Mastering the Road: How to Use Cruise Control on a Ford Fiesta 2013 Like a Pro

The 2013 Ford Fiesta is a popular choice for city dwellers and commuters alike, offering a blend of style, fuel efficiency, and practicality. But did you know that your Fiesta also comes equipped with a handy feature that can make your long drives even more relaxing? This blog post will guide you through the simple steps of using cruise control in your 2013 Ford Fiesta, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free driving experience.

Understanding Cruise Control

Cruise control is a technology designed to maintain a constant speed without the need for continuous driver input. It’s particularly useful for highway driving, allowing you to relax your foot from the accelerator pedal while maintaining a steady speed. This not only reduces driver fatigue but also helps improve fuel efficiency.

Prerequisites: Checking Your Fiesta

Before you can start using cruise control, it’s essential to ensure that your 2013 Ford Fiesta is in the right conditions:

• Vehicle Speed: Cruise control typically activates at speeds above 25 mph.
• Gear Selection: Make sure your transmission is in Drive (D) or Sport (S) mode.
• Road Conditions: Cruise control is best suited for smooth, straight roads. Avoid using it in heavy traffic or on winding roads.

Activating Cruise Control

Now that you’ve checked the prerequisites, let’s get your cruise control up and running:

1. Engage the Cruise Control: Locate the cruise control buttons on your steering wheel. Usually, there’s a “SET” or “RES” button and a “-” and “+” button to adjust the speed.
2. Set Your Desired Speed: Press the “SET” or “RES” button to activate cruise control. Once activated, use the “+” and “-” buttons to set your desired speed.
3. Maintain Speed: Your Fiesta will now maintain the set speed, allowing you to take your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Adjusting Your Speed on the Go

Once you’ve set your cruise control, you might need to adjust your speed for various reasons. Fortunately, your Fiesta’s cruise control system allows for easy adjustments:

• Increasing Speed: Press the “+” button to increase your speed by 1 mph increments.
• Decreasing Speed: Press the “-” button to decrease your speed by 1 mph increments.
• Resuming Previous Speed: If you temporarily disengage cruise control, you can easily resume your previous speed by pressing the “RES” button.

Disengaging Cruise Control

There are several ways to disengage cruise control, depending on your situation:

• Pressing the Brake Pedal: The most common way to disengage cruise control is by simply pressing the brake pedal. This will immediately deactivate the system.
• Using the “CANCEL” Button: Some Fiesta models have a dedicated “CANCEL” button on the steering wheel. Pressing this button will also deactivate cruise control.
• Shifting Gears: Shifting out of Drive or Sport mode will also disengage cruise control.

Important Safety Tips

While cruise control can be a convenient feature, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and safely:

• Stay Alert: Never rely solely on cruise control. Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Cruise control doesn’t automatically adjust your following distance. Ensure that you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid Using Cruise Control in Adverse Conditions: Avoid using cruise control in heavy rain, snow, fog, or on slippery roads.
• Don’t Overuse Cruise Control: Cruise control is a useful tool, but it’s not meant to be used continuously. Take breaks and drive manually to stay alert and engaged.

The Cruise Control Advantage: Why It Matters

Using cruise control in your 2013 Ford Fiesta offers several benefits:

• Reduced Driver Fatigue: Cruise control allows you to relax your foot and reduce strain on your leg muscles, making long drives more comfortable.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Maintaining a constant speed helps optimize fuel consumption, leading to better gas mileage.
• Enhanced Safety: By maintaining a consistent speed, cruise control can help prevent unintentional speed changes and improve overall driving safety.

The Final Drive: Embracing the Cruise Control Experience

Mastering cruise control in your 2013 Ford Fiesta is a simple yet rewarding experience. By following these steps and keeping safety in mind, you can enjoy a more relaxed and efficient driving experience, making your journeys more enjoyable and less stressful.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use cruise control in heavy traffic?

A: It is not recommended to use cruise control in heavy traffic. The system is designed for smooth and consistent driving conditions. In heavy traffic, frequent braking and acceleration can make cruise control ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Q: Can I use cruise control on steep hills?

A: While cruise control can be used on inclines, it may not maintain your desired speed. The system may automatically adjust to compensate for the increased load, resulting in a slower speed.

Q: Does cruise control work with my transmission in “D” or “S” mode?

A: Yes, you can use cruise control in both “D” (Drive) and “S” (Sport) modes. It will function regardless of the transmission setting.

Q: What if my cruise control isn‘t working?

A: If your cruise control is not working, there could be a few reasons. Check your owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps or consult with a qualified technician.

Q: Can I use cruise control with my car’s automatic start-stop system?

A: The use of cruise control with automatic start-stop systems may vary depending on the specific model and year. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.