Adaptive Cruise Control Explained | Cassill Motors

If you've shopped for a newer vehicle lately, you've probably seen Adaptive Cruise Control on the features list. But what exactly does it do, and how is it different from regular cruise control?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) takes traditional cruise control a step further by helping your vehicle adjust its speed based on the traffic ahead.

Regular Cruise Control vs. Adaptive Cruise Control

With traditional cruise control, you choose a speed and your vehicle maintains it until you brake, turn the system off or make an adjustment.

Adaptive Cruise Control uses sensors such as cameras or radar to detect a vehicle traveling ahead of you. If traffic slows down, your vehicle can automatically reduce its speed to help maintain a preset following distance. When the road ahead clears, it can accelerate back toward your selected cruising speed.

Why Do Drivers Like Adaptive Cruise Control?

One of the biggest benefits is convenience, especially on longer highway drives.

Instead of constantly adjusting your cruise control as traffic speeds change, Adaptive Cruise Control can make some of those adjustments for you.

It can be especially useful for highway driving, road trips and longer commutes.

Does Adaptive Cruise Control Drive the Car for You?

No. Adaptive Cruise Control is a driver-assistance feature, not self-driving technology.

You still need to pay attention to the road and be ready to brake, steer or take control when necessary. The exact capabilities of Adaptive Cruise Control can also vary depending on the vehicle.

Does Every Vehicle Call It Adaptive Cruise Control?

Not always! Automakers sometimes use different names for similar technology. You may see terms like Adaptive Cruise Control, Smart Cruise Control or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, depending on the make and model.

While the name and exact capabilities may differ, they're designed around a similar idea: making cruise control more responsive to the traffic around you.

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Worth Looking For?

That depends on how you drive and which features matter most to you.

If you spend a lot of time on the highway or take frequent road trips, Adaptive Cruise Control may be a feature you'll appreciate. And if you're shopping for a newer used vehicle, you might be surprised by how many models are equipped with it.

When shopping, always check the individual vehicle's features since availability can vary by year, trim and model.

Find the Features You Want at Cassill Motors

Shopping for a vehicle with Adaptive Cruise Control or another feature on your wish list?

At Cassill Motors, we make it easy to find a vehicle that fits your needs! Browse our current inventory online and use our search filters to narrow down your options by make, model, price and more.

Have questions about a specific vehicle or its features? Stop by Cassill Motors at 2939 16th Ave SW in Cedar Rapids, IA. Our team is happy to help you find the right fit!