When horseless carriages first arrived on US roadways, they used boat-style tillers for steering. But, by the time cars became commonplace on American roads, round steering wheels were the norm. Today, steering wheels come in numerous shapes and sizes, including a wide range of full-featured aftermarket steering wheels sold on eBay.
Nothing compares to the complexities found on an F1 racer’s wheel (which are also for sale on eBay.)
F1 steering controls have a bewildering number of buttons, levers, lights, and screens. Meanwhile, mainstream vehicles also offer quite a few buttons and levers on the steering wheel. The buttons allow commuters to access unique features—from infotainment to cruise control—while keeping their attention on the road.
You can find a genuine F1 steering wheel on eBay.
Many Reasons to Upgrade Your Steering Wheel
One of the easiest upgrades for an older car is to swap out a basic factory-supplied steering wheel with an aftermarket steering wheel from a different year or model. And some wheel manufacturers offer a steering wheel that matches their rims.
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A wood-trimmed wheel adds sophistication to your interior.
Drivers can also swap out a basic metal steering wheel for a wood or wood-trimmed wheel. Thats a classy move. And you get bonus points if you match the wood trim in the rest of the car.
Standard steering wheels often exceed 18 inches in diameter. So many vendors offer the same steering wheel design with a smaller diameter. The smaller profile gives you the same look but provides more room for the driver. Many modern steering wheels accomplish the same result by using a steering wheel with a flat bottom.
To help rotate a large steering wheel, some drivers add a necker knob. Depending on where you live, these steering-wheel accessories are also called Brodie knobs, knuckle busters, suicide knobs, or spinners. They provide a handy place to grab hold of the wheel, providing extra leverage when rotating the wheel.
A quick-release hub is easy to install.
Have you seen the quick-release function of a NASCAR vehicle? You can easily accomplish the same thing with any variety of quick-release adapters. Removing the steering wheel at will is a nifty trick—and a potent anti-theft strategy.
Tesla recently caused a stir when it introduced a yoke-style steering wheel to its Model S. Most new models have steering-by-wire, so perhaps a round steering wheel is no longer necessary. Software control the degree of responsiveness and turning radius, so why not? Well, there might be safety concerns while getting used to an unconventional shape.
Meanwhile, drag racers often use a modified yoke to help steer the car. The goal is to move straight down the drag strip. However, these yokes may are not practical for everyday street driving.
Change the Look with a New Cover
It’s easy to wrap your steering wheel in leather.
Modern cars incorporate all kinds of electronics in the steering wheel. That makes the job of swapping to an aftermarket steering wheel more complicated. The more accessible alternative is to fit a new steering wheel cover over the stock wheel. A new cover can add a sleek carbon fiber style or a splash of color to your cabin.
An old-school leather-laced steering cover adds extra grip for driving through twisties. Just wrap your wheel with a strip of leather, overlap the edges, and lace it tight and snug. Lowriders will probably want a different approach: the classic look of a linked-chain steering wheel.
A Word About Air Bags (and Safety)
This “wheel” keeps a dragster moving straight ahead but it’s not practical for everyday use.
Before upgrading your steering wheel, consider that many modern cars have an airbag installed on the wheel. Therefore, any modification should not interfere with the emergency deployment of airbags. That’s why some countries, such as Australia, have stringent laws regarding quick-release steering wheels.
Even if you’re willing to take the risk, your insurance company might take a dim view of disabling any airbag in your vehicle. As a result, they might void your coverage—and for a good reason. Removing or altering your vehicle’s airbags reduces safety.
That said, as long as you don’t alter the current safety features of your car, customizing your steering wheel is a fun mod. Moreover, it’s one of the least expensive and most dramatic ways to add flair to your ride.
