Thread: Cruise Control switches

During discussions about V8i fuel consumption it was mentioned that cruise control (along the flat) can be helpful

Cruise control is only helpful to promote relaxation of the driver , that he doesn't have to watch the speedo all the time.

Unless you have no idea of how to keep a constant speed , cruise control will NEVER give as good consumption as a good driver, simply because a driver can be predictive( ie slowly gain speed before a hill and let speed decay on the hill) while a cruise control is reactive.( ie in the same circumstance it will keep the same speed on the flat then use sometimes a heap of accelerator to maintain speed on the hill)

All a cruise control tries to do is match the frequency of 2 pulses, one in its brain and one from the VSS and if they differ it just pours on the coal.

Having said that I have learned some technique from a cruise control, and that is that for most highway curves you do not have to slow down then gain speed, and I have adjusted my driving style to try to maintain speed constant around gentle curves. its surprising how many drivers slow down unnecessarily.
However I do use it on the flat on long trips as it does reduce one area of tension,that of being obsessive about the speedo.
Regards Philip A

I did qualify it by adding on the flat, and yes it is a great help to the driver in terms of relaxation and less pain of the right foot/ankle, however I did prove to myself on several journeys traversing the full length of Spain (not in a Disco) that I got better fuel consumption overall.
I am sure this is partly to do with keeping the speed lower than might be the case if I was controlling it myself since I know I have a tendency to go faster as time passes but also I suspect the need to alter the foot angle occassionaly to avoid siezing up!

Since I am planning a long trip in a few months I think it would be good to have a working CC.
Sandy

I totally agree with PhilipA cruise does use more fuel, you only need to feel the constant movement of the accelerator with cruise on.
Having said that i do use it on fairly flat stretches as it reduces the need to really drive the car just don't relax to much.
There is a white plastic Tee piece behind the water bottle with 3 rubber hoses connected this appears to be were most failures with cruise occur.
Worth checking.
If i drive mine like a light truck 14-16 is obtainable, if you drive it like you stole it 20+ easy.

My experience (totally different car, but over several trips) was different, however I still want to try and fix the switches! anyone know how to get at them?

Having said that I have learned some technique from a cruise control, and that is that for most highway curves you do not have to slow down then gain speed, and I have adjusted my driving style to try to maintain speed constant around gentle curves. its surprising how many drivers slow down unnecessarily.
However I do use it on the flat on long trips as it does reduce one area of tension,that of being obsessive about the speedo.
Regards Philip A[/QUOTE]

i regularly do long trips in my tdi disco,1200-2400kms, doesnt have cruise control but i find it very easy to keep constant speed by listening to the engine note