Cruise control - do people really use it?

[Jim Jamieson]

I used to fit cruise control systems (Econocruise) from the late 70’s and well into the 80’s so my answer is yes I used it all the time on my 75’s

However, as I’ve noted before on CC posts I fitted an extra button mounted higher up and on the reverse side of the steering wheel.
This was wired in parallel to the resume on / off button which in my opinion was mounted way too low resulting in you having to drop your hands down the wheel from the “ normal “ driving position to operate this feature.
With my modified switch you can resume on / off with ease when in traffic.

On another note especially with the diesel if let’s say your memory speed is 70mph and you resume off then drop down below 60mph then resume on. The car goes onto kickdown (automatic only of course) then takes off like a bat out of hell with engine screaming till it reaches set speed of 70mph.
I raised this issue with MG Rover as I considered it to be a bit unsafe for this to happen.
Any cruise system I fitted, in the same situation the car would just accelerate at a normal rate back to memory speed.
In another way if using the throttle manually you wouldn’t press it so hard at 60mph to go back up to 70mph

I’m sure MG Rover must have had this cruise control function linked in with Sports Mode which to answer Dorchester 2 in 17 years ownership I would be lucky if I used Sports Mode on a handful of occasions.

Moving to Jaguar then Mercedes I miss not having that single button to use resume on / off as in both marques you have to use two buttons, one to go off cruise with another to go back on.

Manufacturers take note ! And follow a lead from Rover.

BTW I still have some two buttons left from Econocruise stock if anyone wants to do the mod featured on My two 75’s post.

[topman]

I use it the other car all the time, especially on the M1. Didn't like the speed limiter, turned it off as soon as I figured out how to.

The other half likes neither, doesn't feel in control or comfortable with it.

[BigJohn]

I use cruise of my 75 a lot of the time on all roads from 30 mph limit to National speed limit, built up areas to A roads and motorways. I find it a great assistance removing the need to constantly check the speedo. I never feel 'not in control' as a tap on the disengage button or the slightest touch on brake or clutch pedal disengages it. When I drive my 260 or MGF I miss it.

[The Rovering Member]

I don't have it on my 1.8 of course but use it all the time in the lorries, which are also speed-limited to around 55mph too as you probably know. Many companies such as FedEx, like you to use the function whenever possible as there is a fuel-saving to be had there. The latest models have 'intelligent' cruise which l didn't think l'd like but l actually get on with it quite well. The Merc's have a display which shows speed & distance of the vehicle in front & will hold you a set distance back until you overide it which can be useful but also a pain when you have to get to Liverpool & back in a night as all the little delays add up & l sometimes forget the system is holding me back.
I wish l did have cruise on my 75 though.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by Jim Jamieson

On another note especially with the diesel if let’s say your memory speed is 70mph and you resume off then drop down below 60mph then resume on. The car goes onto kickdown (automatic only of course) then takes off like a bat out of hell with engine screaming till it reaches set speed of 70mph.
I raised this issue with MG Rover as I considered it to be a bit unsafe for this to happen.
Any cruise system I fitted, in the same situation the car would just accelerate at a normal rate back to memory speed.
In another way if using the throttle manually you wouldn’t press it so hard at 60mph to go back up to 70mph.

Yes compared to the manual diesels the auto boxes are a bit frantic.


I'm with you - they set them up incorrectly, and should have gone for a much smoother resume function.


I use cruise often. It helps to keep to the speed limits and can make for a more relaxing drive - in the manual cars anyway.

[badrover]

I really like the cc on my diesel auto. I use use it a fair amount of the time. I also have a skoda superb with radar cruise so it will slow, accelerate and stop in line with the traffic ahead. It's a brilliant system but still there's zero excuse for not being alert. My only issue was that after having got used to the skoda, I have to force myself to remember that the 75 won't slow/stop like the skoda does!

[roverbarmy]

I use mine a lot on the long, quiet Norfolk roads but I can see that in busier areas, it may not be practicable. On long runs, it seems to give me better fuel economy too ( I hate to admit that a machine can drive better than me though!).

[Dorchester2]

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

I use mine a lot on the long, quiet Norfolk roads but I can see that in busier areas, it may not be practicable. On long runs, it seems to give me better fuel economy too ( I hate to admit that a machine can drive better than me though!).

I fully agree Mike!
I was doing exactly the same reflection, noticing the slightly better mpg improvement compared to my driving without.
Both feet quiet & only hands on the wheel: so relaxing!
That's all that our 75 are about: luxury, quietness & sensual delight, as wrote the French poet Charles Baudelaire ("Luxe, calme & volupté")...
Cheers!

[Discofan]

Originally Posted by Gunnerhavesome

Never use it in the UK, but I do spend a lot of time on French motorways where I think its great. I can set and often sit for a couple of hours just wafting along as the roads aren't conjested.

Agree with that, caravan towing for 100s of miles a day on the French motorways its a bit of a blessing. Heading there at the end of this month and travelling from Cherbourg right down to the south west coast. Gonna be a big journey, hopefully pleasurable.

[bl52krz]

Originally Posted by Dorchester2

Basic did you say?
Not really, because you can adjust your speed by 1mph increments by tapping the SET+ switch, as I'm told in Owner's handbook p. 113.

BTW I'm actually delighted to have it in my 75 Connie Cowley built. Traveling to Brittany & back, I used & abused it. Very relaxing IMHO.
Indeed nobody can use it the traffic being too intensive.

But I'd one very puzzling question to submit to all of you clever chaps!
Why does the owner's handbook say p. 112 that "Using 'sport' mode on automatic gearbox vehicles is not recommended with cruise control selected"?

I did it several times and I found it very handy with my auto box, especially when driving on motorways with lots of uphill.
When you're going uphill on very slopy motorways like in the center of France (Massif Central) if you're driving in 'Eco' mode it's very hard to keep your speed up to the top because the revs are keeping too low. On the contrary in 'Sport' mode the box is automatically downgrading as you know all so that the revs are going up easily allowing the car to keep its pace.
Hence putting at the same time the CC you get the best of the two worlds and I didn't notice that worsen the mpg.
So what?

Thanks buds for your kind suggestions.

Would the advice about not to use in sport mode be to do with sudden acceleration while in that mode?