I searched the forums and couldn't find an answer. I have tried using the cruise control but it seems I can achieve a higher MPG manually than when on cruise. What do others experience

 

The only time that the cruise control can perform as well as manual throttle mamagement is on dead level terrain, in no blocking traffic, and on dry, consistent pavement.

If the above conditions are not present, the anticipation ability and the ability to better utilize energy offsets (i.e. trading short term downhill speed gains for following uphill speed decreases) provides better FE. The cruise control, with its single-minded approach to speed cannot make these tradeoffs.

 

Too bad there's no choice for "not sure" or "rarely use it"

 

Sorry sir. I guess I am a novice pollster.

 

No problem, I don't use it too often. Only on highways when I'm lazy, I don't use it to tweak mileage so I wouldn't be of much help in this poll.

 

I've only used it on one trip so far, and based on that I would say no, negative, nay, neyt.

 

I voted yes, since I do use it most of the time - with some THUMB override on hills/descents. Should I stop to get better FE?

I do keep it at the speed limit and avoid having to brake if at all possible.

 

I used to use it more often but then stopped as I found I was getting no better...plus most of my driving is with traffic so I have to be careful with that. I do us it on some roads that are straight and around 50mph.

My MPG is hit or miss better than what I can do....it depends.

 

WHEN and/or IF I use Cruise Control, I normally get better fuel economy. That being said, in may day-to-day commutes, I don't use it since I live in an area that is populated with rolling hills, slight ravines and sharp turns, I get better performance by leaving cruise control off.

During long distance travel on a level road (such as I 95 through NC & south), I'll normally set the cruise control to 59 -> 64. Then, I often get best results.

 

I have tried to compare several times. My take on it is that on flat roads cruise is about the same, if you have no traffic it's actually a little better. On hilly roads I find that the control has very little leeway and wants to get you back up to speed asap. That eats up a bit of consumption so I turn it off on the longer/steeper hills.
If I don't use cruise I figure my speed will creep up and I'll get a ticket that's much more expensive than the small fuel savings.