When should cruise control be avoided?

Cruise control should be avoided on slippery surfaces because it can lead to a loss of vehicle control. When driving on surfaces that are wet, icy, or otherwise slick, the tires have reduced traction. If the vehicle begins to lose grip while cruise control is engaged, it may unintentionally accelerate or have difficulty responding quickly enough to steering inputs, which increases the risk of skidding or losing control entirely.

Maintaining manual control over acceleration and braking in these conditions allows drivers to react more appropriately to changes in road conditions, helping to ensure safer driving. This is particularly crucial in adverse weather situations where traction can vary greatly.