If you’re new to your car or just haven’t tried the feature yet, you might be wondering, How Do You Use Cruise Control A Honda Civic? It’s a fantastic tool for reducing fatigue on long drives and maintaining a steady speed. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basic buttons to advanced features.
Using cruise control in your Honda Civic is straightforward once you know where the controls are and how they function. Whether you have a recent model or an older generation, the core principles remain similar. Let’s get you comfortable with this convenient technology.
How Do You Use Cruise Control A Honda Civic
This section covers the universal steps to activate and manage standard cruise control. The process is designed to be intuitive and safe.
Locating Your Cruise Control Buttons
First, you need to find the controls. In most modern Honda Civics (roughly 2016 and newer), the cruise control buttons are on the right side of the steering wheel. You’ll typically see a cluster of buttons labeled with icons.
In older Civic models, the control stalk is often found on the right side of the steering column, behind the wheel. It looks like a small lever with buttons on the end. Familiarize yourself with these buttons before you start driving.
The Step-by-Step Activation Process
Follow these numbered steps to engage your Civic’s cruise control safely. Always ensure you are on a safe, open road like a highway before starting.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Accelerate to your desired cruising speed. Cruise control is generally designed for speeds above 25-30 mph.
- Press the MAIN Button: Find and press the button labeled “MAIN” or “CRUISE.” This activates the system and will usually illuminate a white or green cruise control indicator on your instrument cluster.
- Set Your Speed: Once at your desired speed, press the “SET/-” button. The indicator light will often change color (e.g., to green), confirming the speed is locked in. Your car will now maintain that speed without you pressing the accelerator.
Adjusting Your Set Speed
You can easily change your cruising speed without disengaging the entire system. Here’s how:
- To Increase Speed: Tap the “RES/+” button. Each tap will usually increase your set speed by 1 mph. Holding it down will increase speed in larger increments.
- To Decrease Speed: Tap the “SET/-” button while cruising. Each tap typically decreases the set speed by 1 mph. Holding it will slow the set speed down more quickly.
- Resume to Previous Speed: If you brake to disengage cruise, pressing the “RES/+” button will accelerate the car back to the last speed you had set.
How to Temporarily Pause or Cancel Cruise
It’s vital to know how to quickly disengage the system. You have several options, and they all work instantly.
- Light Touch: Gently press the brake pedal. This is the most common and instinctive way to cancel cruise control.
- Use the Button: Press the “CANCEL” button on the steering wheel. This pauses the system but retains your set speed in memory.
- Full Shut-Off: Press the “MAIN” or “CRUISE” button again. This turns the entire system off, and the dashboard light will go out.
Remember, pressing the clutch pedal in manual transmission models will also cancel cruise control. Safety systems always override cruise, so any sudden action will disengage it.
Understanding the Dashboard Indicators
Your instrument cluster gives you visual feedback. A white or gray icon usually means the system is on but no speed is set. A green icon, often with the set speed number, confirms the system is active and maintaining your speed.
If you see an amber or flashing cruise control light, it could indicate a system fault. Consult your owner’s manual if this happens. It’s a good idea to get familiar with these symbols so you’re never confused about the system’s status.
Using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in Newer Civics
Many newer Honda Civics come with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This advanced system uses a radar sensor to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. The basic setup is similar, with a few extra steps.
- Press the “MAIN” button to activate the system.
- Use the “Interval” button (usually a car icon with bars) to set your desired following distance—typically with 4 or 5 settings from short to long.
- Accelerate to your desired speed and press “SET/-.” The car will now maintain that speed until it detects a slower vehicle.
- If the car ahead slows, your Civic will automatically slow down to match its speed, maintaining the gap you selected.
- When the lane clears, your Civic will automatically accelerate back to your originally set speed.
ACC is incredibly helpful in traffic, but you must still pay full attention and be ready to take control. It’s an aid, not a replacement for the driver.
Important Safety Tips and Best Practices
Cruise control is a helper, not an autopilot. Always follow these safety guidelines to ensure a safe journey.
