front is decreasing, then the system slows down the speed. The speed is reduced until the gap between the cars, according to the system, becomes optimal. If the sensor stops seeing an obstacle ahead, then the car picks up speed and keeps this speed mode.
Safety
The adaptive cruise control setup on the car is smart enough to provide not only driving comfort on highways and highways, but also the safety of the driver, who can be too relaxed on the road.
In addition, this system can produce not only emergency braking, but also evasive maneuvers. This greatly increases driving safety, and often such systems have saved the lives of people and the integrity of the car itself in various situations on the roads.
Note that adaptive (or active) cruise control is closely related to the operation of ABS and ESP systems (stabilization and anti-towing systems), and if at least one of them stops working, then cruise control cannot be activated either.
dynamic type
In addition to adaptive and passive cruise control, there is also dynamic. It is one of the varieties of the passive type. A feature of this system is the control of engine operation, which saves fuel and engine life.
For example, when climbing a hill, the system slows down and slows down, which protects the motor from unnecessary loads. Also, the speed is reduced and in the event of any problems with the engine and when the car enters into turns. After passing the turn, the previous speed is restored.
Now we figured out what it is - cruise control in a car. Let's define its main advantages and disadvantages.
pros
The advantages of this system are obvious to every driver. First of all, this is convenience when driving and reducing the load on the back due to the absence of the need to keep your foot on the gas pedal. Some drivers note fuel economy as an advantage of such a system. In theory, savings are achieved by ensuring the uniformity of the engine and the absence of drops in fuel injection. In addition, if adaptive cruise control is installed, it also provides additional vehicle traffic safety.
Flaws
The main disadvantage is the high cost of the system. Cars with cruise control systems are expensive and out of reach for most consumers. However, cars with conventional passive systems are already available to the middle class of consumers.
If you believe the reviews of some drivers who actively use this system, there is no fuel economy at all, and in some cases there is even increased consumption. Another serious drawback is the unsafe use of the system due to the fact that the driver can be too relaxed while driving. Constantly keeping your foot on the gas pedal, you won’t be able to relax much.
The next disadvantage is the impossibility of using the system on roads with frequent descents and turns, as well as on highways with heavy traffic. There is no need to talk about the use of the system in the city at all.
Many drivers do not recommend using this system on roads after or during rain, as the driver needs to feel the car when braking. Otherwise, it may lead to an accident. This system is suitable only for those drivers who often travel from city to city. In urban traffic, the function is practically useless, since there are no long sections of the route in the city where it would be possible to keep a stable speed for a long time.
Conclusion
Now we finally understand what it is in a car - cruise control. Such a system is really useful and necessary - it should be in every car. Gradually, such systems appear in cars of the middle and even budget class, but so far these are just passive varieties. In addition, you can install this system even on a car in which this technology is not provided by the manufacturer. Special installations are sold in car dealerships.
You can put an end to this. We figured out what it is - cruise control in a car. Technology is useful in some cases, but you should not get carried away with it, since the driver should not lose concentration on the road.
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Cruise control system - device and characteristics
Reading the specifications of various cars, you can see that some configurations are equipped with a cruise control system. What is this system, what does it control and why is it needed at all?
First of all, it must be said that many people still cannot figure out how cruise control works, and therefore either do not use it at all, or try to use it, but they do not succeed.
Cruise control, in simple terms, is a device that allows you to maintain a constant set speed of the car. First of all, it is best to use it during long journeys along suburban highways, because there is no need to constantly press the gas pedal, so the leg will not get tired.
Why has cruise control become popular?
For the first time, such a development was applied back in the 50s of the last century, but it was used extremely rarely due to technical problems and shortcomings. Real understanding of the benefits of using cruise control came in the 70s, when the financial crisis hit and gas prices skyrocketed.
With the cruise control system, fuel consumption when traveling on long routes is significantly reduced, as the engine is maintained at optimum operation.
Drivers had only to follow the road. American drivers really liked the invention, because in the USA distances are measured in thousands of kilometers, and the car is the favorite means of transportation for the majority of the population.
Cruise control device
The cruise control system consists of several main parts:
- control module - a mini-computer that is installed in the engine compartment;
- throttle actuator - it can be a pneumatic or electric actuator connected to the throttle;
- switch - displayed on the steering wheel or on the instrument panel;
- various sensors - speed, throttle, wheel speed, etc.
If the car leaves the assembly line with this option, then the cruise control is integrated into the overall vehicle control system. Ready-made systems are also sold that can be installed on a car with any type of engine or gearbox.
How does cruise control work?
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The systems are different, but cruise control is controlled in the same way:
- On / Off - turn on turn off;
- Set / Acceleration - set the speed - that is, you can transfer the throttle control to the cruise control and the speed that was at the time of switching on will be maintained, or enter another higher speed indicator;
- Resume - restore the last settings that were at the time of shutdown (shutdown is done by pressing the brake pedal);
- Coast - speed reduction.
