Cruise Control Fuel Consumption?

[lgmasters86]

Hi Guys,

Just a question regarding fuel consumption using the cruise control. Will my TDi use more fuel using cruise control then if i just drive normally? If any is there a substantial difference in open-road driving when using the cruise control at say 120? Any help would be appreciated!

[Belix]

I've always heard that because cruise control has a more even acceleration pattern, it would use less fuel than "manual". However, I would imagine that unless you floor it, then lift of completely, then floor it again as part of your regular highway driving, the difference would not be overly large.

[Neuk]

I don't think it will be substantial but I have always found cruise control to be worse for fuel consumption...

[Howie-WP]

I don't think it will be substantial but I have always found cruise control to be worse for fuel consumption...

+1

Cruise control consumption always worked out heavier on all my cars.....

[lgmasters86]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the advice. Will test this out more 'technically' next time im on the open road. Will give an update then.

L

[Neuk]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the advice. Will test this out more 'technically' next time im on the open road. Will give an update then.

L

One simple test, come off the throttle on a downhill with cruise control off and on, should answer your question...

[joggiep]

I find myself that I sit and consentrate on driving economicly I'm able to beat the cruise control the biggest diffrence is that you can see the hill coming up and start eccelarating slightly and go over a hill easier where the cruise control doesn't build up a little momentum before the hil and waits until you start loosing speed up the hill and then dumps fuel to get it to speed up and get up the hill at the requird speed.

On wide open flat roads there is 0 diffrence in my experiance.

The moment I switch the cruise control off , I find myself going faster and that means more fuel.

At best I have seen around a 0.2l per 100km diffrence.

[4ePikanini]

flat road, use cruise control as it will maintain speed.

On hilly roads cruise control eats fuel.

Best way to drive economically is to have instant consumption displayed.

[Crawler]

I (heart) my cruise control, use it almost everyday and on all long distance trips for sure

120 on speedo, I get below 5l per 100

[Le Clue]

I don't think it will be substantial but I have always found cruise control to be worse for fuel consumption...

+1

Cruise control consumption always worked out heavier on all my cars.....

Seconded.

The CC makes small adjustments the whole time even on a downhill if you look at your instant consumption..

[OEM+]

Do you think the newer models use the brakes on downhills to maintain speed. Doesn't seem to run away from the set speed on a downhill? Also you can see it in instant consumption. Remember Golf 4 tdi seeming to get to 110 on a down hill with CC set to 100..

[Le Clue]

Do you think the newer models use the brakes on downhills to maintain speed. Doesn't seem to run away from the set speed on a downhill? Also you can see it in instant consumption. Remember Golf 4 tdi seeming to get to 110 on a down hill with CC set to 100..

The new 3 series does, as will the Mk7..

[Sparkz0629]

And the DSG's just downgear...

[OEM+]

Scirocco? MK6? Polo 6R?

Have to say down to CT CC is okay, but any hills and I turn it off. Consumption is never as good as claimed though, I find 110 a good compromise between time ETA and consumption. Standard car that is..

[Le Clue]

Scirocco? MK6? Polo 6R?

Have to say down to CT CC is okay, but any hills and I turn it off. Consumption is never as good as claimed though, I find 110 a good compromise between time ETA and consumption. Standard car that is..

Nope, only the Touareg and Mk7..

[kripstoe]

Best way to drive economically is to have instant consumption displayed.

This! +1

[kripstoe]

Consumption is never as good as claimed though...

Well, yes. If you see how they get to claimed...

[M3THANOL]

has anyone noticed how boost seems to come in stronger when accelerating with CC as apposed to using the pedal? Well this is the case with our 2.2 cdti Honda CR-V and id memory serves correctly, my buddies Polo tdi.

[poloplayaWP]

Cruise control has always used more fuel on my car. BEst way to monitor is watch the current l/km and you will see the difference.Sometimes up to 0.5l/km more.

[panic-mechanic]

On both the wife's 3l tdi and my 2.7t audi as well as the family's 2l n/a audis they are lighter on cruise control.. I Guess it depends on what you want to believe.

[MhVW]

Cruise control in my Polo always beats my right foot, even when towing.

[Deranged_9n3]

Watching this thread i realized I need to sort my cruize control damn i dont even use it but i miss it

[dazza]

I find it to be a bit heavier using CC...have seen this on my sportline, Ibiza cupra and GTI.

[booysene]

I travel the open road alot and find CC to be lighter and more convenient. I drive a polo 1.6 so maybe on a 2.0 it will definately show the difference but on the polo I prefer it. When the car goes up a pass I will leave CC on (this is when it accelerates like hell) and when I come down I will switch it off to get that 0.0l/km.

[Neuk]

I travel the open road alot and find CC to be lighter and more convenient. I drive a polo 1.6 so maybe on a 2.0 it will definately show the difference but on the polo I prefer it. When the car goes up a pass I will leave CC on (this is when it accelerates like hell) and when I come down I will switch it off to get that 0.0l/km.

No wonder you find it lighter on fuel...