- Never Use in Poor Conditions: Avoid using cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads, or in heavy traffic. You need full, manual control in these situations.
- Stay Alert: Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It’s easy to become complacent, but you are always responsible for the vehicle.
- Use on Open Roads: Cruise control is best for highways and open roads with consistent traffic flow, not for city streets with frequent stops.
- Watch for Hills: On steep inclines, the car may downshift aggressively to maintain speed. On declines, it may accelerate beyond your set speed, requiring you to brake.
- Check Your Manual: Your specific Civic model year may have unique features. The owner’s manual is the final authority for your vehicle.
Troubleshooting Common Cruise Control Issues
Sometimes, the system might not engage. Here are a few common reasons and checks.
Why Won’t My Cruise Control Set?
- Speed Too Low: Most systems have a minimum activation speed (often 25 mph). Ensure you’re above it.
- System Not Activated: Did you press the “MAIN” button first? Look for the white indicator light.
- Faulty Brake Light Switch: The cruise control disengages when you brake. A faulty switch can trick the system into thinking the brake is always pressed.
- Blown Fuse: Check your vehicle’s fuse box for any blown fuses related to the cruise control system.
If you’ve checked these and the problem persists, a visit to a qualified technician is recommended. There could be an issue with the control module or sensors.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission Differences
The operation is nearly identical in both transmission types. The key difference is the cancel function. In a manual Civic, pressing the clutch pedal will immediately cancel cruise control, just like pressing the brake does.
When resuming with a manual, ensure you are in an appropriate gear for the set speed before pressing “RES/+.” The system may not engage if the engine RPM is too high or too low for the current gear.
Maximizing Fuel Efficiency with Cruise Control
One of the great benefits of using cruise control is potential fuel savings. By maintaining a constant speed, you avoid the unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that wastes fuel.
This is most effective on flat highways. In hilly terrain, the system’s effort to maintain speed can sometimes use more fuel than a mindful driver who allows speed to vary slightly on grades. But overall, for steady cruising, it’s an efficency tool.
FAQ: Your Cruise Control Questions Answered
Q: Can I use cruise control in the city?
A: It’s not recommended. The frequent stops, traffic lights, and speed changes make it impractical and unsafe.
Q: What’s the difference between CANCEL and turning the system OFF?
A: CANCEL pauses cruise but keeps your set speed in memory for RESUME. Turning the system OFF with the MAIN button clears the memory and shuts everything down.
Q: Does cruise control work at any speed?
A: No. There is a minimum speed, usually around 25 mph. Check your manual for the exact number for your Civic model.
Q: Will cruise control brake for me?
A> Standard cruise control will not apply the brakes. It only controls the throttle. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will apply brakes to maintain distance.
Q: Is it bad to use cruise control all the time?
A: No, but use it appropriately. It’s perfect for long highway stretches but avoid it in bad weather, heavy traffic, or on winding roads where constant speed isn’t safe.
Q: My cruise control light is flashing. What does that mean?
A: A flashing indicator typically signals a problem with the system. It’s best to have it diagnosed by a professional. Do not try to use the system when it’s flashing.
Q: Can I install cruise control on a Civic that doesn’t have it?
A: Aftermarket kits exist, but installation can be complex and may affect vehicle electronics. It’s often expensive and not generally recommended compared to choosing a trim level that includes it.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Your Civic’s Cruise Control
Learning How Do You Use Cruise Control A Honda Civic is a simple process that adds significant comfort to your driving experience. Start by practicing on a quiet, open road to build confidence with the buttons and the feel of the system.
Remember the golden rule: you are always in command. Cruise control is a tool to assist an attentive driver, not replace one. With this guide, you should feel ready to use your Honda Civic’s cruise control effectively and safely on your next journey.
By taking advantage of this feature, you can reduce leg strain, improve fuel economy on long trips, and enjoy a more relaxed drive. Just always prioritize safety and adapt to the road conditions around you.