An analysis of the use of cruise control in a passenger car

Most vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines. Due to the nature of their operation they emit, among others, carbon dioxide which contributes to the greenhouse effect. CO2 production is strictly correlated with fuel consumption. The article presents the results of road tests of a passenger car with a spark-ignition engine meeting the Euro 6 emission norm. The test vehicle was equipped with a classic exhaust gas aftertreatment system – a three-way catalytic converter. The aim of the study was to verify the impact of the cruise control use on the vehicle fuel consumption. The measurements were based on Portable Emission Measurement System type mobile equipment for exhaust emission tests. The tests were carried out in real driving conditions travelling on an express way. Test drives took place on a route with variable topographic profile. Three test drives with different speeds were carried out, but the aim was to obtain an average speed of 130 km/h.