Cruise control is an excellent driver-assist feature that's been around for decades, but it's not a standard feature on most vehicles. The good thing is that you can install it by purchasing an aftermarket kit.
Aftermarket cruise control kits cost $200 to $1,000 or more. The great variety available accounts for the price difference. You can install these kits yourself at home or drive to a workshop and have it done for you. Some mobile mechanics can also come to your location and install it there.
If you’ve ever thought about investing in aftermarket cruise control for your vehicle, you’re in luck. This guide will help you understand how much it costs, how easy it is to install, and which benefits you can enjoy once it's completed.
Let’s get started.
Is It Easy to Add Aftermarket Cruise Control?
It’s not only possible to add cruise control to a car that doesn’t have it, but the process is also easy and takes only a few hours.
The best way to add cruise control to your vehicle is to let a professional do it for you. Many automotive businesses offer this upgrade and are only a phone call away. Use the CarpartAU Directory to find the service providers in your area.
Still, the process is straightforward enough that you can also do it yourself. The only thing you need to buy is an aftermarket cruise control kit that includes key components like:
- Driver switch: The first thing a kit needs is the aftermarket cruise control switch. That’s the part that you, as the driver, will use to control the cruise control feature by turning it on and off as needed. Some kits come with a switch, though others might have a turn signal stalk or buttons you mount on your dashboard.
- Actuator: The actuator is the heart of the system. This component typically comes in the shape of a box for you to mount in the engine compartment. Inside, it has wiring harnesses and a throttle cable to control your vehicle’s speed and perform the actual cruise control function.
- Wiring harness: Of course, no system would be complete without a wire harness that serves to transmit electrical signals and power between components,
- Throttle cable: Last but not least, kits also include the throttle cable and other accessories that enable it to connect to your engine’s throttle.
Naturally, some aftermarket cruise control kits might have other accessories included as a bonus. However, the four items listed above are the basics you can expect in almost any kit.
What Are the Benefits of Cruise Control?
Are you still on the fence about installing aftermarket cruise control on your car? After all, the process requires you to invest your hard-earned money, precious time, and some elbow grease.
Perhaps all you need is a list of benefits to get you shopping for aftermarket cruise control kits and see if they’re worth the price tag:
- Less fatigue: One of the primary benefits of using cruise control, especially on long drives, is that it reduces fatigue. With cruise control enabled, you’ll rely less on your feet to step on the accelerator pedal. Overall, that means your drive will be less tiring for your body.
- More focus: As you read above, cruise control helps you maintain energy levels and reduce fatigue while driving. An indirect result is that you'll have much more focus throughout your drive. That means you can continue driving safely with a better chance of responding quickly to any dangers on the road.
- More comfort: You'll enjoy more comfort while driving thanks to the reduced fatigue described above, particularly in your legs. With a helpful cruise control system onboard, longer drives won’t feel as bad on your body.
- Easy to use: Unlike some of your car's other high-tech features, cruise control is straightforward. You can enable it with the push of a button and automatically disable it by applying your brakes.
- Fuel savings: Lastly, cruise control helps you achieve fuel savings in the long term. That’s because the system keeps your car at a constant speed. The lack of repeated braking and accelerating means your car uses its fuel as efficiently as possible.
As you can see, cruise control certainly does offer plenty of benefits. Plus, you can find aftermarket kits at different price levels with various value-added features to make them worth your while.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Aftermarket Cruise Control?
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to aftermarket cruise control kits, so finding one that fits your budget won’t be a problem. Some kits go for as little as $200, while others can reach prices of $1,000 and above.
On top of that, you’ll want to consider installation costs. Those prices will differ between workshops or service providers, so it’s best to shop around and compare them before choosing one.
Still, an experienced professional can do it quickly and easily. Then, you can sit back and enjoy all the benefits of your new cruise control feature.
Furthermore, you can also pay extra to have a professional install it for you at your location. So, instead of clearing your schedule and taking your car to the workshop, a mobile mechanic can meet you at your home or office to install the kit there.
If you'd like to reduce your aftermarket cruise control costs, you can install the kit as a DIY project. However, you should only consider it if you have enough knowledge, experience, and confidence to do it correctly.
Bottom Line: Is Aftermarket Cruise Control Worth It?
Yes, aftermarket cruise control is a worthwhile upgrade for your vehicle. It is easy to install as an aftermarket kit yourself, and its benefits justify the cost.
You can get started right now by shopping for aftermarket cruise control kits or finding local workshops to supply and install them. Search CarpartAU’s Directory to find local businesses with what you need! Then, grab their contact details and give them a call.
By Ray Hasbollah