Before you begin, make sure you are on a highway or a road with consistent traffic flow. Never use ACC in heavy stop-and-go traffic until you are familiar with how your specific system handles low speeds and braking.
Step 1: Set the Following Distance
The first step is to choose how much space you want between your Audi and the car ahead.
- Locate the distance setting switch on the end of the left steering column stalk (the one used for the turn signals). It often looks like a car with a few bars next to it.
- Press or toggle the switch to cycle through the distance options (usually represented by bars on the dashboard display).
- Fewer bars = Shorter following distance.
- More bars = Longer following distance (recommended for beginners and high speeds).
- Choose a comfortable distance, remembering that a longer distance is safer.
Step 2: Activate Cruise Control
Now you’ll turn the system on and set your initial speed.
- Locate the main cruise control stalk (usually a separate, shorter stalk just below the turn signal stalk on the left side of the steering column).
- Push the stalk away from you (or press the main ON/OFF button) to activate the cruise control system. A symbol (often a speedometer with an arrow) will appear on your dash, indicating the system is ready.
- Accelerate to your desired speed.
- Pull the stalk toward you (or press the SET- button) to set that speed. The set speed will appear on your dashboard.
- Note: If there’s a car ahead of you, your Audi will automatically slow down to maintain your selected distance, even if your set speed is higher.
Step 3: Adjust Speed and Distance While Driving
Once engaged, you can easily change your speed or following distance without turning the system off.
| Action | Control Used | Result |
| Increase Speed | Push the stalk up (or press RES/+). | Increases the set speed, usually by 1 mph or 5 mph increments. |
| Decrease Speed | Pull the stalk down (or press SET-). | Decreases the set speed, usually by 1 mph or 5 mph increments. |
| Adjust Distance | Use the distance setting switch on the end of the turn signal stalk. | Changes the gap between your car and the one ahead. |
Step 4: Resume or Cancel the System
There are a few ways to temporarily interrupt or fully turn off the system.
- To Cancel/Pause:
- Tap the brake pedal (this is the most common way). The system will temporarily disengage, and you will see “CANCELLED” on the display.
- Push the cruise control stalk away from you (or press the main ON/OFF button again).
- To Resume the Previous Speed:
- Push the stalk up toward the dash (or press RES/+). Your Audi will accelerate back to the last set speed.
- To Turn Off Completely:
- Push the main cruise control stalk away from you twice (or hold the ON/OFF button). This usually turns the entire system off until you decide to use it again.
⚠️ Important: ACC is a driver assistance feature, not a self-driving system. You must remain attentive, keep your hands on the wheel, and be ready to brake manually, especially in unpredictable traffic or bad weather.
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