How does manual transmission cruise control work? & Nbsp. Cruise control in the car: what is it, pros and cons Is cruise control in the car necessary

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 energy and nerves. Today we will talk about such an irreplaceable assistant as cruise control, and its specifics with manual transmission.

General information

To understand how cruise control works on a manual transmission, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the features of its operation and at least approximately know the structure of such complex electronics.

Cruise control is designed to maintain a constant vehicle speed without driver intervention.

In other words, the driver does not have to pull his foot to the pedals once again to adjust the speed and constantly make sure that the car does not lose speed on the track.

Many people claim that cruise control, as such, is a useless system and not so necessary on modern cars. The main argument in this controversy is that many cars in the recent past a priori did not have such an option even in the highest trim levels, and only a certain and rather narrow range 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 a package of options 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 jams and driving in variable speed mode, there is no point in cruise control. Otherwise, you will have to constantly "play" with the controls and thus constantly load the already sensitive and expensive electronics.

Things are quite different if the driver constantly needs to move along the highway, away from cities. For example, driving for a long time on a flat, straight road requires constant effort on the accelerator pedal. If the driver constantly keeps his leg in the same position, it will quickly get tired and numb. To prevent this from happening, you just need 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 operate with cruise control - just press the gas pedal, accelerate your car to the required speed and fix the speed limit using a button on the steering column lever or the 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 that are expressed in the nuances of its use while traveling.

How do you use cruise control? How does it work, and what do you need to know about such systems? Let's figure it out.

Typically, the cruise control control panel is located on the steering column lever, which, in combination, controls the lighting or wiper blades. The main controls are two switches with a two-way operating principle. They can be tilted left or right, depending on what needs to be activated.

The first switch is the cruise control lever. It should be moved from one extreme position to another, the system is activated and will be ready to work in a given 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. Often it is possible with the same key to reset the steady-state speed readings and deactivate the system.

Another switch is the adjustment of the operating mode and the key to fix the current speed. So, on cars with manual transmission, you must select the desired gear, accelerate the car and press the lock button. The current speed will be displayed on the dashboard and the car will maintain it automatically without the driver's assistance.

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. In this case, on the dashboard, the value of the fixed speed will change up or down, and the car will instantly accelerate to the set value.

Mechanical cruise control is a system used to maintain a set speed. The system monitors the speed mode in the car when it is forced to frequently move on the highway or if the driver lives in a country house.

Getting to know your device

Cruise control on mechanics has its main purpose to save gasoline and other types of existing fuel. The system is designed for use on premium vehicles. After all, the process of movement occurs in such a way that the driver constantly has to change the speed level, increasing and slowing it down. Then he is guided by the speedometer. These fluctuations in speed provide uneven fuel consumption and constant driver distraction.

System advantages

Statistics show that the use of cruise control on the mechanics allows you to save fuel on average within 12%.

In addition, the observance of a constant level of speed allows you to protect the parts and mechanisms of the vehicle from rapid wear, to save consumable fluids. Experts carried out the necessary calculations and found that it is possible to achieve a reduction in financial costs within 2%. Thanks to the use of modern cruise control systems on the mechanics, many additional options can be obtained. Including scanning the free space that opens in front of the car. This way the driver can find out if there are unexpected obstacles on his way.

The indicator of the lower speed limit is equal to a number from 30 to 50 km / h. The level of the upper speed limit will depend on who the vehicle manufacturer is. Typically, the performance of such a system varies from 200 to 220 km / h. At a low speed level, for example, if there is a traffic jam, the driver will only need to steer with the steering wheel. And the function of the system in this case will be to automatically increase and decrease the speed of movement by adjusting the brake pedals and the throttle stick.

Description of the cruise control scheme

For example, take the new Lada, which does not provide for a mechanical cruise control system.

The following components of the structure will control the speed of movement:

• The control module or control unit is a kind of computer microprocessor, the location of which is in the motor compartment.
• Electric or pneumatic throttle actuator. It depends on what type of fuel delivery system is used. This drive and throttle assembly are mated together.
• A switch is a device that has an outlet to the steering wheel, center console or the area where the control panel is located. The purpose of the above switch is to activate and deactivate the system.
• Types of controllers. The different number of sensors in this system is explained by the fact that everything depends on the manufacturer and brand. Both high-speed rotation of the wheel and control of the speed of the rotating wheels and the throttle element can be provided.

