{"id":1097,"date":"2022-04-14T06:27:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-14T06:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easterntyres.com.au\/?p=1097"},"modified":"2022-04-14T06:27:59","modified_gmt":"2022-04-14T06:27:59","slug":"can-i-use-cruise-control-safely-in-the-rain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easterntyres.com.au\/can-i-use-cruise-control-safely-in-the-rain\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Use Cruise Control Safely In The Rain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The internet has made available an entire world of easily-accessible information\u2026 and misinformation. Type into Google, \u2018why you shouldn\u2019t use cruise control in the rain\u2019, and you\u2019ll get a raft of different views. So, right now, for once and for all, we\u2019re going to settle this issue with those things that no one seems to care about anymore \u2013 FACTS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The short answer is no, it\u2019s best not to use cruise control when it\u2019s raining \u2013 but not for the reasons you might read on the internet<\/strong>. The myth is that cruise control can make your car suddenly speed up if it begins to aquaplane. This is impossible, and here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To debunk this myth, we need to take a quick look at how cruise control works. These days, software is used to tell the cruise control system when the set speed has been reached and when the car is slowing down. This software also tells the system when the brake has been used so it doesn\u2019t fight the driver, disengaging cruise control instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The software tracks the speed of your car through the driveshaft, which essentially means its monitoring the powered tyres\u2019 revolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aquaplaning occurs when the tread on our tyres can no longer disperse water adequately. A layer of water then builds between the rubber and the road, essentially lifting the car off the ground and causing it to slide over water without any grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s been mistakenly reported time and again that cruise control can actually speed your car up when it aquaplanes. Not the case. When we aquaplane, the tyres lose traction and start spinning faster. Considering cruise control tracks the car\u2019s speed through the tyre\u2019s revolutions, it will actually think we\u2019ve sped up when we aquaplane and ease back on the throttle, attempting to slow the car down.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For two reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The speed at which we hit water is what matters. Whether cruise control is on is irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you feel your car aquaplaning, brake slowly and steadily. Nearly every car on the road these days has ABS, which will stop the wheels from locking up (which was a problem in the past). If the car begins to turn as it slides, turn the steering wheel in the same direction. When you regain traction, slowly bring the car back in line with the lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cruise control is best used on relatively straight stretches of road when conditions are good. Cruise control does not have the ability to detect conditions or approaching hazards; it won\u2019t slow down automatically for a corner or braking cars. If the road you\u2019re on has corners with recommended speeds lower than the enforced speed limit, it\u2019s best not to use cruise control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, if it\u2019s raining heavily and the enforced speed limit feels unsafe, either set cruise control at a lower speed or take it off altogether. The fact of the matter is, when we engage cruise control, we\u2019re slightly less alert, which is why it\u2019s best practice to switch it off when conditions aren\u2019t optimum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, while cruise control won\u2019t cause you to speed up when you aquaplane, we still do not recommend its use during inclement weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid aquaplaning, slow down and make sure your tyres have adequate tread. We talk about tread all the time, and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your tyres only have four hand-print-sized patches of rubber to keep you on the road. If the tread is too worn, it cannot adequately funnel water away \u2013 and you\u2019ll lose control of the car. The most difficult part about checking tread depth is remembering to and then getting down on your knees. The rest is easy, which you can read about in our blog on checking tread depth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think your tyres are worn, please drop into Eastern Tyre Centre<\/a> as soon as you can. We\u2019ll do a thorough assessment and make some recommendations. Whatever the result, rest assured you\u2019ll be driving away on tyres fit for purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The internet has made available an entire world of easily-accessible information\u2026 and misinformation. Type into Google, \u2018why you shouldn\u2019t use cruise control in the rain\u2019, and you\u2019ll get a raft of different views. So, right now, for once and for all, we\u2019re going to settle this issue with those things that no one seems to […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1098,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow does cruise control work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cruise control and aquaplaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why do we aquaplane?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What should I do when aquaplaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is it appropriate to use cruise control?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get your tyres checked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n