Has any body found any difference if you use cruise control when towing . Does it affect MPG with it on or off. I will be towing with a Mercedes E270 cdi auto estate
CRUISE CONTROL
- Thread starter Rogerdraper
- Start date
Hi Roger
I always use CC when I can on the motorway or in speed limits with or without the van but I can't say if it makes much difference other than its easier
I first fitted a cruise control 22 years ago and have fitted several to successive cars but the present XT came ready equipped
22 Years ago the Caravan Club produced convincing figures to show that better mpg was obtained towing and solo
They went up and down the same stretch of motorway driving with and without cruise control
You have to anticipate hills and help it out or it may be too late before you realise that you have slowed too much and then need to change down especially on tow
I always use CC when I can on the motorway or in speed limits with or without the van but I can't say if it makes much difference other than its easier
I first fitted a cruise control 22 years ago and have fitted several to successive cars but the present XT came ready equipped
22 Years ago the Caravan Club produced convincing figures to show that better mpg was obtained towing and solo
They went up and down the same stretch of motorway driving with and without cruise control
You have to anticipate hills and help it out or it may be too late before you realise that you have slowed too much and then need to change down especially on tow
On undulating Autoroutes I found using cruise control adversely effected the fuel consumption of our diesel Disco3 Auto. Possibly because it charges up hills where I tend to accept a bit of "natural" speed reduction.
On flatter roads I doubt it makes any real difference.
However it's a nice feature to be ably to waggle my feet around and get the circulation going, and so I make quite a bit of use of it.
On flatter roads I doubt it makes any real difference.
However it's a nice feature to be ably to waggle my feet around and get the circulation going, and so I make quite a bit of use of it.
Hi Roger,
I tow with a Mercedes ML270CDI and use cruise control most of the time, when set, speed is one thing you don't have to concentrate on and the road ahead and behind can have your full attention, I find it more relaxing. I have never checked MPG with cruise control on a car but when downloading fuel consumption data from a Cummins engine in a HGV, the drivers that use it around 80% of a 6 week cycle get about 1 MPG more which is an improvement of well over 10%, this system is far more advanced and accurate than a trip computer fitted in a car, it tells distance and trip percentage in top gear, in Cruise control, at idle and much more, a keen operator will have the speed limiter set to 54mph off cruise and 56mph on cruise to make the driver use it.
spj.
I tow with a Mercedes ML270CDI and use cruise control most of the time, when set, speed is one thing you don't have to concentrate on and the road ahead and behind can have your full attention, I find it more relaxing. I have never checked MPG with cruise control on a car but when downloading fuel consumption data from a Cummins engine in a HGV, the drivers that use it around 80% of a 6 week cycle get about 1 MPG more which is an improvement of well over 10%, this system is far more advanced and accurate than a trip computer fitted in a car, it tells distance and trip percentage in top gear, in Cruise control, at idle and much more, a keen operator will have the speed limiter set to 54mph off cruise and 56mph on cruise to make the driver use it.
spj.
One thing i do notice with cruise is how other drivers speed fluctuates when they dont have cruise control,they slow down then speed up when you are overtaking so frutrating.
I use cruise all the time dont notice any change apart from maybe trying to get up the hills a bit quicker than i would normally,good downhill as the still holds the same selected speed.
Great in roadworks no tendancy for the speed to creep up.
I use cruise all the time dont notice any change apart from maybe trying to get up the hills a bit quicker than i would normally,good downhill as the still holds the same selected speed.
Great in roadworks no tendancy for the speed to creep up.
Cruise control was one of the best all time inventions for me. I have noticed the ones on my last two diesels maintain a constant speed up and down hill. Climbing you can hear the engine pulling more. Like John said earlier you need to keep awake just incase a downgear change is required.I also agree it is amazing how other drivers speeds fluctuate so much.
mpg, I think there is a marginal improvement insofar as the cc maintains electronically the speed and fuel burn.
I bet someone out there can prove the mpg one way or another.
That aside I just find it so relaxing in cc.
Chers
Alan
mpg, I think there is a marginal improvement insofar as the cc maintains electronically the speed and fuel burn.
I bet someone out there can prove the mpg one way or another.
That aside I just find it so relaxing in cc.
Chers
Alan
Cruise control was one of the best all time inventions for me. I have noticed the ones on my last two diesels maintain a constant speed up and down hill. Climbing you can hear the engine pulling more. Like John said earlier you need to keep awake just incase a downgear change is required.I also agree it is amazing how other drivers speeds fluctuate so much.
mpg, I think there is a marginal improvement insofar as the cc maintains electronically the speed and fuel burn.