If a cruise control system is installed in the new Lada, then the unit will be integrated into the system responsible for controlling a certain vehicle.

Features of work

Installing cruise control on a mechanic is considered unrealistic for many motorists. But with a detailed study of the issue, you can find out that such an installation can be performed even with your own hands. The main thing is to think over the expediency of such an action. Indeed, in addition to the advantages listed above, the cruise control system also has some disadvantages. They will be discussed later.

This feature is intended for automation and is used in most premium models. This is the advantage of having an automatic transmission. You can install the system using the regular mode. Installation is straightforward as it only involves using the space provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Cruise control can be successfully installed on Lada-West if you use a universal device for this purpose.

Do-it-yourself cruise control on mechanics can be installed. This will help the advice given by professionals. As mentioned above, a universal device is used for mechanics. It is desirable that it be German, since it is these systems that are of high quality and, according to consumer reviews, are quite reliable. Choosing a quality cruise control system is a guarantee of protection against malfunctions and breakdowns, which can be caused by overload. Overload is caused by incomplete compatibility of the vehicle and the universal cruise control system.

Installation features

To successfully connect the multifunction steering wheel on Lada-West, you will need to additionally install a bracket and an accelerator cable. This will provide the ability to control the vehicle speed level. Installing the cruise control also requires installing a button that will operate the device. It is located under the deflector. Knowledge of these features is essential to a successful installation.

How to connect the system if the manufacturer did not provide for it

First of all, you first need to make sure how good the car components are. Good rubber must be fitted. If these conditions are not met, the machine cannot be automatically controlled. If all systems are in good working order, the driver will ensure his safety.

It is important to pay attention to the presence of a sensor that monitors the position of the accelerator pedal. If you have one, you will need to purchase an additional bracket. You can also install it yourself.

Steps to install the cruise control system

It will take an hour to complete the work. Then it is also necessary to check the operation of the system, to eliminate the existing problems. The sequence of work is as follows:

• Choose a place where the system will be located. Typically this is a fuel filter, but a brake hose can also be used.
• We connect the second cable and the accelerator. Before you cut it, you need to install the sensor that controls how the gas pedal is located. The other end is to connect the cable to the cruise control device.
• Find the wire that connects to the tachometer and connect it to the new device. This wire is also connected to a green wire extending from the control unit. The red wire is connected to the brake light system.
• A button is installed that is responsible for activating and deactivating the cruise control system. Here they use a gray double wire. Pulling the mass from the black wire is mandatory.
• Since the steering wheel is required to install the system control handle, it will need to be disassembled. If airbags are present, they will need to be temporarily removed. After installing the handle, the handlebar is assembled.
• The health of the system is checked. To activate the cruise control, simply press the button on the device.

Let's sum up

The article considered the question of whether it is possible to install cruise control on the mechanics. By its principle, this function is reduced to the ability to automatically maintain the speed level that was previously set by the driver. And you don't need to use the gas pedal.

To activate the cruise control system, the driver only has to press a button on the device. You can immediately feel the capabilities of the system and use it to the fullest.

After pressing the button, it is important not to touch the gas pedal with your foot. This ensures a smooth vehicle speed. It will not change even if the road surface is uneven.

In this case, the driver can use the pedal if he is going to overtake or wants to stop driving.

Modern systems have two buttons: on / off and SET. In the case of double pressing of the latter, you can develop the maximum permissible speed.

But it is also important to note that the installation of such a system is advisable only for driving on country roads that are not overloaded with other cars. For city driving, installing the system is meaningless. After all, the driver still needs to constantly use the pedal to brake.

The tips for installing the cruise control system on the Lada mechanics suggested in the article will help the car enthusiast to successfully cope with this task on his own.

Hello! Today we'll talk with you about what cruise control is in a modern car, why you need it and how you can install it on cars yourself.

We have already talked about the main essence and purpose of cruise control (CC) in the previous article. Because I will leave you , and you can go to it and read interesting and useful information. From it you will learn what cruise control means, what it is and what are its key features.

In the same article, we focus on mechanics. That is, let's talk about how it is possible to equip the steering wheel with special buttons and connect the equipment for the cruise, if you have a mechanic.

Many people think that the system for maintaining a predetermined speed on a car is purely the prerogative of the automatic transmission. But you are wrong. Even in the standard brain of a car with a manual transmission, it is really possible to put, if not active, but at least the simplest cruise control. The scheme is quite complex, if you figure out how the device works, you can even do the work yourself.

