In the last few years, adaptive cruise control has become a standard feature in almost new vehicles today. Compared to yesteryear, when the feature was only found in luxury car models due to its high production cost.
Still, not all cars come with a factory-installed cruise control module. Fortunately, less expensive aftermarket adaptive cruise control kits are readily available.
So, what does it take to add adaptive cruise control to an old car?
What is adaptive cruise control, and how does it work?
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an active safety system that automatically controls acceleration and braking. It is activated through a button on the steering wheel and canceled once the driver brakes or presses a button.
Adaptive cruise control enables a safe and comfortable driving experience by monitoring other vehicles and objects on the road. This helps the driver keep a steady vehicle speed at a given moment.
You can choose certain factors, such as the distance to the car in front, driving mode –economic, sporty, or comfortable – and others. Then, with information about speed limits, road curvature, accidents data, and more, these choices influence the automatically selected speed.
Is Aftermarket Adaptive Cruise Control Possible
You could retrofit aftermarket cruise control to any vehicle. However, it is a very complex process since it involves installing multiple sensors and actuators before programming them to automatically vary vehicle speed.
Adaptive cruise control is different from regular cruise control because it can accelerate or decelerate to match traffic speed.
An aftermarket system will need a sensor to monitor the car ahead and the right programming to translate this into smooth acceleration or braking.
A failure in the system could cause a collision. This added complexity compare to simple cruise control has made installing aftermarket adaptive cruise control less common.
Stick to aftermarket regular cruise control and control the top speed and braking manually. If you must get adaptive cruise control, consider buying a vehicle with the system installed.
Can Cruise Control Be Added Aftermarket?
Yes. It is possible to add cruise control to vehicles that are not already equipped. However, the ability to install CC in your car will depend on whether or not your car was designed to support it or if you would need to install all of the additional required components.
Depending on your vehicle, a complete cruise control system might be available that includes all the required switches and sensors. If you own an older vehicle, universal cruise control kits are also available.
However, you will need additional components to make the cruise control work seamlessly in your car. These include; a new ABS pump, steering wheel buttons, possible wring, ACC sensor, ACC mounting bracket, lower grille insert, driver assistance switch block, and a custom wiring harness (or a DIY wiring harness).
Is installing adaptive cruise control worth it?
It depends on you. Retrofitting adaptive cruise control in your car has advantages and disadvantages. Although adaptive cruise control does much to alleviate the driver’s work behind the wheel, it does not make a car self-driving. The driver must remain alert and in control in case of any unexpected conditions on the road.
An ACC system may also not work properly in certain weather conditions like heavy rain or fog, if there is mud or snow on the sensors, or if roads are slippery. They may also not function properly in tunnels.
However, the Adaptive Cruise Control system helps save on gas by sensing changes in traffic speed and adjusting your vehicle’s speed accordingly, which saves you gas in the long run. So at the end of the day, it is up to you to decide whether to add adaptive cruise control or not.
Best aftermarket cruise control kits of 2022
These are the best aftermarket adaptive cruise control options in the market currently;
Rostra 250-9636 Cruise Control Kit For Full Size Ford Transit
This kit features a coast function that allows you to reduce/reset cruise speed. Additionally, the system can be disabled in three ways: tap brakes/depress the clutch and switch the engine off.
The Set function locks in a predetermined speed with the touch of a button. The Accel function creates an acceleration, and speed is maintained once released. The newer design can read VSS pulses up to 38,600.
And it’s completely electronic and does not require a source of vacuum to operate. It is easier to install since a vacuum connection is not required, but professional installation is recommended.
Features
- Capabilities: Set, Accel, Coast, Resume, and Disengage
- Compatible with automatic transmission and manual transmission vehicles
- VSS compatible; – Completely electronic servo requires no source of vacuum to operate
Pros
- Increases gas mileage and fuel economy
- Reduces vehicle wear
- It prevents unintentional speeding and driving fatigue
- Same functionality as OEM systems
Cons
- It does not work on drive-by-wire equipped vehicles
Complete Cruise Control Kit for Nissan Sentra
The Rostra Cruise control kit is designed to add a cruise control system to those vehicles which did not come with one from the factory. You can set your desired speed by using the Rostra Cruise control switch steering column-mounted once you set your speed.