I bet someone out there can prove the mpg one way or another.
That aside I just find it so relaxing in cc.
Cheers
Alan
mpg, I think there is a marginal improvement insofar as the cc maintains electronically the speed and fuel burn.
I bet someone out there can prove the mpg one way or another.
That aside I just find it so relaxing in cc.
Cheers
Alan
Unless your on a traffic free road the cruise will always use more fuel for the simple reason that it can't anticipate the traffic ahead. Say you set it to 70 then you have to keep switching it out everytime the traffic slows down. When you switch it on again it gets you back to 70 asap. If you were driving yourself you would anticipate in advance & feather the throttle pedal more gradually. Also, like other posters have said it can't cant be good for fuel to have the engine at max power trying to maintain your chosen speed up hill.
That said I love cruise & like most gadgets once you've had it you don't wanna be without.
That said I love cruise & like most gadgets once you've had it you don't wanna be without.
I am quite convinced my mpg improves when using CC. My car has an auto box so it changes down if necessary when going uphill. If I have to come out of CC, I build up again to the desired speed manually rather than re-setting the CC and having it give lots of welly to recover lost speed.
Just love CC, Audi has "adaptive" CC and we're very inpressed with it.
On long motorway runs I think we do get slightly better MPG. With heavy traffic I think its slightly worse but with the relaxing drive and safety more than makes up for any loss.
With 300+ hp hills and inclines make little difference to the engine when towing so may be not the best comparison to genralise with.
On long motorway runs I think we do get slightly better MPG. With heavy traffic I think its slightly worse but with the relaxing drive and safety more than makes up for any loss.
With 300+ hp hills and inclines make little difference to the engine when towing so may be not the best comparison to genralise with.
I thought that I had heard all the arguements for and against c/control, but safety as a plus? I don't see that at all, how can handing control to a low tech electronic gadget be classed as a safety measure. Certainly the c/c on my Sorento is blxxdy dangerous at times and dosn't help the already poor fuel consumption one iota.
Steve W
Steve W
I've had cruise control on both auto and manual cars and I reckon it's one of the best things to make driving a bit more relaxed. It's like any other "aid" it can't make all the decisions for you but used intelligently it isn't dangerous so long as you dont get so relaxed that you forget it's on and run up the back end of traffic etc. Obviously you can't use it in stop/start traffic, but it's great to control your speed in road works etc. We tow with a C-Max 2.0TDCi and I alwys use the cruise control when I can, it just makes it so much easier. I've done MPG comparisons using the fuel computer and don't reckon there is any real measurable difference - Wind strength, traffic and terrain are much more meaningful as is the weight of my right foot.
Roger.
You have a MB, so rather than using the Cruise Control - flip the switch on the stalk - and use it in Speed Limiter mode.
Advantages of SL: You're still "driving" the car, it has the speed control advantage of CC but you can back off at any time. If you need to slow down then just taking your foot off the throttle works fine - the throttle effectively is a foot rest in SL mode.
Fuel consumption using SL or CC can be better than with the system off - it is for me when commuting in my E320 CDI to Holland. I set the SL to 120 kph and relax.
The extra "control" in SL mode really helps when towing too.
Robert
You have a MB, so rather than using the Cruise Control - flip the switch on the stalk - and use it in Speed Limiter mode.
Advantages of SL: You're still "driving" the car, it has the speed control advantage of CC but you can back off at any time. If you need to slow down then just taking your foot off the throttle works fine - the throttle effectively is a foot rest in SL mode.
Fuel consumption using SL or CC can be better than with the system off - it is for me when commuting in my E320 CDI to Holland. I set the SL to 120 kph and relax.
The extra "control" in SL mode really helps when towing too.
Robert
Steve W.
I suggest you read again, my Q7 has "Adaptive" cruise control.
Can't be bothered to explain so try here
http://www.foursprung.com/2006/03/audi-q7-active-cruise-control-acc-plus.html
I suggest you read again, my Q7 has "Adaptive" cruise control.
Can't be bothered to explain so try here
http://www.foursprung.com/2006/03/audi-q7-active-cruise-control-acc-plus.html
CC is better than the speed limiter as you still have the tendancy to allow your speed to fluctuate as you wouldnt sit with your foot flat on the accelerator ,if your going to do that use CC.
Adaptive cruise is a safety device as it keeps you at a distance to the car in front ,you enter that zone it slows the car down to keep the distance.
Adaptive cruise is a safety device as it keeps you at a distance to the car in front ,you enter that zone it slows the car down to keep the distance.
