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An Introduction To Cruise Controls

When you’re driving on long stretches, maintaining the speed of your vehicle can be tedious. Most cars, even those you buy used, are now equipped with cruise control systems. Their job is to alleviate the need for your constant pressure on the gas pedal to maintain a given speed. It accomplishes this by controlling the throttle, thereby simulating your pressure on the pedal.

Cruise controls have varying options, but most allow you to accelerate or decelerate by tapping a button. They also come with a “resume” function that allows the driver to engage the system after turning it off by hitting the break pedal. Below, I’ll describe a few of the parts that are used and some of the problems you may experience.

Parts Of The System

There are a number of components that work together in a cruise control unit. They include an actuator, brake and clutch switches, speed sensor, throttle link, and a cruise control module (CCM). The actuator is what controls the throttle link, simulating your foot’s pressure on the gas. The brake switch is responsible for sending a signal to the CCM to disengage when you press your car’s brake pedal. Clutch switches are used in cars with a manual transmission. Like the brake switch, it tells the CCM to turn the system off when you press the clutch in.

The speed sensor does exactly what its name implies. It sits on the transmission and sends a continuous current to the CCM. The CCM monitors the current and adjusts your car’s speed according to the speed you set the system to. The throttle link, as described above, is controlled by the actuator. Finally, the CCM oversees the entire operation. It constantly compares the speed sensor’s current with the original speed you programmed. Then, it tells the actuator to move the throttle link to adjust for variances.

Potential Problems

Occasionally, your cruise control system can fail to operate properly. Each automaker designs them a little differently, so it’s possible that the root cause is exclusive to your make and model. You’ll probably need to take your car to a mechanic to see what is causing it to malfunction. Most technicians will have diagnostic charts that they can use to find the cause.

The most common problems are related to blown fuses which can be repaired easily. Otherwise, the speed sensor can malfunction which will affect the CCM’s ability to control the actuator effectively. Also, it’s common for a vacuum leak to develop in the actuator. If the leak is large enough, the actuator will lose its ability to control the throttle link.

Cruise control systems are a fantastic invention that provides millions of drivers with relief on road trips and other long drives. You now know the basics regarding how they work. If your system fails, take it to a trained technician who can identify the cause quickly.

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Cheap car rental options are cropping up all over South Africa. A service most commonly used by tourists and long-distance commuters, average South Africans now find themselves having to resort to car rental due to a sharp increase in vehicle theft. You know that cold feeling you get when you can’t locate your car keys? Imagine the type of physical response you’ll have if you walk out of the house one morning and your whole car is gone. Gone – a ‘la poof! Let’s just say it’ll be less than pleasant.

According to the National Crime Bureau the vehicles most frequently reported stolen are the following:

1. 1991 Honda Accord

2. 1995 Honda Civic

3. 1989 Toyota Camry

4. 1994 Dodge Caravan

5. 1994 Nissan Sentra

If you own one of the above you might be in for a nasty surprise one of these days. In the unfortunate event of your car being stolen it is always better to be safe than sorry. This means you’ll have to be grown-up and be prepared with suitable insurance, as well as the having the correct information which you’ll need to contact the police department for filing reports. Make sure that you have a copy of your vehicle registration papers as well as your ID at hand when you contact the police. Once you have a case number you can then notify your insurance company and begin the claims process.

When shopping around for vehicle insurance keep in mind that some cheap options can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. Opting for a slightly more expensive insurance package that includes car replacement rental coverage could stand you in good stead. A full year of auto rental coverage will cost you less than even the most cheap South African car rental would do in a day. Also bear in mind that most insurance companies will wait the standard two to four weeks to ensure that the stolen car is not found before giving the go-ahead on the purchase of a new vehicle. This means if you are the victim of crime you could end up paying an arm and a leg to rent a car during the interim – adding unnecessary insult to already unpleasant injury. Even if you have adequate insurance it is vital to review your policy yearly to check if it will cover your needs in the event of your vehicle being stolen or damaged.

Getting worried yet? There are a few standard precautions that could safe-guard you and your car against theft. A “layered” approach would be your best bet. Try the following steps:

1. Back to Basics: LOCK your car and keep your keys in a safe place. If you have a set of spare keys make sure that they can only be accessed by trustworthy people. If you don’t know any of those it is best to keep it somewhere only you would think to look.

2. Warning! Warning!: Install a visible or audible alarm system. Anything that makes noise or employs bright flashing lights will go a long way, ensuring your car stays where you left it.

3. Immobilize the Enemy Forces: Install ‘kill’ switches, fuel cut-offs or use smart keys – anything that would keep the would-be bad guy from starting your car.

4. Follow the Tracks: If you feel like pushing out the boat install a high tech tracking device and catch the suckers while they’re at it. High-end tracking devices will alert both you and your local law enforcement agency the moment an unauthorized user even as much as breaths on your vehicle.

Other than that the only thing you can really do is hope your humble abode has safe, secure parking and keep your fingers crossed. I’ve also heard of people keeping live snakes in their cars to discourage break-ins. Personally, I’d rather take my chances with the cheap car rental companies.

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