Cruise control, yay or nay? (fuel, braking, MPG, engine)

[bentstrider]

I personally can't live without when I'm driving and utilize it every chance I get.
The fuel savings are rather noticeable and makes the trip more enjoyable.

[Traeger]

I pick up 4 MPG when I use my cruise. I do this by using the coast feature and the 1 mph per tap of the cruise. This on a Toyota Echo with an aftermarket cruise. BTW I get 38 mpg in mixed driving.

[sailordave]

Another way it saves money is it reduces your chance of getting a speeding ticket. I religiously use cruise control however I do realize when it isn't safe to be used. In heavy traffic conditions or certain weather conditions I do not use cruise control.

[gman6974]

Always use cruise control whenever possible. Accelerate to speed, set cruise and then turn the music up.

[KingBing]

Originally Posted by gman6974

Always use cruise control whenever possible. Accelerate to speed, set cruise and then turn the music up.

Yep.

[steel7]

My cruise is broke on my 85 olds & has been since i got it in 5/96. I did use the cruise on my 90 Tbird when i drove the car for 7 yrs but not alot.

[johnnytang24]

I don't get how cruise control saves gas. Engine braking on downhills, extra gas uphill, unable to anticipate, etc.

Try this instead: Give a little extra gas, maintain speed uphill (or slowly lose speed), if you're passing, accelerate slowly.

[johnnytang24]

I do wish I had cruise when I drove straight from Pittsburgh, PA, to Austin, TX.

[tgbwc]

Very seldom do I have an opportunity to use my cruise control. Most trips are too short with too many stops.
A side note: This post made me think about my high beams. I rarely get to use those either.

[whiteboyslo]

Using cruise is damn near impossible in SoCal. Traffic is too erratic to make it worthwhile. But back when I was living in NC and had a 65+ mile one way (all freeway) I used it all the time. As to whether it saves more fuel, I dunno. Depends on what your driving habits are when you're not using it.

Mike