Driving should be easy, not stressful. That’s where Chevy’s adaptive cruise control comes in. It helps you maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as traffic changes. At Monument Chevrolet, we get that new tech can feel a bit overwhelming, so we’re here to simplify it. We’ll walk you through how adaptive cruise control can make your Pasadena driving experience smoother and safer, whether you’re just starting to explore Chevy’s driver-assist features or already have some knowledge.
How To Use Adaptive Cruise Control
Here’s a quick guide to using Chevrolet adaptive cruise control.
Activating the System
Have you Googled, “How to turn on adaptive cruise control Chevy?” All you have to do is press the ON/OFF adaptive cruise control switch on your steering wheel, and you’re ready to go. The system will work like regular cruise control if there’s no car in front of you, holding your speed without any adjustments.
Setting Your Desired Speed and Gap Distance
Once the system is activated, set your speed by pressing the SET button. Then, choose how much space you want to keep between you and the car ahead. Press the gap distance button to select your preferred distance: far, medium, or near. This setting helps your vehicle automatically adjust its speed to maintain the right amount of space from the car in front.
Changing Set Speeds
If you need to adjust your speed, simply tap the SET button to speed up or slow down. It’s quick and easy, and the system will maintain your following distance as you adjust the speed.
Cleaning the Sensors
Adaptive cruise control uses a combination of cameras and radar to work smoothly and stay aware of the road ahead. That means keeping these sensors clean is key. Dirt, snow, or any debris can block the system’s view, so regularly check the front of your vehicle for cleanliness to keep the system running well.
Stopping and Resuming With Adaptive Cruise Control
Chevy’s adaptive cruise control will automatically reduce your speed to keep a safe gap if traffic slows down or stops. On most vehicles, the system can also bring you to a full stop. Tap the accelerator or hit the RESUME button once traffic moves again to continue without resetting.
If the car in front of you stops too suddenly, the system won’t be able to brake in time, so you’ll get a warning to step on the brakes yourself. If your vehicle has the driver attention system, adaptive cruise control may automatically resume and follow the vehicle ahead for longer stops if the system detects that you’re paying attention to the road.
Switching Between Adaptive and Traditional Cruise Control
Sometimes, you might prefer the simplicity of traditional cruise control, especially when there’s little traffic. Switching between the two is easy. Just press the ON/OFF button to deactivate adaptive cruise control, and your vehicle will revert to traditional cruise control. You can then manually adjust your speed without worrying about the system adjusting it for you. If you want to return to adaptive cruise control, just press the ON/OFF button again, and you’ll be ready to go. It’s all about giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Safety Features and Considerations
Chevy’s adaptive cruise control is a great tool for making your drive more comfortable, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t replace your attention to the road. Here’s what you need to keep in mind for safe use.
Stay in Control
While the system helps with speed adjustments and braking, it doesn’t steer for you. You’ll always need to keep both hands on the wheel and stay ready to take over braking when needed. Stay alert, even when the system is active.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The system can help slow you down, but it’s not perfect. It won’t react to parked or slow-moving cars in time, so you’ll need to be ready to brake manually when required. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in traffic.
Avoid Certain Road Conditions
Avoid using adaptive cruise control on winding roads, hills, or exit/entrance ramps. The system might struggle to detect the vehicles ahead in those conditions. And if you’re towing a trailer, ensure your vehicle is equipped for it, as the system isn’t designed for trailering on all models.
Pay Attention to Traffic Lights and Signs
Adaptive cruise control doesn’t know when a stop sign or traffic light is ahead, so you’ll need to pay attention and brake as needed when approaching intersections.
Watch the Load
The system’s effectiveness can be affected if your vehicle is heavily loaded, especially the back or truck bed. Check your vehicle’s load limits in your owner’s manual.
Maintain Responsibility
The system is a helpful aid but not a substitute for your attention. Keep your eyes on the road, be aware of traffic and weather conditions, and always be ready to act. Your owner’s manual is a great resource for understanding how adaptive cruise control works and when it’s best to use it.
Common Issues With Adaptive Cruise Control and How To Resolve Them
Your Chevrolet’s adaptive cruise control can occasionally fail to work as it should. This can happen if the radar sensors or cameras at the front of your car get blocked by dirt, debris, or even heavy rain affecting visibility. The system can’t do its job if these sensors can’t correctly detect vehicles or obstacles. Software glitches are another common issue.
If you’re having trouble, start by cleaning the windshield, sensors, and cameras to clear any obstructions. Check for anything blocking the sensors, such as stickers or accessories. If the issue persists, try resetting the system as your owner’s manual describes or have a professional take a look. Regular checks will help keep your system running smoothly and safely.
Shop New Chevy Vehicles at Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena, Texas
While adaptive cruise control can enhance your driving experience, it’s important to be aware of common issues and how to resolve them. Keep your sensors clean and be proactive about system maintenance. If you’re ready to experience the convenience of this feature firsthand, explore our inventory of new Chevy vehicles and schedule a test drive today at Monument Chevrolet to see how it works in your dream car.
Chevrolet Camaro by Txemari. (Navarra). is licensed with CC0 1.0
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