Explore Different Types Of Steering Wheels & Their Working!

Do you know a steering wheel holds significant importance for your vehicle? It is not just used to control your vehicle but impacts your driving performance, too. These handles help in holding control and precision and affect the driving experience. Driving handles are a necessary component for every vehicle. But do you know not all the steering handles are the same? During the start, simple mechanical designs were used for these handles, and further advancements resulted in advanced, tech-savvy wheels.

These hand wheels offer safety, comfort, and better performance. There are different types of steering wheels among which some are designed for in-city driving and others offer high-speed precision. It includes traditional mechanical steering, a power-assisted system, racing steering devices for high performance, luxurious leather-wrapped designs, and much more. It is better to improve vehicle handling, whether you are a casual driver, racer, or working for fleet management.

What Is The Steering Wheel?

It is hardware that the drivers use to control the vehicle directions. The Connection between the steering system and the wheel helps the front handle move left and right. These driving handles are designed differently for cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. An interesting thing about these handles is that they have buttons or controls for functions like:

• Horn
• Cruise control
• Audio system

Components Of Different Car Steering Wheels!

Car steering is designed along with the different components. These components are not only functional but also helpful in controlling a vehicle. Some of its main components include the following:

Rim: It is the outer boundary of a steering handle that the driver grips to control the vehicle.

Spoke: It is a support system that connects the rim with the central hub.

Central Hub: The steering wheel has a center part that connects the steering column to the central hub.

Horn Button: There is a central pad or a button on the steering handle to activate the horn.

Airbag: An airbag module in the center of the wheel deploys in a collision and ensures the driver’s safety.

Control: The steering handle has additional control features, such as sound volume, cruise control, phone calls, and more.

Paddle Shifter: There is also a paddle shifter in most vehicles with automated manual transmissions.

Different Types Of Steering Wheels!

Let’s find out how the evolution of a car steering wheel has transformed the driving experience.

1. Tilt Steering Wheel

It is a type of wheel that allows angle adjustment by moving the handle up or down. Thus, you can easily adjust the height of the driving handle according to your comfortable driving position.

• Its main function is to allow drivers to adjust the wheel according to their comfortable driving position. They can adjust the handle, especially when entering or exiting the vehicle.
• Its adjustment is done by using the lever or a button present on the steering column.
• Using such a handle improves driving comfort and allows drivers to adjust the steering handle to a suitable position.

2. Adjustable Steering Column

It is a steering column that allows drivers to adjust the height and distance of the wheel according to their comfort and driving preferences. People mostly prefer it because of its comfort and adjustable position system.

• These types of steering wheels allow users to customize the wheel position according to their needs.
• The adjustment method includes a lever or button for tilting the wheel up and down. It also features a slide to move closer or away.
• Its benefits include comfort, better visibility, driver safety, control, and easier vehicle entry or exit.

3. Electric Power Steering

It is one type of steering in which an electric motor helps the drivers turn the steering wheels. The electric motor is on the steering rack, and sensors measure the circulatory force applied by the drivers. These sensors determine how much assistance is needed, and then the electric motor helps steer the wheel.

• It helps in reducing driver fatigue, improve safety, customize the driving experience, and improve vehicle efficiency.
• These EPS have fewer moving parts and draw power from the electric motor; with time, these electric motors need to be replaced.

4. Hydraulic Power Steering

These types of steering wheels use pressurized hydraulic fluid, which helps drivers turn the wheel. A pump applies a force to the steering mechanism, generating pressure for engine power, allowing smoother and lighter steering.

• Its work includes pressurizing belt-driven pumps to the hydraulic fluid. It is then directed to the steering rack and rotatory valve. The pressure is then applied to help the drivers in steering input.
• Reservoir, steering rack, rotary valve, hoses, hydraulic pump, and hydraulic fluid are its main components.
• It gives a strong road feel, instant steering response at low speeds, and minimizes driver fatigue.

5. Swing Away Steering Wheel

It is included among the steering types that help passengers to enter in and out of the car with ease by moving to the side. It was introduced in 1961 by the Ford.

• Their steering columns move to the right, allowing passengers to move in and out of the car.
• It provides enough space for passengers carrying bags, suitcases, and purses.
• Some models with swing-away wheels also have a feature of auto-tilt away

6. Telescopic Steering Wheel

It is among the adjustable types of steering wheels that allow drivers to pull the handle closer or further away. It functions like a telescope's extension.

• It helps in changing the distance between the driver's hands and the steering wheel for comfort.
• Since telescopic steering wheels worked on a telescope-like principle, they got the name telescopic.
• Additionally available on the market are tilt and telescopic wheel kinds that enable in/out and up/down distance modification.

7. Recirculating Ball Steering

A worm gear automotive steering system distributes the steering wheel's rotation to the wheels by means of many ball bearings housed in a housing. The balls rotate between gears to lessen wear and friction.

• It offers smooth operations and minimizes the friction between the worm gears.
• This type of the driving wheel is used mostly in the old cars, trucks, and big loaders.

8. Power Steering System

These systems work either with electric power or hydraulic power, making it easier to move the vehicle, particularly at slow speeds, because less driver effort is needed to turn the steering wheel.

• It minimizes the force needed to operate the driving handle.
• HPS involves using an engine-driven hydraulic pump. The pump produces pressure, which is transmitted to the post that helps turn the driving axle.
• The two types of power steering are used in it including hydraulic and electric.
• They greatly improve control handling and reduce driver fatigue.

9. Rack And Pinion Steering

Two gears are used in it that transform the angular motion of the driving wheel into a linear one.

• Its top major components include a steering column, rack and pinion, and tie rods.
• This type of steering system is common in most modern vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.

10. Sports Steering Wheel

It is designed for the driver who seeks a more precise and controlled driving experience.

• These steering wheels, with a diameter of approximately 13 to 14 inches, are slightly smaller than the standard steering wheels. As a result, turns can be made more quickly and precisely.
• It provides driving comfort and control during aggressive driving. The rims of these wheels are flattened at the bottom to minimize the difficulty of getting in or out of the car.
• Such wheels are mostly made out of lightweight materials such as aluminum and fine leather.
• These handles not only provide aesthetics but also improve the driving experience.

Summing Up!

It is advised to know the essentials before selecting the steering wheel. Choosing the right one affects your driving performance and vehicle aesthetics. Keep in mind the bolt pattern, material quality, shape, and diameter of the driving handle. You will get various types of steering wheels option in the market. It varies from tilt steering, adjustable, sports driving wheel, rack and pinion, and many more like that. Select the one that meets your needs and experience a smooth driving experience. It will ensure your comfort, safety, and better driving performance.