Adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically reacts to changes in traffic speed and adjusts your vehicle’s acceleration accordingly.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an advanced driver assistance system that controls road traffic for road vehicles that automatically adjust vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. front. As of 2019, it is also known by 20 different names that describe that basic functionality.
On long road trips and driving along long highways, cruise control (the precursor to Adaptive Cruise Control) is your best friend. It allows you to set a specific speed and take your foot off the gas pedal for a while, resetting when you press the brake pedal. However, when the speed is constantly changing from traffic fluctuations and transients, this function seems to be no longer effective.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a semi-automatic feature in some vehicles that automatically decelerates and accelerates based on traffic. The driver sets the maximum speed, just like normal cruise control, and the radar sensor looks at the traffic ahead, focuses on the vehicle directly in front and navigates the vehicle keeping a safe distance – time.
Adaptive cruise control reduces driver stress and fatigue by efficiently operating in rush hour traffic. It can automatically switch from 100km/h to slow crawl without any driver action. Many of today’s ACC systems include an additional pre-fault function that can initiate cancellation if an emergency occurs. ACC includes 3 basic types:
- Partial ACC: Partial ACC cars tend to be cheaper, but they only work at speeds higher than 30-40 km/h
- ACC Full Speed Range: Full speed range can bring the car to a complete stop, but the ACC system will need to reactivate to achieve the following distance.
- ACC Stop and Go: Also known as Traffic Jam Assistant, these ACC systems will restart automatically after coming to a complete stop.
How does adaptive cruise control work
ACC also known as active cruise control, automatic cruise control or smart cruise control, adaptive cruise control system measures distance using a small radar on the front of the car, lasers, or even stereoscopic cameras. It works at all times of the day but may lose some functionality in bad weather conditions.
To turn on the ACC, the driver performs the following 4 actions:
- The driver turns on ACC and presses the setting button when the desired speed is reached.
- Speed can be adjusted in increments of 1-5 km/h using the “+” or “-” buttons.
- Drivers set the distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front, usually the difference between short, medium, and long distances represented by step or numbered symbols.
- A dashboard shows a screen of the cars it detects ahead, adding others as they appear. It continuously detects any vehicles or obstacles that arise.
It is recommended that you start with the largest following distance. Drivers new to ACC tend to become nervous when the vehicle approaches the vehicle in front without putting their foot on the brake pedal. Most of these systems also come with collision warning and accident avoidance features, such as emergency braking and warning lights, to help the driver maintain a safe distance.
The benefits of adaptive cruise control
- Convenience: On long journeys, adaptive cruise control can help drivers relax and lean into their vehicle for a while – without taking their eyes off the road. If you have Traffic Jam Assistant, ACC can also make your daily commute less stressful.
- Speed consistency: ACC can keep your vehicle moving at a constant speed within legal limits. This can be especially helpful during road trips, open highways, and other distractions that can cause you to press harder on the accelerator pedal.
- Fuel economy: Driving style is one of the main contributors to fuel economy. The continuously adjustable speed will burn a lot of fuel. ACC will only use the acceleration and braking system when absolutely necessary.
Adaptive cruise control is a key feature of the development of self-driving cars. Fully autonomous vehicles will need ACC to keep track of cars ahead as well as those to the side starting to change lanes. While it will be crucial for the cars of the future, current drivers have many benefits from cars that already use ACC. Today’s automakers with ACC include Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, and many more.
While ACC is an innovative feature that advances automotive technology, the driver is still responsible for all actions behind the wheel. Drivers can rely on adaptive cruise control when the situation allows, but always need to keep an eye on the road.
