Can cruise control be used in poor weather?
John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader curious about the right and wrong times to use cruise control.
Q. I have always thought that cruise control should not be used when raining or snowing. I have a new Acura RDX with all-wheel drive and the service department said that was no longer true. What is your advice regarding cruise control use in poor weather conditions?A. Newer vehicles like your Acura have sensors that detect wheel spin and then limit cruise control operation, but still I would never advise anyone to use cruise control in poor weather or limited traction conditions. In these driving scenarios, you need to be 100 percent focused on driving. Even just a slight amount of wheel spin at highway speeds can lead to loss of traction and potential skidding. Here is a quote from Acura about their advanced cruise control (ACC) in the 2020 models: “ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.”
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE certified master technician. Email your car question to [email protected].
