In most cars, the cruise control button sits on the steering wheel, but the exact location can vary by make and year. If you don’t spot it there, check behind the steering wheel on a stalk, or look for on-screen controls in the instrument cluster or a touchscreen. This guide walks you through the common layouts and how to use them safely.
Common Places to Look
These locations cover the most frequent setups across a broad range of vehicles, from older models to the latest hybrids and sedans.
Steering Wheel Controls
Many cars place cruise control on or near the right side of the steering wheel. The controls are usually a cluster of small buttons or a toggle pad and may include labels like CRUISE, SET, RES (resume), and CANCEL, sometimes with a plus/minus speed adjuster.
- Right-hand side of the steering wheel: a dedicated cruise control pad or buttons integrated into the wheel.
- Symbols or text such as CRUISE, SET, RES, and CANCEL precede or accompany speed adjustments.
- On some models, you activate cruise control with an ON/OFF button or switch, then set your speed with SET.
Layout and exact labeling vary by brand and year, but steering wheel controls are the most common location in modern vehicles.
Stalks and Levers Behind the Wheel
Some cars use a stalk similar to a turn-signal lever, tucked to the left or right of the steering column. You may push, pull, or twist the end of the stalk to turn cruise control on, then use another control to set or resume your speed.
- A small stalk near the steering column with a CRUISE or ACC label.
- Push to activate, then press SET or use a separate control to lock in your speed.
- In some models, you adjust distance or follow mode for adaptive cruise control from the same stalk.
Stalk-based controls are common on many older models and some mainstream brands, and they let you operate without taking hands off the wheel.
Modern Digital and Touchscreen Interfaces
Newer vehicles increasingly place cruise control controls within digital clusters or on infotainment touchscreens. Even if the controls are on-screen, there are usually physical steering-wheel buttons to access them quickly.
Icons and Quick-Access on the Wheel
In many contemporary cars, you’ll still find cruise control on the steering wheel, but the buttons may be part of a capacitive pad or a multifunction switch. Look for an ACC or CRUISE icon and a SET/RES option, sometimes grouped with other speed controls.
- Buttons or pads on the right side of the wheel labeled CRUISE or ACC, plus SET, RES, and CANCEL.
- Activating cruise often requires pressing a dedicated ON/OFF button before using SET to lock a speed.
- Some vehicles require you to enable cruise via a menu or toggle in the instrument cluster before speed can be set.
Consult your vehicle’s manual if you’re unsure, especially for new models with digital interfaces and adaptive cruise control features.
How to Use It Safely
Always use cruise control on open highways or roads with light traffic. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, but you should keep hands on the wheel and remain attentive. Disable cruise control in poor weather, heavy traffic, or when navigating winding roads.
Summary
Across most vehicles, the cruise control button is found on the steering wheel, on a stalk behind the wheel, or via the instrument cluster/touchscreen in newer models. If you can’t locate it, check the owner’s manual or quick-start guide, or search for CRUISE or ACC in the vehicle’s settings. Safety first: activate cruise control only in appropriate conditions and stay aware of road conditions at all times.