Long road trips, monotonous highway commutes, the endless pressure on the gas pedal—sound familiar? Many drivers of cars without cruise control dream of a more relaxed, efficient, and comfortable driving experience, often wondering if adding this feature is even possible after leaving the dealership. The good news is that you’re not stuck with a sore ankle forever.
Yes, you can absolutely add cruise control to a car that doesn’t have it. This is a surprisingly common and feasible upgrade for a vast range of vehicles, made possible by a variety of high-quality aftermarket cruise control kits available today. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the benefits and costs to the installation process. But is it worth the effort, and what does it actually involve? Let’s dive in.
Yes, You Can Add Cruise Control: A Complete Guide for 2025
Yes, you can add aftermarket cruise control to most cars that didn’t come with it from the factory. It’s a common and feasible upgrade made possible by widely available installation kits. This process is more straightforward than many people think and can be done either as a do-it-yourself project for those with some mechanical skill or by a professional at most auto shops. Whether you have an older car with a mechanical throttle or a newer vehicle with a “drive-by-wire” system, there is likely a solution available for you.
The Top 4 Benefits of Installing Aftermarket Cruise Control
Deciding to add cruise control to a car isn’t just about convenience; it’s an investment that pays off in several practical ways. By maintaining a consistent speed, you unlock a range of benefits that enhance your driving experience and can even save you money over time.
- ✅ Significantly Reduced Driver Fatigue
On long highway journeys, constantly modulating the gas pedal can be exhausting. An aftermarket cruise control system allows you to set your speed and relax your right foot, leading to a much more comfortable and less tiring drive. This reduction in fatigue helps you stay more alert and focused on the road. ✅ Improved Fuel Efficiency
This is one of the most compelling reasons to add cruise control to a car. The smooth, steady speed maintained by the system eliminates unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which are major culprits in fuel consumption. In fact, studies show that using cruise control on the highway can improve your gas mileage by up to 10%.✅ Less Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle
A consistent speed is not only good for your wallet but also for your car’s health. It puts less strain on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Over time, this smoother operation can contribute to reduced wear on critical components like tires and brakes, potentially extending their lifespan.✅ Helps You Avoid Speeding Tickets
It’s easy for your speed to creep up without realizing it, especially on long, open roads. Setting your cruise control to the legal speed limit is a simple and effective way to prevent accidental speeding and avoid the stress and expense of a potential traffic ticket.
How Aftermarket Cruise Control Works: Understanding the Core Components
Demystifying the technology behind an aftermarket cruise control kit reveals a clever and integrated system. While the specific parts may vary slightly between brands like Rostra and ZEMCO, most kits operate on the same core principles and include several key components that work together to manage your vehicle’s speed.
- Wiring Harness: This is the central nervous system of the kit. The harness connects the cruise control module to your car’s electrical system, drawing power from the ignition and connecting to essential safety inputs like the brake switch.
Vehicle Speed Signal (VSS): For the system to know how fast the car is going, it needs to tap into a speed reading.
The Vehicle Speed Signal, or VSS, is a critical input that tells the cruise control module the real-time speed of the vehicle. Most cars made in the last 20 years have an electronic VSS wire that the aftermarket kit can splice into.
- Actuator/Servo Motor: Think of this as the robotic foot that controls the gas pedal for you. This component is typically mounted in the engine bay. For older cars with a mechanical throttle, a cable from the actuator physically connects to the throttle plate. For newer “drive-by-wire” cars, the system integrates electronically to manage engine RPMs. Reputable systems like Rostra’s “Global Cruise” use a high-quality servo motor for precise control.
Driver Switch: This is your user interface. It’s the set of buttons or the stalk that allows you to turn the system on/off, set your speed, resume, and accelerate or decelerate. These can be mounted on the dashboard or come integrated into a new turn signal stalk for a clean, factory-installed look.
Installation Paths: DIY Project vs. Professional Service
Once you’ve decided to add cruise control to a car, the next big question is who will perform the installation. You have two primary paths: doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Both are viable options, but the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level with automotive electronics.
The decision often comes down to a trade-off between cost and convenience. A DIY installation can save you money but requires confidence in your skills, while a professional service offers peace of mind and a guarantee of proper functionality. Consider your comfort level with vehicle wiring before deciding.
| Feature | DIY Installation | Professional Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (cost of kit only) | Higher (kit + labor costs) |
| Skill Required | Basic mechanical & electrical skills | None required |
| Time | 1-3 hours for an experienced person | Typically a few hours |
| Tools | Basic hand tools, wire strippers, multimeter | Professional-grade tools provided |
| Warranty | Kit manufacturer’s warranty on parts | Warranty on parts and labor |
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, many auto service centers like UniglassPlus offer professional cruise control installation services. Additionally, retailers such as The Cruise Control Store employ technicians who can provide technical assistance and ensure you get the right kit for your vehicle.
A Closer Look at DIY Installation
For the hands-on owner, a DIY cruise control installation can be a rewarding weekend project. While you should always follow the specific instructions included with your kit, the process generally involves several key phases.
