Why Car Steering Wheel Sizes Differ?
10 June, 2021
The steering wheel is one of the features that has a crucial role in a car because it controls the direction of the car’s movement. In general, the car steering wheel has a variety of different styles and types. In addition, there are several types and sizes of car steering wheels, depending on their use.
Car Steering Type
1. Tilt Steering Wheels
Tilt steering wheels are steering wheel designs that allow the driver to change the steering wheel’s position by moving it up and down.
2. Telescope Steering Wheels
Telescope steering wheels or the telescopic steering wheel is a steering wheel model whose height can be adjusted. You can change the steering wheel to an unlimited number of positions within about 3 inches.
3. Adjustable Steering Wheels
Adjustable steering wheels can be adjusted to make it easier for you to adjust the steering wheel’s height. Still, the adjustment method is different from telescopic steering wheels. Changes that can be made are not too striking when compared to tilt steering.
4. Swing-Away Steering Wheels
Swing-away steering wheels is an interesting in-car device because it makes getting in and out of the car easier. This car steering wheel allows the steering wheel to move 9 inches to the right when parking the vehicle.
5. Recirculating Ball Steering Wheels
Recirculating ball steering wheels allow you to turn the car’s wheels. The pitman’s arm is an essential part of this steering wheel system because it can connect the steering wheel with a link in the middle and a tie rod on the pitman’s axle.
6. Rack-and-Pinion Steering Wheels
Rack and pinion steering wheels allow the gears to rotate when you turn the steering wheel. This will help move the rack so that it can move the wheels of the car.
What Makes Car Steering Wheel Size Different
A steering wheel for everyday use will usually have a diameter of about 14 to 15 inches. However, the steering wheel usually has a diameter of about 12.6 to 13.8 inches for racing cars. This size is also very intended for cars that take part in racing competitions.
Before the presence of power steering today, the size of the steering wheel was greatly influenced by the weight of the car. This is done so that the car is comfortable and does not feel heavy when used. If the size of the car is getting heavier, then the size of the steering wheel will be bigger to make it easier for the driver to turn.
Since the presence of power steering, the weight of the car does not affect anymore. Power steering can lighten the steering wheel so that the driver can drive more easily. Turning the steering wheel also does not require extra power.
Nowadays, the manufacture of car steering wheels is not based on the diameter of the steering wheel. However, at least several elements influence the determination of the size of the steering wheel.
1. Cabin Size
The cabin area is undoubtedly very related or related to ergonomic elements. In general, ergonomics is a science that discusses various considerations to design an object, an artificial environment, or a car cabin. Its main goal is to make car users comfortable.
By considering the cabin area in determining the size of the steering wheel, the car will have a more stable performance. Therefore, a car with a small cabin is suitable for using a small steering wheel and vice versa.
2. Car Type
Considerations in determining the size of the steering wheel are also seen from the type of car used. For example, if the car is used for daily needs, the size of the steering wheel will usually be larger than the size of the steering wheel for racing cars.
3. Turning Radius
Turning radius is a measure of the size of the steering wheel circle when the car is turned. Each type of car must have a different turning radius. If the size of the car is small, the turning radius of the steering wheel will also be small. The turning radius will be calculated from the position of the rotating steering wheel until it is stuck.
4. Human Shoulder Size
The size of the human shoulder will also affect the determination of the size of the steering wheel. If the steering wheel is too big, it will not fit the actual shoulder size. However, if you modify the steering wheel, the size should not be too far from the standard size.
