While we’re still quite far from truly self-driving cars, we inch ever closer each year. Chevy Super Cruise, for example, is about as close as it gets these days. Imagine cruising down I-44 from Tulsa to Oklahoma City without the need to constantly monitor your speed or even adjust your steering. That’s now possible thanks to Super Cruise, which brings real hands-free driving to certain models when operated on compatible roadways. One of the most advanced driver assistance systems available, we thought we’d give you a bit of a guide on how to use Chevy Super Cruise, so keep reading to learn more.
What Is Chevy Super Cruise?
Super Cruise is the semi-autonomous driving system built by General Motors and available on many vehicles from its various brands. Chevy Super Cruise is the Chevrolet-specific flavor of the technology, which allows true hands-free driving on certain pre-mapped highways across North America, including long stretches of I-44 throughout Oklahoma – including the aforementioned trek from Tulsa to Oklahoma City.
Unlike standard adaptive cruise control systems, which were basically a precursor to this new technology, Super Cruise can not only brake and accelerate without drive input, but can also steer, making sure you stay in your lane or even change lanes to pass a slow vehicle in front of you. This system is supported on many Chevy vehicles already, but there are a few things that it relies on:
- Map data and GPS
- Cameras and radar sensors
- Real-time driver attention monitoring
While Super Cruise is hands free, it’s not eyes free. You’re still expected to stay attentive and alert, as this is not yet true autonomous driving.
How to Activate Super Cruise on I-44
If you know you’re going to be traveling on a compatible segment of I-44, you can follow these steps to activate Super Cruise:
- Naturally, the first step is going to be getting onto the highway. Accelerate up to cruising speed on I-44 and ensure that all lane markings are clearly visible.
- Once you’re centered in your lane, you can set your desired speed using the Cruise Control button on the steering wheel.
- With standard Cruise Control activated, the Super Cruise system will detect whether or not you’re on a recognized and compatible highway, as well as if you’re in safe condition. If you hit both marks, a white steering wheel icon will appear on the cluster.
- That icon is your go ahead to press the Super Cruise button, which will turn the icon green to indicate that hands-free mode has been activated.
Limitations & Tips for Tulsa Roads
Even if you’re on a compatible highway like I-44, Super Cruise is not available 100% of the time. There are certain things that can disrupt availability, which is just one example of why you still need to remain alert when operating with Super Cruise engaged. Here are some example disruptions:
- Anything that might distort lane markings can prevent or disengage Super Cruise, most notably construction zones.
- As with any driver assistance technology, weather conditions can have an impact as well, as things like heavy rain and snow can interfere with lane detection.
- Super Cruise may prompt you to reclaim control if you’re approaching exits or merges in a lane where that could cause erratic behavior or a change in lane markings.
Always stay alert and ready to take the wheel at all times when using Super Cruise. It wasn’t designed to replace your input or attention, but rather to give your hands, arms, feet and legs a break on long commutes. It’s meant to enhance your driving experience, not outright replace it. If you have any questions about how to use Chevy Super Cruise or which vehicles it’s available on, be sure to give us a call right here at the Jim Glover Chevrolet sales desk.