The Rostra Cruise control kit measures engine load and vehicle speed; to ensure your car stays cruising at the desired speed. You can slow down or accelerate your cruise by using this switch for ease of use.
Features
- Vehicle-specific application for the 2007-2013 Nissan Sentra
- Set speed
- Tap up/tap down (1 mph per tap)
- Coast/reduce speed
- Resume/accelerate
- Controlled resume rate.
Pros
- 3 year/ 36,000-mile warranty
- Installation instructions included
- Technical assistance after the sale
Cons
- Requires additional components
Rostra 250-9612 Ford Focus S/SE 2012 Electronic Cruise Control Kit 12
The Rostra Cruise Control kit is designed to add a cruise control system to those vehicles which did not come with one from the factory. You can set your desired speed by using the Rostra cruise control switch that is steering column-mounted.
Once you set your speed, the cruise control kit will measure the engine load and vehicle speed to ensure your car stays cruising at the desired speed.
You can slow down or accelerate your cruise by using this switch for ease of use. The cruise controls feature set speed, tap up/tap down (1 mph per tap), coast/reduce speed, resume/accelerate, and controlled resume rate.
Rostra has been manufacturing these cruise control units for years and is an ISO9001-certified company that has proven to be one of the largest manufacturers of cruise controls in the United States.
Features:
- Slow down or accelerate without the pedal
- Includes full color illustrated installation manual
- Fits both manual and automatic transmission Focus S and Focus SE
- Built-in an ISO9001 Quality Certified facility
Pros
- Save fuel and increase safety with this aftermarket cruise control kit
- The cruise switch installs on the plastic shroud that surrounds the steering column on the left-hand side
- Provides the function, quality, and reliability of the original equipment part
- Step by step installation instructions are included, but professional installation is recommended
Cons
- Not easy to install
Note: Before you purchase, ensure the aftermarket cruise control kit is compatible with your car. You should also ensure your brake lights are working properly. They are key in letting you know if you have installed the aftermarket adaptive cruise control correctly. For best results, try to find a Universal cruise control kit.
Will aftermarket adaptive cruise control ruin my vehicle?
If used properly, it is not bad for your car. It can even reduce wear and tear on the engine/transmission and improve fuel efficiency by reducing instances of rapid acceleration. However, it can be harmful if used with a manual transmission or in certain adverse conditions.
When can you Use Adaptive Cruise Control?
You can safely use cruise control in a handful of scenarios when the weather is ideal and the road is straight. However, please do not use it during stormy conditions or when your travel involves unpredictable road conditions.
Adaptive cruise control is usually ideal when:
- You’re traveling in favorable weather conditions.
- The road is manageably straight and at a level elevation.
- Traffic is minimal.
- You are alert and can still handle the vehicle.
You should not use Adaptive cruise control when:
- Weather conditions are severe.
- There is snow or ice on the road.
- You feel too tired to drive safely.
- There are road hazards or a lot of traffic.
- The road changes elevation or direction often.
How much does it cost to add adaptive cruise control?
If you want to modify a car with cruise control with all available features of factory-installed cruise control, be prepared to pay between $2000 and $2500. If you are looking for minimal cruise control that would benefit speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour, these more basic ACCs can cost as low as $500.
Check this too: Ford Cruise Control Troubleshooting & How-To Guide
Is Aftermarket cruise control safe?
Aftermarket cruise control kits won’t be the same as a factory-installed cruise control system. They may provide some cruise control features as the factory-installed ones, but they tend to be quite basic in most cases. Try to get an aftermarket cruise control kit from a certified manufacturer or a renowned car brand kit.