To switch between Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and standard Cruise Control (CC), use your vehicle’s cruise-control mode control (often labeled MODE, ACC, or CRUISE) to toggle between adaptive and non-adaptive modes. If your car lacks a dedicated mode switch, you can disable ACC (by braking or pressing CANCEL) and then re-engage standard cruise with the SET/RES controls.
What ACC adds and how it differs from regular CC
Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts speed to keep a safe following distance from the car ahead, whereas regular cruise control maintains a constant set speed regardless of traffic. Switching between these modes lets you choose automatic speed adjustments or a simple fixed-speed hold, depending on road conditions and driver preference.
Steps to switch modes in most cars
Below is a general sequence you can follow in many contemporary vehicles. Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific details, since controls can vary by make and year.
- Turn on the cruise control system and set a desired speed in your current mode (ACC or CC).
- Look for a mode control near the steering wheel’s cruise control cluster. This control may be labeled MODE, ACC, CRUISE, or DIST.
- Press the mode control to cycle between Adaptive Cruise Control and Regular Cruise Control. Watch the instrument cluster for the ACC or CC indicator to confirm which mode is active.
- Adjust the following distance (for ACC) or the fixed speed (for CC) as needed, then continue driving with your hands on the wheel and attention on the road.
The above steps cover how most drivers toggle modes in cars equipped with a dedicated mode switch or a mode-toggling control on the steering wheel. If you successfully switch modes but do not see the expected behavior, consult the vehicle’s manual or the on-screen driver-assistance settings to confirm which mode is active and how distance settings are configured.
Variations you may encounter in different vehicles
Not every car offers the same controls. Some models use different labels, combinations of buttons, or menus to switch between ACC and CC. Here are common patterns you might encounter:
- A dedicated mode toggle near the cruise control buttons that cycles between “Cruise” (CC) and “Adaptive Cruise” (ACC).
- A single control cluster where pressing MODE or a similar button cycles modes, with the current mode shown on the instrument cluster.
- No mode toggle; ACC is the default when the system is ON, and you must disable ACC (brake or CANCEL) to use regular CC, then re-engage CC with SET/RES.
- In some luxury or newer models, the driver-assist menu in the instrument cluster or the infotainment screen lets you select “Adaptive” or “Cruise” as a mode option.
Important: always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise instructions, as the exact controls can vary by make, model, and generation. If you’re unsure or you’re testing for the first time, perform a brief, controlled test in a safe location to confirm how the system responds.
Safety considerations and best practices
Autonomous-sounding features like ACC are convenience tools, not substitutes for attentive driving. Keep both hands on the wheel when using either ACC or CC, stay alert to traffic conditions, and be prepared to take control at any moment. Use ACC in appropriate settings with clear visibility and ample following distance, and switch to CC when you don’t need automatic braking or acceleration.
Summary
Switching between adaptive and regular cruise control typically involves a mode control on or near the steering wheel. If a dedicated mode toggle exists, press it to switch modes and adjust distance or speed as needed. If there is no mode toggle, disable ACC (with brake or CANCEL) and re-engage standard CC using the SET/RES controls. Always consult your manual for model-specific instructions, and practice using the system in safe conditions to become familiar with how your vehicle responds.