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I've received an e-mail from a friend in the USA suggesting that cruise control shouldn't be used in wet or icy conditions. The reason given is that if the car begins to hydroplane and the tyres lose contact with the road, the car will accelerate and take off like an aeroplane. Is this a risk?

Jill

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I am aware of an email which has been circulating for at least a couple of years warning people about the use of cruise control in wet or icy conditions.

Most owners hand books warn drivers to avoid cruise control in such conditions.

Cruise control has been designed so a constant speed can be set for driving conditions where there'll be minimal use of the brakes or excessive gear changes e.g. open roads. In addition cruise control can only be activated once the vehicle has reached a certain speed.

The system will also automatically de-activate the instant the brake is applied or if the clutch pedal is operated on a manual vehicle.

Wet or icy conditions are not appropriate for cruise control as a driver would be constantly slowing and braking and therefore the cruise control would need to be reactivated (which is a manual operation by the driver) constantly.

Drivers have a responsibility to ensure they are in control of their vehicles at all times and drive to the conditions.