- Electrical Connections: This is often the most intricate part. You will run the wiring harness and connect it to several key points, such as a 12-volt ignition source, a ground connection, and both the “hot” and “cold” sides of your brake switch. This brake connection is a critical safety feature that tells the system to disengage when you tap the brakes.
VSS Splicing: You’ll need to locate your vehicle’s Vehicle Speed Signal (VSS) wire. Once identified, you will carefully splice the corresponding wire from the cruise control kit into the VSS wire to provide the system with a speed reading.
Actuator & Throttle Connection: The actuator or servo motor gets mounted securely in the engine bay. You will then connect it to the throttle. In a car with a mechanical throttle, this involves attaching a cable to the throttle plate. Pro Tip: Before any road test, ensure the engine returns to a slow idle after you tap the gas pedal. This confirms the throttle cable isn’t binding.
Switch Installation: You will mount the driver control switch in a convenient location, whether it’s on the dash, center console, or by replacing the turn signal lever, and connect it to the main wiring harness.
Final Testing: Safety is paramount. Before hitting the road, you must perform thorough tests.
After reconnecting the battery, first verify that your brake lights are functioning correctly. Then, start the car and ensure the engine idles down properly. The most important test should be done in a deserted parking lot or a safe, low-traffic area to confirm the system engages, holds speed, and, most critically, disengages instantly when you touch the brake pedal.
Vehicle Compatibility: Can You Add Cruise Control to Your Car?
One of the most common concerns is whether a specific vehicle is compatible with an aftermarket cruise control kit. The great news is that modern kits are incredibly versatile and designed to work with a huge majority of cars on the road, including many that you might think are not eligible for the upgrade.
What About Older Cars without Electronic Speed Sensors?
Yes, you can still add cruise control. This is a frequent question for owners of classic cars or vehicles from the 80s and early 90s. While these cars lack a native electronic Vehicle Speed Signal (VSS), a workaround is readily available. Special adapter kits can be used, which often include magnetic VSS generators. These kits typically place small magnets on the driveshaft and use a pick-up coil to generate the necessary speed pulses for the cruise control module to function correctly.
Can You Add Cruise Control to a Manual Transmission?
Absolutely. It’s a common misconception that cruise control is only for automatic transmissions. Aftermarket kits are widely available and designed specifically for manual cars. The key is an essential safety feature: a clutch switch. The system’s wiring harness connects to the clutch pedal, ensuring that the cruise control automatically disengages the moment you press the clutch to shift gears. This prevents the engine from over-revving and ensures safe operation.
To make your installation project smoother and ensure you have the best components, investing in a quality aftermarket cruise control kit is essential.
FAQs About Adding Cruise Control
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about retrofitting a cruise control system.
How much does it cost to put cruise control on a vehicle?
The cost varies depending on the kit you choose and whether you install it yourself. DIY installation means you only pay for the kit. Professional installation will include the cost of the kit plus labor, which can vary by shop and location.
Is there a difference between universal and vehicle-specific kits?
Yes. Universal kits, like many offered by Rostra and ZEMCO, are designed to be adaptable to a wide range of vehicles but may require more configuration during installation. Vehicle-specific kits are tailored for certain makes and models, which can sometimes simplify the installation process, especially the wiring.
Can I add adaptive cruise control to my car?
Unfortunately, adding true adaptive cruise control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your speed based on the vehicle ahead, is not a mainstream aftermarket option at this time. The complexity of the radar or camera sensors and their deep integration with a car’s braking system makes it a difficult feature to retrofit safely.
What are the best brands for aftermarket cruise control kits?
Several companies have a long-standing reputation for producing reliable aftermarket cruise control systems. Brands like Rostra Precision Controls and ZEMCO are well-known in the industry for their quality kits and broad vehicle compatibility.
Can adding cruise control void my car’s warranty?
If your car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, modifying the electrical and throttle systems could potentially void portions of it. For older vehicles no longer under warranty, this is not a concern. If you have a newer car, it is wise to check with your dealership or opt for a professional installation from a reputable shop that may offer its own warranty on the work.
Final Summary: Is Adding Cruise Control the Right Upgrade for You?
In summary, the answer to “can you add cruise control to a car?” is a resounding yes. It is a highly feasible, common, and beneficial upgrade for the vast majority of vehicles that didn’t come with the feature from the factory. This technology is no longer a luxury reserved for top-tier models; it’s an accessible modification that can fundamentally improve your driving experience.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking for a satisfying weekend project or you prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional installation, the path to a more comfortable and economical drive is clear. Reputable companies like Rostra and ZEMCO have developed reliable solutions that make this upgrade straightforward and safe.
- It’s Possible for Almost Any Car: From older models to modern drive-by-wire vehicles and even manual transmissions, compatibility is rarely an issue.
- The Benefits are Clear: Enjoy reduced driver fatigue, save up to 10% on fuel, minimize wear and tear, and drive with more peace of mind.
- You Have Options: Choose between a cost-effective DIY installation (taking 1-3 hours) or a worry-free professional service.
Ready to enjoy more comfortable road trips and better gas mileage? The first step is to find the right aftermarket cruise control kit for your vehicle.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
