Generally, a steering wheel is just a rotating control through which the driver commands the direction of the vehicle. But, we often don’t realise that steering wheels and its system have more to offer. With the advancement of automobile standards, the steering wheels are also upgraded and have become more than a control.
The types of power steering that we have in the market feature many significant options. These features include self-driving capability, entertainment keys, power-assist and navigation to name a few. Also, these steering wheels support various anti-theft lock options to ensure your car’s safety.
If you are a car fanatic, you would love to know more about the different types of steering wheels and how much they have evolved from a traditional rotary wheel. Let’s read on to know about them.
TYPES OF STEERING WHEELS
Here are some of the commonly known types of steering wheels discussed:
THE TILTABLE STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM
Designed to facilitate drivers, the tiltable steering wheel has a wide, multi-position arc. By turning up and down, the arc can be raised or lowered. It was introduced by General Motors in the 1960s for the first time and was an instant success. The wide arc allows different angles to operate and does not affect the steering column if the wheel is tilted or changed in position.
At first, the tiltable steering wheel system was made available only for luxury cars. But now it’s one of the common types of steering wheels and almost every other vehicle has a tiltable steering.
THE SWING-AWAY STEERING WHEELS
The swing-away steering wheel system, as the name suggests, can be swung away from its position to about 9 to 10 inches easily in parking mode. This offers additional driving comfort, especially for drivers entering and exiting. The swing-away steering was first introduced in the 1961 model of Ford Thunderbird. It was an interesting addition to the steering types. If you are interested in buying a vehicle with swing away steering wheel, you may opt to buy the used Ford Thunderbird in the UAE.
THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM
Similar to the tiltable steering wheel system, the telescoping steering wheel can be adjusted to various height ranges. The telescoping steering wheel is adjustable within a 3-inch range in several positions. Not all avant-garde car trim levels feature this type of steering, but still many have it.
If you like the telescoping steering wheel system, you can opt to buy a used car in the UAE that comes with it. For instance, you can check the 2016 models of the following having telescoping steering wheel:
- Used Volkswagen Golf for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Honda Accord in the UAE for sale
- Pre-owned Chevrolet Camaro for sale in the UAE
- Used Hyundai Accent in the UAE for sale
THE RACK-AND-PINION STEERING WHEEL
The rack-and-pinion steering wheel was first used by Ford in their 1974 Mustang II and the 1974 Pinto. This steering wheel is one of the common ones that spin the gear as the tie rod is connected to the arm of the steering. Due to this the rack moves and enables the car’s wheels to move.
The rack-and-pinion steering wheel is connected to a system that contains a metal lube. Through this system, the end of the racks protrude. Each end of the rack connects to a tie-rod and the steering shaft connects to the pinion gear.
THE RECIRCULATING BALL STEERING WHEEL
This type of steering system features a mechanism that facilitates turning the wheels of a car. However, there could be reasons if the steering wheel is hard to turn. The Pitman arm is the most significant part of the recirculating ball steering wheel that links tie-rods of the Pitman shaft and steering gear to the centre link. The recirculating ball steering wheel comes in SUVs and trucks today. If you are interested in buying a SUV with a recirculating ball steering wheel, you can check these popular used SUVs in the UAE.
THE QUICK RELEASE STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM
With a quick-release steering wheel a driver can feasibly exit and enter the car in case of a crash or any other emergency. Basically, this is a performance steering wheel connected to the steering column via push or pull rings, cams or pins. It offers safety to the driver since it is coupled with the collapsible column.
THE D-SHAPED STEERING WHEEL
The D type steering wheel often seen in street cars is inspired by racing vehicles. It has a curved top to facilitate drivers to clearly view the instrument cluster and a flattened bottom to provide additional leg room. This type of steering is found in cars that need to rotate 180° from lock to lock. If you wish to drive with a D-shaped steering wheel, you can opt to buy second-hand Volkswagen GTI in the UAE. Besides, this type of steering wheel was also available in the 2017 Audi R8 model.
THE SPORT TYPE STEERING WHEEL
The sport type steering wheel provides a better grip to the driver with a reduced diameter unlike other types of steering wheels.. Besides, the handlebar also comes in a reduced diameter that makes turning the wheels easier. Also, it maximises the concentration of the driver as the vehicle responds better when cornering.
TYPES OF POWER STEERING SYSTEMS
There are three types of power steering discussed as under:
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING (HPS)
The hydraulic power steering is driven by hydraulic pressure. This steering system uses the power steering pump to produce an adequate amount of pressure to function properly.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)
The electric power steering controls the steering wheel’s dynamics with the help of a complete electric system. This eclectic-powered system is linked to the steering column. Most of the popular auto brands feature EPS in their modern vehicles. If you are interested in driving a car with EPS, you can browse these used cars for sale in the UAE and buy the model that offers EPS as well as fits in your budget and requirements:
- Second-hand Mercedes-Benz for sale in the UAE
- Used BMW for sale online in the UAE
- Second-hand Audi in the UAE for sale
ELECTRIC POWER HYDRAULIC STEERING (EPHS)
Electric power hydraulic steering combines the features of hydraulic and electric power steering systems. A brushless electric motor controls the power steering as well as operates the hydraulic power steering pump.
Most of the steering wheels now come with power-steering that further makes driving smoother.
These are some of the different steering wheel types in cars. Irrespective of the type, make sure to safely clean the steering wheel.
Besides, if you are interested in getting some cool and useful accessories for your steering. You can browse these used accessories and auto parts for sale in the UAE and find the right fit for it.
Stay tuned to the top auto blog of the UAE for more information on different automobile parts, their functions as well as maintenance and repair guides.
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