That is, the algorithm of operation is approximately the following: On - Set (activation and setting the speed) - pressing the brake (shutdown) - Resume (recovery) - Coast (decrease if you need to switch to a lower speed mode.
Typically, cruise control is activated at speeds above 60 km / h, although the system itself can operate at 30-40 km / h.
Adaptive cruise control
At the moment, the most advanced system is adaptive. It practically approaches the analog of an auto-pilot in aviation, with the difference that the driver still needs to turn the steering wheel.
Adaptive cruise control differs from conventional cruise control by the presence of a radar that analyzes the distance to the vehicles in front and maintains the desired distance. If the front cars start to slow down or accelerate, then the impulses are transmitted to the control module, and from there to the throttle actuator. That is, the driver does not need to independently press on the gas or vice versa to reduce speed.
More advanced systems are also being developed, the capabilities of which will be significantly expanded.
How to use cruise control, using the example of a SKODA Octavia car
Cruise video from KIA
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The development of the modern automotive industry is making significant adjustments to the very style of driving a vehicle. Knowledge of the rules of the road, full control over the situation, following clearly established rules - all this makes up the working life of any motorist, and is a mandatory set of attributes of any driving trip. But the change of generations and the bright mind of the developers made it possible to escape from all these nuances for a certain time, while being on the road. The introduction of cruise control systems into vehicles of different segments and qualities is no surprise to anyone. However, how does cruise control work on mechanics, and is such a combination even possible if it is not provided by the factory kit? Let's try to figure this out together.
What is cruise control
Cruise control (Passive Cruise Control "PCC")- This is a system that allows you to maintain a set speed in automatic mode, without driver intervention in the process. Such a control principle implies facilitating the participation of the driver in the partial loss of control over driving. On long trips, this function allows you to distract from the process of driving, up to a certain point.
To understand how cruise control works in general, you need to understand how automatic cruise control (automatic transmission) works. In total there are several options for control systems for this function. For example, some cars are equipped with a special button located on the steering wheel, after activation of which the car accelerates exactly 1 km / h. Depending on the clicks, the speed level will also change (20 clicks will accelerate the car by 20 kilometers per hour). To stop the PCC, you must press the gas or brake pedal.
Adaptive cruise control system
With the first manifestations of interest in such a product, the creators of such systems began to actively promote and upgrade an existing product. New generations have improved the response of the system to the reactionary manifestations of the driver, and the stability of cruise control has increased. However, the invention of the adaptive type of cruise control (“ACC” - Adaptive Cruise Control) was a real breakthrough.
A similar system, adaptive cruise control has a number of advantages that allow you to take the comfort of the trip to an entirely new level. The design of the system has a radar installation (in some versions there are several), which takes into account the distance to the nearest object in front and controls the speed mode depending on the situation. In other words, adaptive cruise control allows you to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, adjusting to changes in its speed.
The beacon located in the radiator part actively interacts not only with the digital processor, but also with the braking system. After the obstacle ahead disappears, the vehicle automatically returns to its original speed.
Cruise control operation on a manual transmission
The principles of operation are clear, now it remains to deal with the last question “how does cruise control work on mechanics?”. A distinctive mistake of many drivers is complete confidence even in those matters in which they are incompetent. Statistics confirm that many drivers find it impossible to operate cruise control on a car with a manual transmission. However, this is not the case at all.
In order to understand how the cruise works on the mechanics, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary analysis. Naturally, in the normal operation of the car, this system is not provided. Almost all examples on the road are the product of a manual installation of this system. The principle of operation of cruise control on the mechanics involves the installation of a bracket and a cable to the accelerator pedal, thereby controlling the speed of the car. Cruise control works on the mechanics due to the placement of the system control button next to the deflector (bottom).
In general, the operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is no different from that of a car on an automatic transmission. However, it has several important nuances. The first of them is a decrease in speed to a mark of 40 km / h with a sharp decrease in speed in autonomous mode (difficult climbing a hill). The other side of the coin is the impossibility to carry out the transition to a lower gear in automatic mode, in the event of an entrance to the slope.
Pros and cons of cruise control
We figured out how cruise control works on the mechanics, but is it really necessary for cars with this kind of gear shifting? First of all, before deciding to re-equip your car with such a system, you need to consider the nature of your driving. For densely populated areas, there is not much point in installing cruise control (even adaptive type). But for drivers who make frequent suburban routes and overcome huge distances in this mode, such a system will serve as a good helper.
Just one press of a button is enough, and the car will automatically maintain a predetermined high-speed pace. The leg and posture of the driver at this time will not be overstressed by the mechanical impact on the gas pedal, and he will be able to concentrate on the road section to be overcome. In addition, the car, even after performing the necessary maneuvers (overtaking or detour), will automatically return to its specified speed mode.