Mechanics and cruise control

Not everyone has the opportunity to buy a car like the latest generation Toyota Camry, which is equipped with adaptive cruise control along with an automatic transmission. Someone got the usual Vesta on the handle. But all the same, I really want to equip the car with the function of maintaining the speed preset by the driver.

It is wrong to think that connecting to cars on a cruise mechanic is fantastic and impossible. If you figure it out and try hard, the function will appear on almost any car. Only you must first decide whether you need such a system, or no one will actually use it. Don't rush to spend money on something you don't need. Although the final decision is up to you in any case. Your car is your rule.

Some systems such as , are already provided on many cars in the standard factory configuration. And here or the same car often you have to buy and mount separately. The question of their need for a car is just as relevant as in the case of cruise control.

I do not argue that the QC connection diagram for cars with automatic transmission is much simpler. Car manufacturers have provided for the possibility of installing the system from the factory. Therefore, to connect, it is enough to buy equipment and deliver it according to regular places.

But when we talk about the manual transmission, things are somewhat more complicated here. If the QC is not provided by the factory, you can still put the device. For this, universal equipment is mounted with their own hands or by the hands of masters. Experienced car owners are advised to give preference to German systems. Their price is higher, but you get a unit with increased reliability. The overpayment justifies itself. Only upon purchase, carefully check all the components and the possibility of returning the product if it does not fit.

Technically, you have to install an additional bracket and suspension for the gas pedal, a special cable that provides the ability to maintain the speed at the set values. Plus, buttons are mounted at the bottom of the deflector for control. But it will turn off whenever you step on the gas pedal. Therefore, you will have to repeatedly press the button to activate the cruise.

Probability of full-fledged work

In functional terms, the KK installed on the car will not differ much from the similar system on cars with automatic transmission. Therefore, it is not difficult to figure out how to enable or how to use the innovation.

The only question is what you need a cruise for. Some only eventually realize that it was a mistake to put such a system on the machine. If you regularly travel on highways and highways, where you can keep one speed for a long time, then the additional lever responsible for cruise control will definitely not hurt. But when driving around the city in conditions of heavy traffic and constant stops, the cruise loses its relevance and becomes a completely unnecessary element.

This is the case with prestart for the engine. Drivers understand that they do not need them at all, since such systems are relevant only for the most severe climatic regions with cold winters. Although against the same I have nothing. Really useful assistant in poor visibility on the road.

If you need QC, it can be delivered pretty quickly. At the same time, management will not cause any difficulties. Check with the car service if it is possible to set the cruise specifically in your case. But practice shows that this is possible on almost any car.

But also keep in mind that there are some nuances here. Namely:

• Trips to the rise. With such a movement uphill, the machine will not independently shift to a lower gear with CC on mechanics. This will have to be done manually;
• To enter the hill in 5th gear, you need to press the gas pedal yourself. Otherwise, you will not get to the rise;
• With a gradual decrease in the current speed of the vehicle (in the same ascent), the spacecraft will automatically be "cut down" at around 40 kilometers per hour;
• If there is a RES button, the driver can reset the speed by pressing it 2 times. If it is not there, you will need to press the gas pedal and determine the new required speed for the CC with the start button.

As you can see, there are some nuances here. But they are not critical.

Therefore, more and more often you can find video instructions on the network, where garage masters talk about the features of self-installation of additional equipment. In the case of cruise control, I would advise you to contact trusted specialists and certified workshops.

Tools and materials

Before installing the KK, be sure to check all components and safety systems of your machine for faults. Otherwise, do not be surprised if the cruise does not turn on, or the car behaves inappropriately when trying to change to maintain the set speed.

To complete such a task will consist of:

• curly screwdriver;
• sharp scissors or an awl;
• knife;
• matching heads;
• durable wrenches;
• self-tapping screws or good screws;
• a cable for connecting the system;
• universal QC equipment;
• special bracket.

The bracket is required if the machine has a sensor that regulates the position of the pedal that is responsible for accelerating (accelerator pedal). Then the bracket is connected to it. But in some cases, the cable is already included in the cruise control kit. Therefore, check the package contents, and then collect all the necessary additional tools and materials.

