The Ultimate Guide to How to Use Cruise Control Transit Custom: Tips and Tricks

The Ford Transit Custom is a workhorse of a van, designed to handle the demands of your busy schedule. But did you know that it also comes equipped with a feature that can make your long drives more comfortable and efficient? That’s right, the Transit Custom has cruise control, and knowing how to use it can significantly enhance your driving experience.

This blog post will guide you through the steps of activating and using cruise control in your Transit Custom, ensuring you can maximize its benefits.

Understanding Cruise Control

Cruise control is a fantastic feature for drivers who frequently travel on highways or long stretches of road. It allows you to maintain a constant speed without constantly pressing the accelerator, reducing driver fatigue and improving fuel efficiency.

Activating Cruise Control in Your Transit Custom

Here’s how to activate cruise control in your Transit Custom:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in motion: Cruise control cannot be activated while the vehicle is stationary.
2. Reach a desired speed: Accelerate to the speed you wish to maintain.
3. Engage cruise control: Locate the cruise control buttons on your steering wheel. You’ll typically find a “SET” or “RES” button. Press and hold either button to engage cruise control. The cruise control light on your dashboard should illuminate.
4. Adjusting speed: Once cruise control is engaged, you can use the “+” and “-” buttons to increase or decrease your speed.

Using Cruise Control Effectively

Now that you’ve activated cruise control, here are some tips for using it effectively:

• Be mindful of your surroundings: Cruise control is not a substitute for attentive driving. Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to disengage cruise control if necessary.
• Use it on appropriate roads: Cruise control is best used on highways or roads with minimal traffic and consistent speed limits. Avoid using it in areas with heavy traffic, curves, or steep inclines.
• Don’t rely on it for braking: Cruise control does not automatically brake for you. You will need to disengage cruise control and apply the brakes manually when necessary.

Disengaging Cruise Control

To disengage cruise control, you can:

• Press the brake pedal: This will immediately disengage cruise control and bring the vehicle to a stop.
• Press the “CANCEL” or “OFF” button: This will disengage cruise control without braking.
• Tap the accelerator pedal: This will temporarily override cruise control, allowing you to adjust your speed.

Cruise Control in Different Driving Conditions

While cruise control is a helpful feature, it’s important to understand its limitations and how to use it effectively in various driving situations:

• Going uphill: The Transit Custom’s cruise control will automatically adjust the engine’s power output to maintain your desired speed on inclines. However, you may need to temporarily disengage cruise control if the incline is particularly steep.
• Going downhill: Cruise control will maintain your set speed even when going downhill. Be mindful of the speed limit and be prepared to adjust your speed manually.
• In traffic: Cruise control is not recommended in heavy traffic. Frequent stops and starts can make it difficult to use effectively and may even be dangerous.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cruise Control Features

Some Transit Custom models may offer advanced cruise control features like:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This feature automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Keeping Aid: This feature helps keep your vehicle centered in its lane by gently steering it back if it starts to drift.

These advanced features can provide an even greater level of comfort and safety on your drives.

The Final Drive: A Smoother, More Efficient Journey

Mastering cruise control in your Transit Custom can significantly improve your driving experience. By understanding how to activate, use, and disengage cruise control, you can enjoy a smoother, more efficient journey, reducing driver fatigue and maximizing fuel efficiency.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use cruise control in the rain?

A: Yes, you can use cruise control in the rain, but it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of the road conditions. Rain can affect traction and visibility, so be prepared to disengage cruise control if necessary.

Q: Is cruise control safe to use in heavy traffic?

A: Cruise control is not recommended in heavy traffic. Frequent stops and starts can make it difficult to use effectively and may even be dangerous.

Q: Can I use cruise control on a steep incline?

A: While cruise control can adjust for inclines, it may not be able to maintain your desired speed on very steep hills. You may need to temporarily disengage cruise control.

Q: Does cruise control work on all Transit Custom models?

A: Cruise control is a standard feature on many Transit Custom models, but it may not be available on all trim levels. Check your owner’s manual or contact your Ford dealer to confirm if your vehicle is equipped with cruise control.

Q: How do I know if cruise control is engaged?

A: You’ll typically see a cruise control light illuminate on your dashboard when cruise control is activated.