Cruise Control & Speed Limiters
Two different approaches to vehicle speed management
Cruise Control and Speed Limiters both help manage vehicle speed, but they perform different functions. Cruise Control maintains a selected travelling speed, while a Speed Limiter controls the maximum speed the vehicle is permitted to reach.
This page explains how each system works, the available system options and the vehicle factors that can determine which solution is appropriate for a particular application.
Understand the difference before choosing a system.
The key distinction is what the vehicle needs the system to do. One maintains the travelling speed selected by the driver. The other establishes a maximum permitted speed.
Maintain a selected travelling speed.
Cruise Control automatically maintains the road speed selected by the driver. Once engaged, the system manages throttle input so continuous accelerator pressure is not required to maintain that speed.
Control the maximum vehicle speed.
A Speed Limiter is designed to prevent the vehicle from exceeding a selected or predetermined maximum speed. Depending on the configuration, that limit may be selected by the driver or set as a fixed operating maximum.
Cruise Control maintains. Speed Limiters restrict.
The driver selects a travelling speed and Cruise Control works to maintain it.
The system establishes the maximum speed the vehicle is permitted to reach.
Primarily used where a consistent travelling speed is required.
Used where the maximum permitted vehicle speed needs to be managed.
System selection depends on the vehicle and its electronic configuration.
Maintain a selected travelling speed.
Cruise Control is designed to maintain a road speed selected by the driver without requiring continuous pressure on the accelerator pedal.
Once engaged, the system monitors vehicle speed and manages throttle input to help maintain the selected travelling speed.
Maintaining speed without continuous accelerator input
The driver first brings the vehicle to the desired travelling speed. Once that speed is selected through the Cruise Control switch, the system stores the setting and begins managing throttle input.
Cruise Control then continues monitoring vehicle speed and adjusts throttle input as required until the system is cancelled or disengaged.
A straightforward operating sequence
Once activated, Cruise Control follows the driver's selected speed until an adjustment or disengagement input is received.
Accelerate normally until the preferred travelling speed is reached.
Use the Cruise Control switch to store the current travelling speed.
Cruise Control manages throttle input to help maintain the selected speed.
The driver can change, cancel or resume the Cruise Control setting when required.
Common Cruise Control operations
Stores the current travelling speed and activates Cruise Control.
Increases or decreases the selected travelling speed.
Returns the system to the previously stored speed after disengagement.
Stops the active Cruise Control setting without removing the system from use.
Cruise Control assists the driver. The driver remains in control.
Cruise Control manages throttle input to maintain a selected speed. The driver remains responsible for responding to traffic, road conditions and changes in the driving environment.
Applying the brake pedal disengages the active Cruise Control setting.
The active setting can also be cancelled using the relevant Command control switch.
Cruise Control manages throttle input. It should not be considered a braking system.
Cruise Control configurations vary by vehicle
Vehicle age, throttle operation and electronic architecture help determine which system configuration is appropriate.
Cable Cruise Control
For compatible vehicles using a conventional mechanical accelerator or throttle cable arrangement.
Drive-by-Wire
For compatible vehicles where accelerator input is managed electronically rather than by a mechanical cable.
CAN-Bus
For compatible modern vehicles where relevant information can be obtained through the vehicle's electronic communication network.
Need more technical information?
Access additional Cruise Control operating, installation and technical support information from Command Auto Group.
Control the maximum vehicle speed.
A Speed Limiter is designed to prevent a vehicle from exceeding a selected or predetermined maximum speed.
Unlike Cruise Control, which maintains a travelling speed, a Speed Limiter establishes the upper speed the vehicle is permitted to reach.
Maximum speed is established. The system manages acceleration around that limit.
Once the maximum speed has been selected or configured, the system monitors vehicle speed against that setting.
As the vehicle approaches the limit, throttle response is managed to help prevent further acceleration beyond the permitted speed. The exact operation depends on the vehicle and system configuration.
Speed limiting across different vehicle applications
Speed Limiters can be relevant for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and fleet applications where the maximum operating speed needs to be controlled.
The appropriate system depends on vehicle compatibility, accelerator configuration and the vehicle's electronic architecture.
The correct configuration depends on the vehicle
Command Speed Limiter solutions are available for compatible modern vehicle applications using electronic throttle and vehicle communication systems.
Drive-by-Wire
For compatible vehicles where accelerator input is managed electronically rather than through a conventional mechanical throttle cable.
CAN-Bus
For compatible vehicles where relevant speed and vehicle information can be obtained through the electronic communication network.
Cruise Control or Speed Limiter?
Choose Cruise Control when the primary objective is to maintain a chosen road speed without continuous accelerator input.
Choose a Speed Limiter when the primary objective is to prevent the vehicle from exceeding a selected or configured speed.
System selection is vehicle-specific.
Selecting the correct Cruise Control or Speed Limiter system requires consideration of the vehicle's make, model, model year, transmission and throttle configuration.
Vehicle electronics and CAN-Bus architecture can also determine which system is compatible, particularly on newer vehicles.
Correct compatibility and installation are important.
Cruise Control and Speed Limiter systems need to be matched to the vehicle's configuration and installed correctly. Command Auto Group can assist with system selection, compatibility and installation information.
Find the appropriate system for your vehicle.
Explore the available Command systems or contact the team for assistance with vehicle compatibility, system selection and installation information.