Seat Alhambra TDI Manual - Motorways 5th gear 60 mph towing
I find cruise control more relaxing when towing and believe there is a marginal improvement in MPG.
I tend to tow around or just under 60 mph which means you tend to slowly gain on lorries when using CC and can plan overtaking without any hurry.
Without CC I tend to find I gain on lorries quicker in the last few hundred yards and do not have a lot of speed left in reserve for or when overtaking.
I know this logic does not stand up that well as you will probably end up overtaking at the same speed but I do find CC more relaxing for this reason.
I find cruise control more relaxing when towing and believe there is a marginal improvement in MPG.
I tend to tow around or just under 60 mph which means you tend to slowly gain on lorries when using CC and can plan overtaking without any hurry.
Without CC I tend to find I gain on lorries quicker in the last few hundred yards and do not have a lot of speed left in reserve for or when overtaking.
I know this logic does not stand up that well as you will probably end up overtaking at the same speed but I do find CC more relaxing for this reason.
Having watched the video by Audi, it seems very impressive. So did the videos I saw on ABS breaking and Air bag technology. Having worked as a mechanic most of my working life,I know just how reliable these gizmos really are. I have lost count of the times I have had to look at ABS systems that don't work when they should, but do work when they are not needed, ditto with air bags, been to some really horrendous RTA's when the bags didn't go off, and breakdowns when the bag has gone off after hitting a deep pot hole or clipping a kerb.
Steve W
Steve W
Our S-max is our first car with cruise control and would never willingly have another without, much less tiring on long journeys and a little more economical as the speed tends not to creep up but I think a good driver could get better economy for the same average speed without cc but then why do people drive autos when they use more fuel than manuals.
CC on turbo diesels is great as they have that bucketfull of midrange torque to get up the hills without a downchange.
Incidently, this time last year I posted a thread about 6speed boxes and that our S-max was more economical in 5th at all speeds, The car had 5k on the clock at the time, since then it has done about 1k towing and now has 25k on the clock and 6th is now more economical than 5th, even when towing a medium size trailer. I would still be happier with a 5speed that had a taller 5th as I still get the thing in the wrong gear
CC on turbo diesels is great as they have that bucketfull of midrange torque to get up the hills without a downchange.
Incidently, this time last year I posted a thread about 6speed boxes and that our S-max was more economical in 5th at all speeds, The car had 5k on the clock at the time, since then it has done about 1k towing and now has 25k on the clock and 6th is now more economical than 5th, even when towing a medium size trailer. I would still be happier with a 5speed that had a taller 5th as I still get the thing in the wrong gear
We have the VW 140bhp engine with DSG.I use CC whenever i can , being an auto box gives us a smooth ride and does not seem to effect the mpg. Last September we drove solo from Hasting to Cumbernauld and mpg worked out at 50 mpg, the CC was set at 70mph most of the way.Last Easter we drove to Dresdon with caravan and CC was on most of the time making the journey effortless.Thinking about manuel box i can see that being a problem with mpg. As been said by others that when you are in CC you can see drivers with tired feet, i can say its great when the person in front has got CC selected .Best thing since sliced bread.
Hi Roger,
I have a Merc three litre diesel and the cc is brilliant. But I think you should view it as a convenience feature rather than an economy feature. Anyone who has tried economy driving will know that you get the best results by feathering the accelerator depending on gradients etc, and cc just doesn't take that into account (and anyway, the difference is surely just pence!)
I never use cc when the road is busy, but I do use it at every opportunity, and knock it off well before any likely hazards. (You don't want to be charging forward when things ahead are looking crowded!) But it's great to flick resume when it's clear.
I never use the speed limiter - the accelerator can often get you out of trouble just as quickly as the brake, and I wouldn't want that restricted!
I have a Merc three litre diesel and the cc is brilliant. But I think you should view it as a convenience feature rather than an economy feature. Anyone who has tried economy driving will know that you get the best results by feathering the accelerator depending on gradients etc, and cc just doesn't take that into account (and anyway, the difference is surely just pence!)
I never use cc when the road is busy, but I do use it at every opportunity, and knock it off well before any likely hazards. (You don't want to be charging forward when things ahead are looking crowded!) But it's great to flick resume when it's clear.
I never use the speed limiter - the accelerator can often get you out of trouble just as quickly as the brake, and I wouldn't want that restricted!
Modern cars have lots more gadgets compared to when I started driving.
I've just seen Steve W's post, he is right of course. Things go wrong and break.
