Cruise control has become a must-have for long drives in Saudi Arabia, helping drivers stay relaxed while saving fuel. But even though it sounds like a simple system, many drivers misuse it, leading to safety risks instead of benefits. In this article, we break down exactly how cruise control works, when not to use it, and how to get the most out of it while staying safe on Saudi roads.
Cruise control is an electronic system designed to maintain a constant speed without needing to keep your foot on the gas pedal. It uses sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU) to adjust the throttle and keep the car steady at a set speed. This is especially helpful on the long highways across Saudi Arabia.
Modern vehicles now offer adaptive cruise control, a smarter version that uses radar and cameras to automatically slow down or speed up depending on the traffic ahead. Whether you're cruising through the desert highways or heading to Riyadh from Jeddah, this system can help reduce fatigue and improve fuel economy.
Cruise control isn’t always the right choice. Drivers should avoid using it during heavy rain, fog, sandy conditions, or when driving in the mountains. These environments demand constant attention and quick reactions that the system cannot provide.
In Saudi Arabia, where sudden sandstorms or unpredictable city traffic are common, relying on cruise control in the wrong setting can increase the risk of accidents. It’s also not recommended when driving below 50 kilometers per hour or in congested urban roads like those in downtown Riyadh or Dammam.
The key to using cruise control safely is knowing when and how to activate it. First, make sure you are on a smooth, empty highway. Then set your preferred speed using the control buttons, usually found on the steering wheel. Keep your hands on the wheel and stay alert, because cruise control doesn’t replace your attention.
If your vehicle has adaptive cruise control, always set the safe distance between you and the car ahead. And when you need to turn it off quickly, just press the brake or cancel button. Saudi drivers should always test the system first at lower speeds before relying on it during longer trips.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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