Help! My Cruise Control Stopped Working. Here’s What to Do.

What to Do If Your Cruise Control Isn’t Working on a Road Trip

Hitting the open highway on a road trip is always exciting. But it can quickly turn stressful if you encounter unexpected car troubles. And one such inconvenience is discovering that your cruise control isn’t working.

You attended The Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce annual Stars and Stripes event last week to free you up for a road trip to celebrate the 4th of July on the actual 4th. And you were dependent on your car’s cruise control to ensure your trip was easy-breezy. Because, cruise control is a handy feature that helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing driver fatigue on long drives. However, if it malfunctions, the experts at In and Out Tire Pros offer steps you can take to get your journey back on track. So, here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step is to stay calm. Because, while cruise control is a convenience, it’s not essential for your vehicle’s operation. So start by assessing the situation carefully:

• Check for Warning Lights: Look at your dashboard for any warning lights that might indicate an issue with your vehicle.
• Test Other Features: Ensure that other car features, such as brakes, turn signals, and lights, are working correctly. Because, this can help determine if the issue is isolated to the cruise control system.

2. Troubleshoot the Cruise Control

Before concluding that your cruise control is completely inoperative, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Controls: Make sure you’re using the controls correctly by referring to your car’s manual.
• Inspect the Fuse: A blown fuse can disable the cruise control system. So, locate your car’s fuse box and check if the cruise control fuse needs replacing.
• Examine the Brake Lights: Did you know that a malfunctioning brake light can prevent cruise control from engaging? Sometimes it can. So, have someone check if your brake lights are functioning correctly.

3. Plan Your Route with Rest Stops

Without cruise control, driving long distances can become more tiring. So, plan your route to include frequent rest stops where you can stretch, rest, and stay alert:

• Take Breaks Every 2 Hours: Regular breaks will help reduce fatigue and keep you refreshed.
• Share Driving Duties: Take turns behind the wheel if you’re traveling with others who can drive.

4. Drive Mindfully

Adjusting to driving without cruise control requires some extra attention:

• Monitor Your Speed: Without cruise control, you’ll need to keep a closer eye on your speed to avoid unintentional speeding or slowing down too much.
• Stay Alert: Pay extra attention to the road and your surroundings, especially on monotonous stretches of highway where it’s easy to become complacent.

5. Use Alternative Technologies

Modern vehicles often come equipped with other technologies that can assist with long-distance driving:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): If your car has ACC (sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead) this can be a useful substitute.
• Lane Keeping Assist: This feature helps keep your car centered in its lane, reducing the strain of constant steering adjustments.

6. Seek Professional Help

If the problem persists and you’re concerned about driving without cruise control, seek the professional help at In and Out Tire Pros.

7. Prepare for Future Trips

To avoid similar issues in the future, take some preventative measures:

• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle undergoes regular maintenance checks, including the cruise control system.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before setting off on a long trip, have a pre-trip inspection done by the ASE certified professionals at In and Out Tire Pros on Betts Pond Road in Millsboro.

That Ol’ Highways A Callin’!
In and Out Tire Pros Will Make Sure Your Cruise Control is Ready

Yet if you do hit the road only to discovery your cruise control isn’t working, it doesn’t have to ruin your road trip. By staying calm, troubleshooting the issue, planning your route wisely, and driving attentively, you can continue your journey safely. And remember, the key to a successful road trip is preparation; In and Out Tire Pros can help.

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