In Darwin’s theory of evolution, life adapts to both survive and thrive. In 2018, this idea even extends to cars. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Doesn’t that bring us a step closer to a terrifying Skynet-like future, in which the machines rule all in a post-apocalyptic landscape?” And while yes, I too have had this thought, it was generally fuelled by too many cups of coffee, insomnia, or watching Terminator 2: Judgement Day for the hundredth time. In reality, the smarter the technology gets, the easier it makes our lives. Ford truly believes this, which is why they’re constantly coming up with incredible new technologies and features to make your daily drive more comfortable and convenient. New technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control.
What is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Remember cruise control? That useless feature that was only good on the highways? Your dad came home with his brand new Ford Escort station wagon, slapped the roof of the car, and said, “This baby comes with cruise control”—and then he could never use it because he only ever drove in rush hour every day? Well, with Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control, you can enjoy all the fuel efficiency benefits of cruise control with added safety.
Adaptive Cruise Control maintains your speed, like the cruise control of the past, but also maintains a safe following distance—and when equipped with Stop-and-Go it can actually bring your Ford to a complete stop, before bringing you back up to speed. Thanks to a number of sensors and a forward-facing camera, your Ford is closer to driving itself than ever before (but remember it isn’t autonomous just yet, and you still need to pay attention on the road).
How Do You Use It?
Adaptive Cruise Control is incredibly easy to use and set up, just follow these three simple steps.
- Simply press ‘On’ via the ‘On/Off Cruise Control’ switch on your steering wheel, then accelerate to the appropriate speed. Press the ‘Set’ button, and you’re good!
- You can also adjust the distance between you and the vehicle ahead using the up and down arrows on that same switch.
- Take your foot off the gas, stretch out that ankle, and watch your fuel economy improve. I mean, you still have to watch the road as driver-assist features are not the same as self driving cars, but relax a little—you earned it!
So if it isn’t autonomous driving, why bother? Well, Ford teamed up with Vanderbilt University to study the potential effects of Adaptive Cruise Control—and it’s shown that it can reduce traffic congestion caused by human inattention or delayed reaction times. Add in smoother braking, added safety, and a generally more relaxing drive, and it’s no wonder Adaptive Cruise Control is such a useful new feature. If you want to find out more about Adaptive Cruise Control, or get behind the wheel of a Ford equipped with this revolutionary new technology, just swing by Edmonton’s favourite Ford dealer, Team Ford.
