Chevrolet R20 Cruise Control System

What Is a Cruise Control System?

A cruise control system allows a driver to set and maintain a desired vehicle speed without continuously pressing the accelerator pedal. Originally a comfort feature for long highway drives, cruise control has become a staple of modern vehicle design — reducing driver fatigue, improving fuel efficiency, and helping maintain consistent speeds. Whether you are restoring a classic, repairing a daily driver, or adding cruise capability to a vehicle that never had it from the factory, understanding the components that make up the system is the first step to keeping it working reliably.

How Cruise Control Works

A complete cruise control system is made up of several interconnected components that work in concert. The driver inputs a target speed, and the system maintains that speed by adjusting throttle position automatically. At the heart of this system is the cruise control servo, an actuator that physically moves the throttle cable or interfaces with the electronic throttle body to hold the desired speed. A cruise control valve regulates vacuum pressure in older cable-actuated systems, while a cruise control transducer monitors vehicle speed and sends signals to the control module to make real-time adjustments. The cruise control cable links the servo to the throttle, and complete cruise control kits bundle these pieces together for convenient, all-in-one installations or upgrades.

When any one of these parts degrades — whether from age, heat cycling, or normal wear — the system can behave erratically, fail to hold speed, or disengage unexpectedly. Identifying the faulty component and replacing it with a quality part restores reliable, safe operation.

Key Considerations When Shopping Cruise Control Parts

• OEM replacement vs. aftermarket upgrade: For vehicles with factory cruise control, direct-fit OEM-spec replacements restore original function quickly and cleanly. Aftermarket kits can add cruise capability to vehicles that never had it.
• Throttle type compatibility: Older vehicles use mechanical cable-throttle systems, while newer vehicles use drive-by-wire (electronic throttle control). Make sure any servo, kit, or component is rated for your specific throttle type.
• Vehicle application: Cruise control components are highly vehicle-specific. Always verify fitment by year, make, model, and engine before purchasing.
• Motorcycle vs. automotive: Cruise control systems exist for both cars and motorcycles. Motorcycle-specific parts — especially for touring bikes — differ significantly from automotive components in design and mounting.

Top Brands in Cruise Control Systems

Rostra Precision Controls is one of the most recognized names in aftermarket cruise control, offering a wide range of solutions for both older cable-throttle vehicles and modern drive-by-wire platforms. Rostra's product lineup spans complete electronic cruise control kits with features like set, coast, resume, and tap-up/tap-down speed adjustment.

Standard Motor Products (SMP) is a leading supplier of OEM-grade replacement parts for the automotive aftermarket. SMP's cruise control components — including servos, switches, and release switches — are engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, making them a go-to choice for restoring factory cruise control function.

Biker's Choice serves the motorcycle community with a focused selection of cruise control components tailored to touring and cruiser bikes, offering riders a reliable source for handlebar-mounted cruise control parts.

Drag Specialties is a well-established brand in the Harley-Davidson and V-twin aftermarket, supplying radio and cruise control switch kits designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications for popular touring models.

Addictive Desert Designs rounds out the category with specialty cruise control components suited for off-road and truck platforms, expanding the category beyond traditional on-road applications.