What is cruise control in car? It is no longer a luxury extra, now it's a smart driving feature that enhances comfort, safety, and reduces fatigue, particularly on long drives. Below we tell you how cruise control works, when to utilize it, what not to do, and why it's an excellent feature to have on your next car hire particularly if you're traveling along long UAE highways. We also provide valuable usage tips and safety advice, and where to get the best cruise-control-equipped vehicles by way of sources such as Beno.
If you are wondering what is cruise control in car? It is a feature that will make your vehicle go at a steady speed without having your accelerator foot pressed on the pedal. Most newer cars, particularly mid-to-upper-level sedans and SUVs are equipped with this as an option. It is very useful on the highway, where the speed limits are quite uniform along very long stretches.
Essentially, cruise control makes your driving easier by eliminating fatigue, helping with fuel economy, and keeping you at a steady speed. More sophisticated ones such as adaptive cruise control can even change your speed to preserve the distance to the car in front.
When to Use Cruise Control?
Cruise control excels on long straight highways such as Dubai to Abu Dhabi, or seacoast roads along Fujairah. Use it when:
- You're cruising along the highway
- Road is dry and uniform
- Traffic is light to moderate
- You're driving at a constant speed for fuel efficiency

Using cruise control in these situations can reduce driver and passenger fatigue, especially for long-distance driving.
When NOT to Use Cruise Control
Although it has advantages, there are specific situations where cruise control must not be used:
- Heavier traffic or stop-and-go conditions
- Twisty or mountain roads with frequent shifting
- Wet, slippery, or sandy roads with low friction
- City locations where there is erratic pedestrian or cyclist movement
In these situations, the use of manual control is safer and more responsive.
Basic Cruise Control Best Practices
To drive safely and efficiently, this is how to properly use cruise control:
1. Know How It Works
Before you use it, check your car manual or question your rental agency where and how to find the cruise control and turn it on, shift it, or switch it off. The switches are most commonly on the steering wheel or on a side stalk at the back of it.
2. Use It Responsibly
Cruise control assists you in maintaining speed, not in steering the vehicle. Have your hands on the wheel and remain wide awake.
3. Accommodate Conditions By Speed
Even with cruise control, adjustments need to be made for road transition. Slow down on light rain or crosswinds and ready to turn off the system at a moment's notice if required.
4. Maintain Safe Distance
Cruise control will not travel a distance by itself unless it is adaptive. Keep a minimum two seconds of space between you and the car in front of you.
5. Cancel Prior to Exits or Lane Changes
Preparation to utilize ramps, intersections, or merging roads? Deactivate cruise control in advance so that you are in complete control of your automobile.

Renting a Car with Cruise Control in the UAE
Taking a road trip or long drive in the UAE? It is a good idea to rent a car that has cruise control. It guarantees:
- A less tiring, smoother drive
- Safer highway cruising
- Improved fuel management
Beno has a fleet of cruise-control cars, from budget-friendly sedans to high-end SUVs. Wherever you cross-emirate to work or to Ras Al Khaimah for a staycation, car rental Dubai with Beno is always convenient and stress-free. And with no additional fees and easy online reservation, your next road trip begins with just a click.
Make wise choices, stay alert, and drive into the future on cruise at a time.
Still thinking What is cruise control in car? Finally understand it as a system that, when used responsibly, makes your driving safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Renting a vehicle in Dubai or driving in the far reaches of the UAE, knowing what is the purpose of cruise control in a car? Helps ensure better driving experience.
FAQs
- Is cruise control useful when driving in the city?
No. Traffic stop-and-go, speed change, and pedestrians in city traffic render cruise control inappropriate. It is suited for highways or inter-city travel where there are steady speed limits.
- Is cruise control fuel-saving?
Yes, cruise control can save fuel because it helps to provide a smooth speed, hence minimizing unnecessary acceleration and braking that otherwise cause fuel wastage.
- May I use cruise control in rain or poor weather?
It's not advised. Cruise control will not react appropriately on wet or slippery roads and may slow your reaction time in the event of an emergency.
- What are the disadvantages of cruise control?
Potential disadvantages include slower reaction time, distraction risk, and inability to handle sudden road bends or traffic congestion. It's also unsafe to drive on bumpy or curved roads.
- Is cruise control automatic?
Yes, in most cars it operates automatically once activated, but the driver remains responsible for steering and monitoring road conditions.
- How to activate cruise control?
It depends on the car model. Usually, there's a button or stalk on or near the steering wheel. Consult the owner’s manual or ask your rental agency