Master the Road: How to Use Cruise Control on Your 2018 Toyota Highlander
What To Know
- When you’re ready to take manual control of your vehicle again, there are a few ways to deactivate cruise control.
- While cruise control is a valuable tool, it’s essential to remember that it is not a substitute for attentive driving.
- Cruise control is a standard feature on most 2018 Toyota Highlanders, but you may want to consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Toyota dealership to confirm.
Are you ready to take the stress out of long drives? The 2018 Toyota Highlander boasts a handy feature that can make those highway miles a breeze: cruise control. But if you’re new to the Highlander or haven’t explored this feature yet, you might be wondering: how do I use cruise control on my 2018 Toyota Highlander? This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently set and use cruise control, making your journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
Understanding Cruise Control: A Driver’s Best Friend
Cruise control is a fantastic tool for any driver, especially on highways or long stretches of open road. Here’s why it’s so beneficial:
- Reduces Fatigue: Maintaining a steady speed can be tiring, especially on long drives. Cruise control takes the strain off your foot, allowing you to relax and focus on the road.
- Improves Fuel Efficiency: Driving at a consistent speed can help improve your gas mileage, saving you money in the long run.
- Enhances Safety: By keeping your speed consistent, cruise control helps you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and reduces the risk of speeding tickets.
Activating Cruise Control: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of using cruise control in your 2018 Toyota Highlander. Here’s how to activate it:
1. Press the “SET” Button: Locate the cruise control buttons on your steering wheel. There will be a button labeled “SET” (or “SET/RES”). Press this button to activate cruise control.
2. Set Your Desired Speed: Once you’ve pressed “SET,” use the “+” or “-” buttons on your steering wheel to adjust your desired speed. The vehicle will maintain this speed until you deactivate cruise control.
3. Engage Cruise Control: After setting your desired speed, press the “SET” button again to engage cruise control. The “CRUISE” light on your dashboard will illuminate, indicating that cruise control is active.
Adjusting Your Speed: Making Fine-Tuned Changes
Once cruise control is engaged, you can adjust your speed on the fly:
- Increase Speed: Press the “+” button to increase your speed.
- Decrease Speed: Press the “-” button to decrease your speed.
Deactivating Cruise Control: Taking Control Back
When you’re ready to take manual control of your vehicle again, there are a few ways to deactivate cruise control:
- Press the “CANCEL” Button: This button is usually located on the steering wheel, often next to the “SET” button.
- Tap the Brake Pedal: Simply tapping the brake pedal will disengage cruise control.
- Shifting Gears: Shifting into neutral or park will also automatically disengage cruise control.
Advanced Cruise Control Features: Exploring the Options
The 2018 Toyota Highlander offers some advanced cruise control features that enhance your driving experience:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. It uses sensors to detect the distance and automatically slows down or speeds up as needed.
- Lane Departure Warning: This feature helps you stay in your lane by alerting you if you drift out of your lane without signaling.
Cruise Control and Safety: Important Considerations
While cruise control is a valuable tool, it’s essential to remember that it is not a substitute for attentive driving:
- Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
- Don’t Over-Reliance: Cruise control is designed to assist you, not do the driving for you.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Cruise control does not exempt you from following speed limits and other traffic laws.
Mastering the Road: Putting It All Together
By understanding the basics of cruise control and its features, you can enhance your driving experience and make those long journeys more enjoyable. Remember to practice using cruise control in a safe environment, and always prioritize safety and attentiveness while driving.
Questions You May Have
Q: Is cruise control available on all 2018 Toyota Highlanders?
A: Cruise control is a standard feature on most 2018 Toyota Highlanders, but you may want to consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Toyota dealership to confirm.
Q: Can I use cruise control in all driving conditions?
A: Cruise control is generally safe for use on highways and open roads with minimal traffic. However, it’s not recommended for use in heavy traffic, inclement weather, or on roads with sharp curves or steep inclines.
Q: What happens if I need to brake suddenly while cruise control is engaged?
A: If you need to brake suddenly, the cruise control will disengage automatically. You will need to re-engage it after you have slowed down.
Q: Can I use cruise control with adaptive cruise control?
A: Yes, you can use cruise control with adaptive cruise control. However, adaptive cruise control will override the standard cruise control settings, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Q: What are the benefits of adaptive cruise control?
A: Adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance safety by automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.