But would we be without them when they work and are needed. I'm sure many who have been saved from injury by air bags were glad they were in place even though their is a slight chance that they may not go off.
Of course many things that go wrong on cars are down to poor servicing and lack of care by mechanics.
No doubt many have doubted that machanics have done a thorough job when cars are serviced and many of us have sadly found that to be a fact.
I've yet to have ABS fail or an airbag, cruise control or any other safety device and can't say I've heard of many problems, but I have had take cars back to get work done or have it done correctly and know of plenty of other cases.
I've just seen Steve W's post, he is right of course. Things go wrong and break.
But would we be without them when they work and are needed. I'm sure many who have been saved from injury by air bags were glad they were in place even though their is a slight chance that they may not go off.
Of course many things that go wrong on cars are down to poor servicing and lack of care by mechanics.
No doubt many have doubted that machanics have done a thorough job when cars are serviced and many of us have sadly found that to be a fact.
I've yet to have ABS fail or an airbag, cruise control or any other safety device and can't say I've heard of many problems, but I have had take cars back to get work done or have it done correctly and know of plenty of other cases.
Jason R.
Your suggestion that vehicles or their components breakdown because of poor servicing and or poor mechanics is misleading,the proper terminology should be poor maintainance. According to surveys conducted by different polling organisations 70% 0f privately owned vehicles do not receive any professional attenion from one year to the next, most only see the inside of a garage for the Mot test. As you obviously drive a high spec Audi you proberly have your car regularly serviced, but believe me, the type of vehicle or indeed the apparent wealth of the owners, does not signify that they are well maintained.
Steve W
Your suggestion that vehicles or their components breakdown because of poor servicing and or poor mechanics is misleading,the proper terminology should be poor maintainance. According to surveys conducted by different polling organisations 70% 0f privately owned vehicles do not receive any professional attenion from one year to the next, most only see the inside of a garage for the Mot test. As you obviously drive a high spec Audi you proberly have your car regularly serviced, but believe me, the type of vehicle or indeed the apparent wealth of the owners, does not signify that they are well maintained.
Steve W
If those that do not put their cars in to a garage for service/maintenance were polled you would find that many do not trust garages or mechanics to do the work correctly and find the service charges that help cover the cost of many suited and booted honesty challenged salesman in espensive poncy boutique/designer coffee shop style showrooms.
My cars are regularly serviced and our cars are set-up before they go in to a garage to try and make sure the job is done completely.
Menu pricing is a rip off in most cases and most so called mechanics are no more than replcement parts monkeys.
Many MOT shops that handle older cars offer repair services, we have a good friend who repairs cars that have had corrosion welding repairs. In 32 years he believes less than 10% of cars his business have rewelded have had the work done in a safe professional way first time around. He also has two Mercedes trained mechanics who can do most of the menu priced jobs in a fraction of the time that Mercedes and others quote. And do te job correctly!
If all garage work was done fully, and to a good standard and sensible price we would have far more safe reliable cars on the road.
As a business friend of mine here in Somerset found, he took his Renault for routine serving recently, new car was running fine and sounded fine.
On collection it sounded as though a bag of spanners had been left under the bonnet by the main dealer. He and his companion queried the service manager and a he and a "technician" checked the car and sent him on his way 15 minutes later. 15 minutes later the engine blew up!
My cars are regularly serviced and our cars are set-up before they go in to a garage to try and make sure the job is done completely.
Menu pricing is a rip off in most cases and most so called mechanics are no more than replcement parts monkeys.
Many MOT shops that handle older cars offer repair services, we have a good friend who repairs cars that have had corrosion welding repairs. In 32 years he believes less than 10% of cars his business have rewelded have had the work done in a safe professional way first time around. He also has two Mercedes trained mechanics who can do most of the menu priced jobs in a fraction of the time that Mercedes and others quote. And do te job correctly!
If all garage work was done fully, and to a good standard and sensible price we would have far more safe reliable cars on the road.
As a business friend of mine here in Somerset found, he took his Renault for routine serving recently, new car was running fine and sounded fine.
On collection it sounded as though a bag of spanners had been left under the bonnet by the main dealer. He and his companion queried the service manager and a he and a "technician" checked the car and sent him on his way 15 minutes later. 15 minutes later the engine blew up!
Accusations of poor workmanship/ poor service can be levied at every trade or profession, but you do seem to have a bee in your bonnet about mechanics. There seems to be little point in continuing this discussion any further, as you obviously would never conceed that mechanics like everone else can make genuine mistakes and we are not all robbing bxxards.
Steve W
Steve W
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