Cruise control is often seen as a comfort feature for highway driving—but it’s also a surprisingly effective tool for reducing fuel consumption. If used correctly, cruise control can help eco-conscious drivers stretch their mileage and lower emissions without any extra effort.
Why Speed Consistency Saves Gas
Fuel efficiency decreases when you constantly accelerate and decelerate. Every time you press the gas pedal, your engine consumes a burst of fuel to adjust speed. Cruise control minimizes these fluctuations, maintaining a steady pace that’s more efficient over long distances.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using cruise control on the highway can improve fuel economy by up to 7–14%, depending on your car and driving conditions.
When Cruise Control Works Best
Cruise control is most effective on:
- Highways or open roads with minimal traffic
- Flat or gently sloping terrain
- Dry, clear weather conditions
On roads with hills, frequent curves, or heavy traffic, cruise control can become less efficient or even unsafe. In those cases, it’s best to drive manually and use techniques like gradual acceleration and coasting to maintain fuel efficiency.
How to Set Cruise Control for Efficiency
- Choose a speed close to your vehicle’s “sweet spot” for MPG—typically between 50–65 mph for most cars
- Avoid setting it too high; speeds above 70 mph dramatically reduce fuel efficiency
- Use your car’s ECO mode (if available) in tandem with cruise control for added optimization
Avoid Cruise Control in These Situations
- Heavy rain or snow: Cruise control can delay reaction times and increase braking distance on slick roads
- Hilly terrain: Constant throttle adjustments can make fuel use less efficient than manual driving
- City traffic: Frequent starts and stops cancel out the benefits of steady cruising
Cruise Control vs Adaptive Cruise Control
If your car has adaptive cruise control, it automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. While convenient, this system may apply brakes and throttle more frequently than necessary—so it’s not always more efficient than traditional cruise control in free-flowing traffic.
Final Thoughts
Cruise control isn’t just about convenience—it’s a low-effort way to cut fuel use, reduce wear on your engine, and make long drives smoother. For eco-conscious drivers looking to lower emissions and save money, cruise control is one of the simplest tools already built into your car. Use it strategically, and you’ll notice the difference at the pump.
