vakionopeusjärjestelmistä

vakionopeusjärjestelmä, known in English as cruise control, is a system in motor vehicles that automatically controls the speed of the car, making it maintain a set speed. The driver activates the system and selects the desired speed, and the system then operates the throttle to keep the vehicle at that speed, regardless of changes in the road gradient. If the driver applies the brakes or clutches, the system automatically disengages.

The first commercially successful cruise control system was developed by Chrysler in 1958 and was called "Auto-Pilot". Early systems were mechanical, using vacuum-operated actuators and clever linkages to control the throttle. Later, electronic systems became more common, using sensors to monitor vehicle speed and an electronic control unit to adjust the throttle. Modern cruise control systems are often integrated with other vehicle safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust the set speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Some advanced systems can also bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume the set speed.

Cruise control can offer benefits such as improved fuel economy by maintaining a more consistent speed and reduced driver fatigue on long journeys. However, it is important for drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle at all times, especially in changing traffic or road conditions.