The Super Cruise button is the primary control used to activate and manage the Super Cruise driver assistance technology in compatible vehicles. While its exact location and design may vary by vehicle model, it typically serves as a dedicated control on the steering wheel or dashboard that allows the driver to engage or disengage the system.
Understanding Super Cruise Technology
Super Cruise is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that facilitates a hands-free driving experience on compatible roads. This innovative technology enhances convenience by allowing the vehicle to maintain its lane and control speed without requiring the driver's hands on the steering wheel, provided certain conditions are met.
Key Aspects of Super Cruise:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Functionality | Enables hands-free driving on pre-mapped, compatible roads, controlling steering, acceleration, and braking. |
| Driver Focus | Even with hands-free operation, Super Cruise actively prompts the driver to maintain close attention to the road. This ensures the driver remains ready to take control instantly if necessary. |
| Road Compatibility | The system operates only on specific, high-definition LiDAR-mapped roads, primarily divided highways and major roadways. |
| Vehicle Status | Requires specific conditions, such as adaptive cruise control being active and sufficient lane markings, before it can be engaged. |
| System Engagement | The Super Cruise button or corresponding control initiates the system when all conditions are met, indicated by visual cues in the driver information display or on the steering wheel light bar. |
| Disengagement | Can be disengaged by the driver taking control of the steering wheel, pressing the brake pedal, or pressing the Super Cruise button again. |
How the Super Cruise Button Works
When driving on a compatible road and all necessary conditions are met (e.g., adequate lane markings, Adaptive Cruise Control active), the Super Cruise system typically indicates its readiness. This might be shown by a white Super Cruise icon appearing in the instrument cluster.
To activate Super Cruise:
- Engage Adaptive Cruise Control: First, the vehicle's Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) must be active, usually via a separate button.
- Press the Super Cruise Button: Once the system detects it's on a compatible road segment and all conditions are met, a dedicated Super Cruise button will illuminate, often in green or blue. Pressing this button will activate the hands-free driving feature.
- Visual Confirmation: Upon activation, the steering wheel light bar (if equipped) will typically turn green, and an illuminated Super Cruise icon will appear in the instrument cluster, confirming that the system is active and the driver can remove their hands from the steering wheel.
During operation, the system continuously monitors the driver's attention through an infrared camera on the steering column. If the driver's gaze drifts from the road for too long, the system will provide escalating alerts (visual, auditory, haptic) to prompt attention. If the driver remains unresponsive, Super Cruise will safely slow down the vehicle and may bring it to a stop.
Why is Driver Attention Crucial with Super Cruise?
While Super Cruise offers hands-free driving, it is not an autonomous driving system. It is designed to assist the driver, not replace them. The driver remains responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle at all times. The system's prompts to pay close attention ensure that the driver is always ready to intervene and take manual control when necessary, such as in complex traffic situations, adverse weather, or when the system encounters a limitation. For more information on Super Cruise and vehicle support, you can refer to GMC's official vehicle support pages.
