If you’ve been shopping for a new GMC, you may have seen Super Cruise® listed as an available feature on select models. But what exactly is Super Cruise, and how does hands-free driving actually work? Super Cruise is GMC’s advanced driver-assistance technology designed to allow hands-free driving on compatible roads when conditions are appropriate. Using a combination of cameras, radar sensors, GPS, precision map data and Adaptive Cruise Control, Super Cruise can help control your vehicle’s steering, acceleration and braking while you keep your attention on the road. For drivers in Connecticut who spend plenty of time commuting, traveling on the highway or heading out on longer road trips, Super Cruise can completely change the way a properly equipped GMC feels on the road. What Is GMC Super Cruise? Super Cruise is a hands-free driver-assistance system available on select GMC vehicles. When you’re traveling on a compatible road and the necessary conditions are met, the system can help keep your GMC centered in its lane while Adaptive Cruise Control manages your set speed and following distance. The important distinction is that Super Cruise is not self-driving technology. You are still responsible for the vehicle and must remain attentive and ready to take control at any time. What makes Super Cruise unique is the technology working behind the scenes to determine where your vehicle is, what is happening around it and whether conditions are appropriate for hands-free driving. How Does Super Cruise Work? Super Cruise brings several technologies together to help your GMC understand its position on the road. The system uses precision LiDAR map data, real-time cameras, radar sensors, GPS data and Adaptive Cruise Control. Together, these systems help determine the vehicle’s position within the lane, monitor surrounding traffic and maintain an appropriate speed and following distance. When Super Cruise determines that you’re on a compatible road and conditions are right, a Super Cruise symbol will appear in the driver display. Once the system is activated and the light bar at the top of the steering wheel turns green, you can remove your hands from the steering wheel. Even though your hands can be off the wheel, your attention can’t be off the road. How Does Super Cruise Know You're Paying Attention? One of the most important parts of Super Cruise is the Driver Attention System. A small camera located near the steering wheel monitors the position of your head and eyes to help determine whether you are paying attention to the road. If the system detects that your attention has moved away from the road, it can provide alerts telling you to refocus or take control of the vehicle. That means Super Cruise isn't an opportunity to check your phone, answer emails or stop paying attention. Think of it as technology designed to assist an attentive driver—not replace one. Can Super Cruise Change Lanes for You? On appropriately equipped GMC models, Super Cruise can offer lane-change functionality as well. With Turn Signal Activated Lane Change, you can activate your turn signal to request a lane change. Super Cruise will look for an opening in the selected lane and, when conditions allow, steer the vehicle through the lane change. Certain versions of Super Cruise can also perform Automatic Lane Changes. For example, the system may initiate a lane change to pass a slower vehicle, move away from a lane that is ending or provide additional space for merging traffic. Available capabilities vary by vehicle, model year and equipment, so it's important to check the specific GMC you're considering. Where Can You Use GMC Super Cruise? Super Cruise doesn't activate on every road. GM has mapped a large network of compatible roads throughout North America for Super Cruise operation. The vehicle also needs to be able to clearly detect lane markings, have access to GPS and meet other operating conditions before hands-free driving becomes available. Weather, road conditions and dirt or debris covering the vehicle's cameras or sensors can also affect whether Super Cruise is available. If the system determines that hands-free operation is no longer appropriate, it will alert you to take control. What Do the Super Cruise Light Bar Colors Mean? The light bar built into the steering wheel gives you an easy way to understand what Super Cruise is doing. Green: Super Cruise is active and hands-free driving is available. Blue: You are manually steering, and Super Cruise is temporarily allowing you to control the steering. Flashing alerts: The system may be asking you to pay attention or take control. You should always watch the driver information display and follow the vehicle's prompts while using Super Cruise. Does Super Cruise Work in Traffic? Yes, Super Cruise can operate in both highway driving and stop-and-go traffic when you're on a compatible road and the necessary conditions are met. Because Adaptive Cruise Control can manage speed and following distance while Super Cruise assists with steering, the technology can be especially useful during longer highway drives and commutes. Want to Experience Super Cruise for Yourself? Reading about hands-free driving is one thing. Seeing it operate from behind the wheel is another. If you're interested in a GMC equipped with Super Cruise, the team at Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, Connecticut can help you explore vehicles with the technology, understand the features included on a specific model and learn how to use Super Cruise properly. [SHOP NEW GMC INVENTORY] Is GMC Super Cruise Worth Considering? If you regularly take long highway trips, commute throughout Connecticut or simply enjoy having the latest driver-assistance technology in your vehicle, Super Cruise is a feature worth learning about. It can help reduce some of the workload involved with highway driving while still keeping the driver actively involved and attentive. Features such as hands-free lane centering, Adaptive Cruise Control and available lane-change capabilities can make a properly equipped GMC feel significantly different on a long drive. Just remember: hands-free does not mean attention-free. You remain responsible for safely operating the vehicle and must be ready to take control whenever necessary. Find a GMC With Super Cruise in North Windham, CT Want to see which GMC models currently available at Gates GMC Nissan offer Super Cruise? Browse our new GMC inventory, contact our team or stop by Gates GMC Nissan in North Windham, CT. We can help you compare models, explain available Super Cruise equipment and find a GMC that fits the way you drive. Whether you're looking for a capable truck, a family SUV or some of GMC's newest technology, our team is here to help you find the right vehicle. [VIEW NEW GMC INVENTORY] [CONTACT GATES GMC NISSAN] [LEARN MORE ABOUT GMC SUPER CRUISE] Super Cruise is a driver-assistance technology and is not a substitute for driver attention. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise, use the system in accordance with applicable laws, and be prepared to take control. Availability, functionality and compatible roads vary by vehicle and equipment. An active Super Cruise plan or trial may be required.