Phased installation

In general, installation usually takes no more than 2-3 hours. Some craftsmen can do it even in an hour. But keep in mind that then you have to check the operation of the system, correct the identified inaccuracies and make sure that all the settings are correct.

In stages it looks like this:

• Choosing a place for QC. Most car owners install the equipment near the fuel filter, since it easily connects the unit to the brake hose. Choose any place, but always dry and with the possibility of bringing a cable to this point from the gas pedal. There should not be any strong bends;
• Connecting the second cable to the gas pedal. Just don't cut the excess right away. To begin with, set a special bracket on the installed sensor for monitoring the current position of the accelerator pedal, and after that measure the required length of the cable. Now cut it off. The second end is connected and connected to the CC itself;
• To correctly connect the system to the car, find the wiring from the tachometer to which the universal CC is connected. To the wire of your tachometer you need to connect the green wiring coming from the KK ECU. The red posting is required to connect with the feet;
• Settings button to turn the system on and off. Double gray wiring will answer for it. For the button to work correctly, the mass must be connected (it passes through the black wiring);
• The KK control handle is located on the steering wheel, therefore it has to be disassembled independently. If there are airbags, they must be disabled and removed in advance. The handle is placed on the steering wheel, and it is assembled in reverse order.

Ford Mondeo is my first car with cruise control and automatic transmission. Moreover, if the machine is equipped with an automatic machine without any alternative at the factory, then the cruise was installed at my request. I really wanted to try what it is and eat it.

I tried it, I liked it. So much so that I wanted to, that alas, it did not work out.

I use cruise control very often - I turn it on as soon as possible: no matter in the city, on the highway, for a short or long period of time. Many people ask questions - where you can use the cruise, it is only for the route, how do you use it in the city and similar. To clarify the practice of regularly using the cruise control, I wrote this article.

A small lyrical digression - only with the cruise control I felt the beauty of an automatic transmission. The car itself maintains the speed, picks it up to the set value, the speed in turns is limited only by the instinct of self-preservation.

At the same time, I understand that cruise control is not suitable for every driver. For example, the speed limiter did not take root for me, although the efforts to activate it were spent more than installing the cruise control. Therefore, there is no need to perceive the material presented in the article as a dogma. This is just my experience that I share with my readers. Even I would say a description of my practice of use.

So, the first thing you need to effectively use the cruise control is:

• ability to read the stream: to anticipate and anticipate the actions of the cars in front
• the ability to choose the speed of movement so as not to press on the tail of the car in front, but also to keep up with it too much
• the ability to choose a driving distance in such a way that it was sufficient to respond to changing traffic conditions: wedging traffic, braking of the vehicle in front.

As you can see, the necessary conditions are built on the principle of matryoshka dolls, i.e. each next is based on the previous one: without the ability to choose a comfortable speed and anticipate the actions of other drivers, it will not be possible to choose the optimal distance.

For me personally, the minimum acceptable distance is 3-5 cars.

Examples of the optimal distance to use cruise control

Using this distance allows you to move in the stream and not resort to braking every time the road conditions change. As a rule, the margin of distance is sufficient for the situation to stabilize.

Although the distance of 3 cars is not enough in my opinion. There is already a higher probability that it will be necessary to slow down or rebuild. Those. the main advantage of cruise control is that the monotony and stability of movement is leveled.

Above, we were talking about driving on highways and simply multi-lane roads. With the movement along single-strip on the one hand it is easier, on the other more difficult. Easier - because if you find the optimal speed, you can comfortably travel a very significant distance. It is more difficult - to find such a speed, you need to assess the prospect (for example, with dense oncoming traffic and a convoy of fellow travelers, overtaking is futile) and often you need to slow down, for example, by 5 km / h relative to the vehicle in front.

For those who are used to squeezing out of the car - not an option. From my experience - when driving along the Moscow region odnoloposki comfortable speed of movement - 75-80 km / h - on the one hand, you keep in the stream, on the other, you keep a sufficient distance from the truck in front and you do not catch with the hood everything that is from under the wheels or body flies / can fly out.

I'll make a reservation right away - yes, I know that the maximum permissible speed in the general case is formally 90 km / h, almost 110 km / h. But before indignant at the need to "feel sick", I advise you to compare your real average speed on the on-board computer with the maximum possible. Many discoveries await you - I guarantee.

