Cruise control can make driving long distances easier and more comfortable by keeping your car at a steady speed without needing to press the gas pedal continuously. In Honda cars, this feature helps drivers stay relaxed on highways and reduces the stress of maintaining a constant pace. Learning how to use cruise control can be valuable for Honda owners and enthusiasts, and this guide will walk you through the basics.
Understanding Cruise Control in Honda Cars
Honda vehicles come with two types of cruise control: standard and adaptive. Both systems aim to maintain a steady speed but offer different features to meet various driving needs. Standard cruise control allows you to set a specific speed, while adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car's speed to keep a safe distance from the car ahead. Understanding which system your Honda has is the first step in using cruise control correctly.
In both systems, activating and setting up cruise control follows a similar process, making it easy to learn. However, adaptive cruise control has more safety-focused features, especially useful when driving in moderate traffic.
How to Set Up and Use Standard Cruise Control
To start using cruise control, you need to reach your desired speed first. Standard cruise control can be activated by pressing a specific button on the steering wheel. Once the button is pressed, an indicator light will appear on the dashboard, signaling that the system is ready.
After reaching your preferred speed, press the "set" button to lock it in. Once set, the car will keep this speed, allowing you to relax your foot. You can adjust the speed by tapping the controls on the steering wheel if needed. To stop cruise control, simply press the cancel button, or lightly tap the brake. This feature makes it easy to take breaks and adjust without having to go back to setting your speed from scratch.
Exploring Adaptive Cruise Control in Honda Cars
In recent Honda models, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) offers a smart way to maintain a safe following distance on the road. ACC not only keeps a set speed but also automatically adjusts to changes in traffic. This feature, designed for convenience and safety, senses vehicles ahead and slows down or speeds up to match the flow of traffic.
Honda’s ACC is easy to activate—just press the main cruise control button on your steering wheel and set your preferred speed and distance. Once set, the system takes care of speed adjustments so you can enjoy a more relaxed drive.
Adaptive Cruise Control Features Across Honda Models
Honda’s ACC comes with unique options in different models, each tailored for specific driving experiences. Here’s how Adaptive Cruise Control varies across popular Honda vehicles, from family-friendly minivans to rugged SUVs and efficient sedans.
- Honda Civic
In recent Honda Civic models, ACC is available on mid to higher trims, such as the EX and Touring. The Civic’s ACC allows drivers to set a desired speed and adjust the following distance with options ranging from close to far. Once activated, ACC maintains the set distance even as traffic conditions change. The Civic’s ACC does well in highway driving but does not offer a stop-and-go feature, meaning it’s best suited for smooth-flowing traffic. - Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, especially in the EX-L and Touring trims, offers a more advanced ACC system. In addition to setting speed and distance, the Accord’s ACC provides smoother deceleration and acceleration for a more comfortable driving experience. The latest Accord models feature enhancements like “Traffic Jam Assist,” which helps in low-speed conditions and even applies light steering adjustments to keep the car centered within its lane. This feature makes the Accord’s ACC ideal for long highway drives and moderate traffic conditions. - Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V takes ACC a step further with “Low-Speed Follow,” which is available in the EX trim and above. This addition allows the CR-V to follow a vehicle down to a complete stop and then resume driving when traffic starts moving again. The “Low-Speed Follow” feature is particularly helpful in heavy city traffic, as it reduces the need for frequent braking and acceleration. The CR-V’s ACC system is a great choice for drivers who often encounter stop-and-go traffic on their daily commute. - Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot’s ACC, available on EX trims and higher, is equipped to handle the needs of a larger SUV. It provides the “Low-Speed Follow” feature similar to the CR-V, allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop and resume driving, making it highly effective in traffic. Additionally, the Pilot’s ACC includes lane-keeping assistance in certain trims, helping drivers maintain their lane on longer trips. The Pilot’s ACC system is well-suited for family road trips, where added safety and comfort are top priorities. - Honda Odyssey
In the Honda Odyssey, a family-friendly minivan, ACC is offered on higher trims such as the EX-L and Touring. Similar to the Pilot, the Odyssey’s ACC includes the “Low-Speed Follow” feature and lane-keeping assistance, providing a smoother drive in busy traffic situations. This system helps maintain distance from the car in front, making it particularly beneficial for parents who want to focus more on the road and less on speed adjustments. The Odyssey’s ACC offers peace of mind for longer family journeys as well as city driving. - Honda Insight
The Honda Insight, a hybrid sedan, also features Adaptive Cruise Control on higher trims. Insight’s ACC is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, providing smooth and efficient adjustments to maintain speed and distance. It includes the basic features of ACC, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing traffic but without the Low-Speed Follow feature, making it best for steady highway driving. The Insight’s ACC system complements its hybrid design, allowing drivers to enjoy a more relaxed and economical drive. - Honda Passport
The Honda Passport, designed for adventure and rugged terrains, includes ACC on EX-L trims and above. Similar to the Pilot, it offers the “Low-Speed Follow” function, giving drivers the freedom to handle stop-and-go traffic or long highway drives effortlessly. The Passport’s ACC also works well on open roads, where it maintains a steady pace and safe following distance. This feature is especially useful for those who frequently transition from city streets to highways or open terrains. - Honda Ridgeline
In the Honda Ridgeline, a versatile pickup truck, ACC is available on RTL-E and Black Edition trims. Designed with both city commuting and outdoor adventures in mind, the Ridgeline’s ACC includes “Low-Speed Follow,” which adjusts speed seamlessly in heavy traffic or while towing. This makes it a valuable feature for drivers who use the Ridgeline for both work and leisure, helping to ease the effort of driving in congested areas or on long road trips.
When Cruise Control May Not Work Perfectly
While cruise control makes driving easier, there are times when it may not perform as expected. Bad weather, such as rain or snow, can interfere with the sensors used in adaptive cruise control, so it’s wise to stay alert during these conditions. Cruise control also has limitations on winding roads or in heavy traffic, where manual control is often better.
If you experience any trouble with your Honda’s cruise control system, whether it’s a sensor issue or a question on setting it up, we at Great Lakes Honda West are here to help. Our team can help troubleshoot, answer questions, and ensure everything is working smoothly.
Tips for Safely Using Cruise Control
Using cruise control is meant to make long drives more comfortable, but it’s important to keep your focus on the road. Cruise control is not a substitute for attentive driving, so always be prepared to take control when needed. Adaptive cruise control helps in moderate traffic, but it still requires a driver’s attention in busy or unpredictable situations. Always be ready to apply the brakes or cancel cruise control in case of sudden stops ahead.
When to Visit Us at Great Lakes Honda West
If you’re new to using cruise control or experiencing any issues, our service department team at Great Lakes Honda West is ready to help. Whether you need help setting up adaptive cruise control or want to ensure your system is functioning correctly, we offer expert assistance and guidance. Our team can also explain how each feature works in your specific Honda model, making sure you’re confident and safe on the road.
Visit us for a complete check or simply for advice on how to make the most of your Honda's cruise control features. Let us help you enjoy a smoother, more relaxed driving experience. We’re here to make sure you feel fully comfortable and capable behind the wheel.