When driving on highways during winter weather with snow, slush, or black ice, driver assistance systems must be managed carefully. Why should a driver avoid using cruise control under these slippery winter conditions?
- It can cause the drive wheels to spin rapidly as the system attempts to maintain the set speed during a loss of traction, leading to a sudden skidAnswer
- BIt is safe and legal to activate as long as the cruise speed is set to the posted numerical speed limit
- CIt automatically pumps the brakes to stabilize the vehicle whenever sensors detect tire slippage on icy pavement
- DIt assists the driver during skid recovery by automatically turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid
Answer
Cruise control should be avoided on snow, slush, or black ice because if the tires lose traction, the system attempts to maintain speed by opening the throttle, which causes the drive wheels to spin rapidly and can trigger an uncontrollable skid.
Using cruise control on snow, slush, or ice is dangerous because when tires lose traction, the vehicle speed drops slightly. The cruise control system interprets this speed reduction as high road resistance and automatically opens the throttle to maintain speed. This sudden surge of power to slipping wheels causes them to spin rapidly, resulting in an immediate and severe loss of directional control.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Disabling cruise control on icy or snow-covered roads to prevent loss of vehicle control caused by automatic throttle expansion during wheel slippage
Estimated Time:1m 0s