In the city, cruise control is not a problem either. Again, if you are ready to curb your temper and do not seek to realize your Schumacher potential. It helps a lot when you are looking for something in an unfamiliar place - set 40-50 km / h and look out for your destination.

I cannot help but note that for many, a reasonable distance between you and the car in the direction of travel acts like a red rag on a bull. This is especially true for multi-stripes, with single-stripes it is easier. But there will always be dissatisfied people - as they say: the dog barks - the caravan moves on.

In conclusion, I repeat once again: for me, cruise control is a great feature that allows me to reduce the stress behind the wheel, which has a beneficial effect on my driving style. I wanted to take measurements with the help of a computer - what percentage of the time I go on activated cruise control, but alas, I did not find such a technical possibility. I can only say that on a recent trip to Tula, I would rather remember those moments when I turned off the cruise than when I went on it. Because, without exaggeration, I drove almost all the way - both on the highway and in Moscow - adjusting the speed on the steering wheel and using the brake in front of traffic lights.

In the car. Meanwhile, this is an old system, which 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 using cruise control, the driver is less tired while driving. Also, in theory, this helps to reduce fuel consumption, since the engine runs evenly when using the system, and its rpm 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, having covered 500-600 kilometers, then by car without this system, he will have to hold the gas pedal for 5-6 hours (depending on the speed), which is actually equal to holding the right foot in an uncomfortable position. During the entire travel time, you want to change the position of your leg, but you cannot do this. It seems that this is a trifle, but keeping 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 drives. The driver will be able to adjust 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:

1. On / Off button that activates and deactivates the system.
2. Switch for fixing the speed mode and increasing the speed. That is, after accelerating to the required speed, the driver can fix the current speed with a switch and release the accelerator pedal. Subsequent pressing of this button will increase the driving speed by 1 km per hour.
3. If, while using the cruise control, the driver had to quickly accelerate or brake by pressing the accelerator 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.
4. Coast speed reduction button. Each press of the button decreases the driving speed by 1 km. In some models, the step of decreasing and adding speed is 1.5 km.
5. The Cancel button deactivates the system.

Depending on the car model, this system can be represented by other buttons, the step of accelerating and decelerating may differ. But the principle looks exactly as described above.

Kinds

There are several types of cruise control in the car. What does passive or active type mean? In the first case, the driver can only set the vehicle speed. 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 controlling the vehicle depending on the driving conditions.

Passive type (PPC)

As we have already found out, passive cruise control allows you to keep the set speed, which is convenient for long trips over long distances. Due to the constant high-speed operation of the engine, fuel economy is provided.

The control is deactivated when the driver slightly presses the gas pedal. The design of such a system has a special pneumatic actuator that regulates the flow of the 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 improved version of the active type. In addition to the ability to maintain the speed limit without pressing the gas pedal, cars with adaptive cruise control can calculate the distance to the vehicle in front, and also reduce or increase speed depending on the situation on the road. That is, if the system determines that the distance to the vehicle in front is decreasing, then the system also slows down. The deceleration is carried out until the time between the cars, in the opinion of the system, becomes optimal. If the sensor ceases to see an obstacle in front, then the car picks up speed and keeps this speed limit.

Safety

The adaptive setting of cruise control on the car is quite smart, it provides not only comfort when driving on highways and highways, but also the safety of the driver who can relax too much on the road.

In addition, this system can produce not only emergency braking, but also evasive maneuvers. This greatly improves driving safety, and often such systems preserve the life of people and the integrity of the vehicle itself in various situations on the road.

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 a dynamic one. 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 resource.

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 in the event of any problems with the engine and when the vehicle enters corners. After cornering, 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 benefits of this system are obvious to every driver. First of all, this is convenience when driving and reducing the stress on the back due to the absence of the need to keep your foot on the gas pedal. Some drivers cite fuel economy as a virtue of this 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, then it also provides additional vehicle safety.

disadvantages

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 actively using this system, fuel economy is completely absent, 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 relax too much while driving the car. Constantly keeping your foot on the gas pedal, you will not 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 using the system in the city.

Many drivers do not recommend using this system on the road 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 they are just passive varieties. In addition, this system can be installed even on a car in which this technology is not provided by the manufacturer. Special installations are sold at car dealerships.

You can put an end to this. We figured out what it is - cruise control in a car. The technology is useful in some cases, but you shouldn't get carried away with it, since the driver shouldn't lose concentration on the road.