How to Utilize Cruise Control on Your Subaru Forester 2019: Boost Efficiency and Enjoy the Drive

Embarking on a long road trip in your Subaru Forester 2019? Tired of constantly adjusting your speed? Cruise control is your best friend, allowing for a more relaxed and efficient driving experience. But navigating the controls and understanding how it works can be a bit confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of utilizing cruise control on your Subaru Forester 2019, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Getting Started: Activating Cruise Control

Before you can set your speed, you need to activate the cruise control system. Here’s how:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in motion. Cruise control can only be activated when the vehicle is moving at a speed of at least 25 mph.
2. Locate the cruise control stalk. This will be located on the left side of your steering wheel. It resembles a small lever with buttons.
3. Press the “SET” button. This button is typically located on the top of the stalk. You’ll hear a chime and see the cruise control light illuminate on your dashboard, indicating that the system is ready.

Setting Your Desired Speed

Now that cruise control is activated, you can set your desired cruising speed:

1. Press the “+” or “-” buttons. These buttons are located on the cruise control stalk, allowing you to increase or decrease your speed.
2. Maintain a steady speed. As you reach your desired speed, release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will maintain that speed automatically.
3. Confirm the speed is set. The cruise control light on your dashboard will flash briefly, indicating that the desired speed is locked in.

Adjusting Your Speed While Cruising

Once you’ve set your speed, you can easily adjust it without needing to manually press the accelerator or brake:

1. Increase speed: Gently press the “+” button on the cruise control stalk. The vehicle will gradually accelerate to the new speed.
2. Decrease speed: Gently press the “-” button on the cruise control stalk. The vehicle will gradually decelerate to the new speed.
3. Resume previous speed: If you’ve temporarily disengaged cruise control, you can easily resume your previous speed by pressing the “SET” button again.

Disengaging Cruise Control

There are several ways to disengage cruise control:

1. Press the brake pedal. This will immediately deactivate cruise control, and you will need to manually control the vehicle’s speed.
2. Press the “CANCEL” button. This button is typically located on the bottom of the cruise control stalk. It will deactivate cruise control without requiring you to brake.
3. Move the gear shifter. Shifting your vehicle out of “D” or “S” will also disengage cruise control.

Navigating Hills and Curves

Cruise control can be a valuable tool on highways, but it’s important to understand how it behaves in different driving conditions:

1. Hill Assist: Your Subaru Forester 2019 has hill assist built into the cruise control system. When encountering a hill, the system will automatically adjust the speed to maintain a consistent pace.
2. Curve Handling: While cruise control can be used on curves, it’s recommended to disengage the system for sharper turns. The system might not be able to adjust quickly enough for tight curves, potentially leading to unsafe speeds.

Tips for Enhanced Cruise Control Usage

Here are some additional tips to enhance your cruise control experience:

1. Be mindful of traffic conditions. Cruise control is not a substitute for attentive driving. Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to disengage the system when necessary.
2. Use the “COAST” function. If your Forester is equipped with a “COAST” function, this feature will automatically disengage cruise control when you approach a stop sign or red light.
3. Practice in a safe environment. Get comfortable with using cruise control by practicing in a safe and controlled environment before driving on highways or busy roads.

The Final Drive: Wrapping Up Your Cruise Control Journey

Mastering the art of using cruise control in your Subaru Forester 2019 can significantly enhance your driving experience. By understanding the basics of activation, speed setting, and disengagement, you can confidently navigate the roads with greater ease and comfort. Remember to always prioritize safe driving practices and be prepared to disengage cruise control when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use cruise control in heavy rain or snow?

A: While cruise control can be used in light rain or snow, it’s generally recommended to disengage the system in heavy precipitation or slippery conditions. The system may not be able to adjust for changing road conditions effectively, potentially leading to unsafe speeds.

Q: Can I use cruise control while towing a trailer?

A: It is generally not recommended to use cruise control while towing a trailer. The added weight and different handling characteristics of a trailer can affect the system’s performance, potentially leading to unintended acceleration or deceleration.

Q: What happens if I press the brake pedal while using cruise control?

A: Pressing the brake pedal will immediately disengage cruise control. You will need to manually control the vehicle’s speed after disengaging.

Q: Is it safe to use cruise control on winding roads?

A: It’s generally not recommended to use cruise control on winding roads, especially those with sharp curves. The system may not be able to adjust quickly enough for changing road conditions, potentially leading to unsafe speeds.

Q: What is the difference between “SET” and “RES” buttons on my cruise control stalk?

A: The “SET” button is used to initially set your desired speed, while the “RES” button (resume) is used to return to your previously set speed after disengaging cruise control.