Cruise control question

I can’t answer the OP’s question but my ex-wife’s RAV4, when holding down the “set” button which also decelerates the car (in most cars this is similar to taking your foot off the gas) would apply the brakes after a few seconds…or rather did something that actively slowed the car down. I assume it was the brakes. I remember being able to hear something that sounded pneumatic happening when it activated.