Ask an expert

I have a 1991 Nissan Primerra automatic fitted with cruise control. I have never owned an automatic before.

Could you tell me if I should use the cruise control button when I'm around town doing 50km?

Will I use less or more fuel having it on and would I damage the car if I was using it while I do 50km?

Maxine

From the "Ask jack" archives - 14 December, 2009

The Cruise Control is designed to regulate or limit your speed and is mainly used at open road speeds. It is a particularly good feature to stop you from inadvertently exceeding the speed limit and getting a ticket.

You could use it around town, but it is not a recommended practice.

It will become an unwanted distraction and an unsafe practice to continually activate the system.

These systems automatically deactivate when the brakes are applied and are also governed (activated) by a set minimum road speed.

Using Cruise Control will not damage your car and should have little impact on your fuel consumption.