Adaptive Cruise Control uses a forward-looking camera or a forward-looking camera and radar technology (depending on your vehicle) to monitor vehicles you’re following. If the system doesn’t detect a vehicle ahead, Adaptive Cruise Control works just like cruise control and maintains your selected cruise speed. When the system detects a vehicle ahead of you in your lane, it will automatically slow down or speed up your vehicle to maintain your selected following gap.
The Adaptive Cruise Control camera is located behind the windshield in front of the rearview mirror. It’s important to keep the windshield clean for the camera to work properly. On some vehicles, the feature also uses radar sensors located in the front grille or bumper. Keep these areas of the vehicle clean. Read your Owner’s Manual for cleaning instructions.
Bad weather that affects road surface traction or visibility may impact its performance. Also, if the forward-looking camera or radar sensors are obstructed in any way, the system will not perform as expected. Adaptive Cruise Control systems may not perform as expected where lighting is poor or when following vehicles with unusual shapes.
Some things that can keep your Adaptive Cruise Control from working properly:
- Bad weather that affects road visibility
- Moisture on the inside or outside of the windshield
- Blocked or dirty radar sensors or cameras
- Poor lighting
- Vehicles being followed that have unusual shapes