Understanding Kia’s Smart Cruise Control: Enhanced Driving Experience

Kia Smart Cruise Control is a driver assistance feature designed to provide convenience as well as boost your safety. Many Kia models have it, so let’s explore what it does, how to use it, and when not to.

What It Does

Smart Cruise Control pays attention to the road and can detect when there’s a vehicle ahead of you. It then works to help you maintain a speed and distance of your choosing from the car in front of you. The feature uses your vehicle’s front radar sensor and front camera to keep track of that car’s movements. Some models also have a front corner radar sensor that the feature uses.

If the car ahead speeds up, then your vehicle will speed up to maintain the distance you chose to set. If the car ahead slows down, then so will yours. The feature can assist your acceleration if it notices you’re planning on overtaking the driver ahead. It can also detect and operate based on your driving style. Things it can detect include your typical reaction speed, acceleration, and the distance you keep between you and other cars.

How to Use It

If you’re driving at the speed you’d like to maintain, and if you’re happy with the distance between you and the car ahead, then you can activate cruise control. You’ll find the cruise control settings on your steering wheel. All you have to do is push the Driving Assist button, and Smart Cruise Control will turn on and start working.

When to Use It

You can use Smart Cruise Control when driving between speeds of 0 and 112 mph. If you’re driving at 5 to 112 mph. If you’re driving at 5 to 112 mph without a car in front of you, then the feature can operate. If you’re driving with a car in front of you, then it can operate even if you’re driving slower than 5 mph. You also need to have the anti-lock braking system or your car’s electronic stability control operating at the same time as Smart Cruise Control.

As long as these conditions are met, cruise control is best used on straight roads, such as highways, while driving at a relatively consistent speed.

When to Avoid It

Smart Cruise Control shouldn’t be used in stop-and-go traffic. It’s also unwise to use it when driving on icy, snowy, or rainy roads. When the road is slippery, the system may struggle to keep your speed constant. You’re also at risk of skidding on icy roads and slipping if you encounter standing water.

Visit Coughlin Kia of Newark in Newark, OH, to check out our range of new and used Kia vehicles. Call 833-570-1485 to discuss finding a model that has Smart Cruise Control.

Tags: advanced cruise control, Kia driver assistance technology, Kia driving experience, Kia safety features, Kia Smart Cruise Control
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