Does it use more gas when I go from cruise to manually driving?

Question

Today on the hwy I noticed that I had to stop the cruise control many times to speed up for cars behide me and I was wondering does that use more gas changing mode of driving?

Answer 1

Cruise control can be more economical depending on your style of driving.  I have a tendency to "work traffic".  That is, I jockey for a position where I don't get stuck behind turtle races.  If you drive like me when I'm being impatient, then the cruise probably will net better mileage.

If, however, you actually consciously "drive for mileage", by slowing before you crest a hill, and gently accelerate going downhill to gain momentum for the next hill, etc., then the cruise will actually get poorer mileage because it speeds up going uphill and slows down going downhill to keep you at a constant speed.

So it depends entirely upon your driving style and driving terrain.

Answer 2

My question is why were you letting the people behind you dictate the way you drive? Leave the cruise control on, save some gas and let them go around you when they catch up to you.

Answer 3

Yep cruise control is much better at saving fuel than using your foot.