Unlock Your Subaru Ascent’s Potential: Essential Tips on Using Cruise Control

The Subaru Ascent is known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and impressive safety features. But did you know it also comes equipped with a cruise control system that can make your long drives much more enjoyable? This guide will walk you through how to use cruise control on Subaru Ascent, helping you take advantage of this convenient feature.

Understanding Cruise Control Basics

Cruise control is a driver-assist technology that allows you to maintain a constant speed without having to constantly press the accelerator pedal. It’s especially helpful on highways and long stretches of road where you need to maintain a steady speed for extended periods.

Activating Cruise Control in Your Subaru Ascent

1. Engage the Cruise Control System: Make sure your vehicle is in “Drive” and is moving at a speed of at least 25 mph.
2. Press the “SET/COAST” Button: Locate the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The “SET/COAST” button is usually located on the left side of the steering wheel. Press and hold this button to activate cruise control.
3. Set Your Desired Speed: Once the cruise control is activated, you can adjust your desired speed by using the “+” and “-” buttons on the steering wheel.
4. Maintain Your Desired Speed: Once you’ve set your desired speed, the car will automatically maintain it. You can release the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle will continue at the set speed.

Adjusting Your Speed While Using Cruise Control

You can easily adjust your speed while using cruise control:

• Increasing Speed: Press the “+” button on the steering wheel to increase your speed. The car will gradually accelerate to the new set speed.
• Decreasing Speed: Press the “-” button on the steering wheel to decrease your speed. The car will gradually decelerate to the new set speed.

Deactivating Cruise Control

You can deactivate cruise control in a few different ways:

• Pressing the “CANCEL” Button: The “CANCEL” button is usually located on the right side of the steering wheel. Pressing this button will immediately deactivate cruise control.
• Applying the Brakes: Pressing the brake pedal will also deactivate cruise control.
• Shifting Out of Drive: If you shift out of “Drive” into “Neutral” or “Park,” cruise control will automatically deactivate.

Using Coast Mode

The Subaru Ascent’s cruise control system also includes a “Coast Mode” feature. This feature allows you to temporarily disengage cruise control without having to completely deactivate it.

• To Engage Coast Mode: Press the “SET/COAST” button once. The cruise control will be temporarily deactivated, but the set speed will remain stored.
• To Resume Cruise Control: Press the “SET/COAST” button again to resume cruise control at the previously set speed.

Tips for Using Cruise Control Effectively

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Cruise control is a great tool for long stretches of road, but it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings. Always be prepared to take over manual control of the vehicle if necessary.
• Avoid Using Cruise Control in Heavy Traffic: Cruise control may not be suitable for heavy traffic conditions. Be sure to deactivate cruise control if you encounter heavy traffic or need to frequently adjust your speed.
• Use Cruise Control Responsibly: Cruise control should be used as a convenience tool, not as a way to avoid driving responsibly. Always be prepared to take over manual control of the vehicle if necessary.

Beyond Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control

The Subaru Ascent also offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. ACC uses sensors to detect the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance.

Adaptive cruise control can be a helpful feature in traffic, as it can help you avoid sudden braking and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Cruise Control: A Driving Companion

Cruise control is a valuable feature that can enhance your driving experience, making your journeys more comfortable and efficient. By understanding how to use cruise control on your Subaru Ascent, you can take advantage of this useful technology and enjoy the benefits it offers.

Information You Need to Know

1. Can I use cruise control in all driving conditions?

No, cruise control is best suited for highway driving and long stretches of road where you need to maintain a steady speed. It is not recommended for use in heavy traffic, bad weather conditions, or on winding roads.

2. Is it safe to use cruise control on hills?

Cruise control can be used on hills, but it’s important to be aware that the vehicle may slow down slightly as it climbs the hill. You may need to adjust your speed manually to maintain your desired speed.

3. How do I know if my Subaru Ascent has cruise control?

You can check your owner’s manual or look for the cruise control buttons on your steering wheel. If you have the buttons, you likely have cruise control.

4. What does the “SET/COAST” button do?

The “SET/COAST” button activates cruise control and also allows you to engage Coast Mode. Coast Mode temporarily deactivates cruise control while maintaining the set speed.

5. Can I use cruise control in reverse?

No, cruise control is not intended for use in reverse. It is only designed to be used while driving forward.