In addition, you should take a responsible approach to the decision to install such a product that is not standard equipment. For owners of manual transmissions, the “try and see” option may not be profitable in terms of cost savings. In addition, the installation process itself will take a lot of trouble, because the installation of cruise control is a painstaking job that requires a certain level of knowledge in the structure of the car structure.
Cruise control (English cruise control, German Tempomat) is a system for automatically maintaining the speed of a car without the help of a driver, regardless of external factors - ups and downs of the road, wind direction, load on the car. In pre-computer times, it was problematic to equip a car with such a device, although some craftsmen managed to fix the throttle in a certain position, creating the illusion of maintaining a constant speed on a flat road. When electronics came to power, the task was simplified: you just need to make friends with cruise control with the powertrain control system.
Manufacturers produce ready-made kits for self-installation, consisting of an electronic unit, wiring and controls. To simplify the connection to specific connectors of the on-board network, such sets are usually unified for a group of cars, they are not universal. In particular, for such popular models with an electronic gas pedal as Hyundai Solaris, Renault Duster and Lada Granta, Drivenge and Jet-cruise KH devices are suitable. We decided to evaluate them - the complexity of installation, ease of use, clarity of work.
Both gadgets are Russian, their declared capabilities are similar. Both are suitable for both manual and automatic vehicles. True, on the mechanics, after each gear change, the set speed value will be reset and a new inclusion will be required. And they also have similar options: the Jet-cruise KH has a jetter, the Drivenge has a booster pedal.
Jetter and pedal booster
After installing such a device, the car, as a rule, begins to react differently to the gas pedal, without a characteristic delay. This instantaneous response creates the illusion of improved dynamics. It is clear that there is no real improvement and cannot be, since the gadget does not change the firmware of the “brains” of the motor. It only slightly changes the performance of the gas pedal: at the same position of the accelerator, more fuel is supplied to the engine, and therefore it seems that the car drove easier and more dynamically. At the same time, the maximum speed and intensity of acceleration with the pedal pressed “to the floor” will not increase one iota. The same effect can be achieved without any jetters - just press the pedal harder. Note that such systems do not cause any harm to the motor - however, they do not bring any benefit either.
Installed - looked
In the absence of modern cars, it is better not to undertake the independent installation of such devices. First of all, this applies to the Drivenge system: we were transported for more than two hours. Jet-cruise KH was able to install twice as fast.
drive. Carry quite a lot. Drivenge is a branched system with many connectors that need to be connected in the bowels under the front panel. You will have to drill the steering column cover to install the stalk. This control looks a little awkward: you can’t press it - it’s just a place for buttons! And the design is frail: fastening to plastic cannot be otherwise. And the wires in the connectors are rolled weakly - unreliably.
Jet-cruise KH. Much easier to install. You can place a self-powered remote control on two common batteries anywhere in a convenient place - even under the left hand, even under the right. A drill is needed only when installing the indicator LED. You can not drill anything at all if you bring the indicator through a suitable slot, which we did in the first experiments. For a short time - it will do, but, in general, it is a little undignified to do so.
| Approximate price 8600 rubles. The device allows you to turn on cruise control both at the current and at the last set speed. Changing settings - using the gas pedal or buttons in increments of 1 km / h. Automatic disengagement - when you press the brake or clutch pedal. Working range - from 20 to 160 km/h. The “pedal-booster” function has three operating modes: “economy”, “dynamics”, “sport”. It is possible to maintain an increased idle speed of the crankshaft - for example, to warm up the engine. In the "sport" mode, the pedal seems too sharp, but the "economy" quite liked it as a winter mode on snowy and slippery roads. | Approximate price 11,200 rubles. There is a sound notification about reaching or exceeding the speed threshold set by the owner. Installation step - 1 km / h. Working range - from 40 to 150 km/h. Change of installations - by means of a pedal of gas or buttons. Automatic disengagement - when you press the brake or clutch pedal. The self-powered Jetter implements one of three modes: "speaker", "economy" or "sport". |
Operation features
Those who have traveled in cars equipped with regular "cruises" will most likely not be attracted to such products - it is not very convenient to use, they look unrespectable. But if such toys are new to someone, they may well come to the court.
Isn't it dangerous to ride with these devices if they suddenly fail? After all, we intervened in the standard electrical equipment, breaking some of the control circuits of the machine ... We checked that when the power is turned off from both systems, the ability to drive the car remains. Therefore, the manufacturers of both devices did not violate the old principle of “do no harm”.
drive. I constantly want to press the new stalk “lever”, which also “breathes” along with the stalk cover.
Jet-cruise KH. The remote control does not have a backlight - on a dark country road you will have to manipulate by touch. The indication works only at the moment of operation.
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