The automotive industry is in a constant process of development. Designers are constantly coming up with various kinds of improvements that aim to make driving as safe as possible and make driving more comfortable.
One of these improvements is the installation of a multifunction steering wheel. In this review we will answer the question of what a multifunction steering wheel is and whether it can be installed instead of a regular steering wheel.
Multifunctional steering wheel
The name multifunction steering wheel is an abbreviation for the generally accepted term - multifunctional steering wheel. What is hidden under this designation?
As mentioned earlier, all automobile designers strive to make driving a car very convenient. Since modern vehicles have many different gadgets and bells and whistles, which often require switching and adjustments during a trip, the driver has to be regularly distracted by them, which in turn can lead to emergency situations. It was this factor that was decisive for auto engineers in creating a multifunctional steering wheel. They tried to transfer some of the control elements to the steering wheel and save the driver from having to throw the steering wheel and switch all sorts of buttons and levers.
Multifunction steering wheel (multifunctional steering wheel) is a regular steering wheel on which various auxiliary elements for controlling the electrical equipment of the car are located. In modern cars this can be a very advanced technological device.
What could be on the steering wheel?
On our roads you can find vehicles of various classes; naturally, the electronic components of such cars will be significantly different. Multifunctional steering wheels will also differ depending on the class. So, for example, in an inexpensive car, at best the steering wheel will control the audio system, and even then only the function of turning it on or off. Sound adjustments and other settings will most likely have to be made as usual.
If the car is of a slightly higher class, then the steering wheel will most likely also have controls for adjusting the climate system, controlling the on-board computer and cruise control.
In even more advanced versions, you can find the ability to control a mobile phone from the steering wheel. This feature is called “hands free” or “hands free”. Today, many smartphones have the ability to access car audio systems, and by controlling the smartphone from the steering wheel, you can also control the multimedia system.
In addition to the listed functions, the multifunction steering wheel buttons can control:
- Operation of manual and automatic transmissions.
- Monitoring transmission functions in vehicles with all-wheel drive.
- Adjusting the operating modes of the suspensions, which changes the ground clearance and their rigidity.
Multifunctional steering wheels in cars with very expensive equipment, most of the prestigious brands, usually have all these capabilities.
What is a multifunction steering wheel in a car?
The development of the automotive industry does not stop, and among the available accessories that expand the equipment of a particular car, and especially among electronic devices, more and more new gadgets are appearing, often with complexly constructed and therefore mysterious names.
This time we will try to find out what is hidden under such a term as a multifunction steering wheel - multifunction steering wheel. Is it really something that can be unfastened from one car and transferred to another, without compromising ergonomics and, most importantly, functionality? It’s not for nothing that the derivative of the word “functional” appears as part of the mentioned term.
Multifunctional steering wheel
It is quite possible that a person who does not particularly delve into automotive terminology, with such a massive phrase as “multifunctional steering wheel,” will have the image of a plump steering wheel, necessarily beautiful, and quite possibly dotted with many multi-colored buttons. By the way, such an image will not be far from the truth and here’s why.
At its core, a car's multi-steering wheel is, first of all, really just an ordinary steering wheel used to control a vehicle. But, performing the main and therefore basic function is good, but additional capabilities built into a standard control tool, when it is endowed with all sorts of additional capabilities, are essentially functions, this is something completely different.
The electronic content of a modern car is constantly being improved, a variety of media components are appearing, and the possibilities of internal settings are expanding: car suspension, air conditioning, and other systems that make the driver’s life easier.
In recent years, thanks to numerous system assistants, it is becoming more and more like not hard physical labor, as it was not so long ago, but like the high-tech work of a spaceship pilot.
Thus, the multi-steering wheel of a modern car turns out to be an extremely complex and advanced technological device that makes it possible to simplify the control of numerous automotive systems.
Multifunction steering wheel and car class
It is quite natural that the functionality of such a unit will directly depend on the class of the car itself. If we are talking about an inexpensive, budget model, then most likely the steering wheel will not be able to do much; at best, it will control the on-board audio system and then, most likely, only the function of turning it on/off. But adjusting the sound, timbre, selecting media type and other functions through the steering wheel will still be unavailable.
We connect the radio to the steering wheel
Almost all cars with a multifunction steering wheel have a standard radio installed. But a situation may arise that there is a desire to replace the music installation with a more advanced one. In this case, you need to be prepared for the fact that the buttons located on the steering wheel will not control the new system. Some work will need to be done to resolve this issue. Despite the apparent simplicity of the work ahead, connecting a non-standard radio may take several hours. The success and speed of work will depend on your skills in working with electronics, otherwise it is best to contact a specialist. If you nevertheless decide to test your strength and connect the radio to the multifunction steering wheel yourself, then following our instructions, you will achieve your goal.
What to cook
- The right radio for you. The most popular among drivers are Pioneer or Sony players.
- ISO adapter - this adapter is most often included with the equipment.
- We buy another adapter of the same type.
- An adapter for connecting an antenna also needs to be purchased.
- An adapter that allows you to connect the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and the radio.
Adapter selection
The adapter is necessary for correctly connecting an aftermarket radio to the multifunction steering wheel. Manufacturers offer a fairly diverse selection of these devices. These can be models that are suitable only for a specific car or universal ones that can be connected to almost any car.
Among the universal models, the most popular is the adapter with programming capabilities - under the ACV brand. These devices look like a small module with wires of different colors. These wires are routed out, which facilitates the process of connecting to the wires on the radio block. These adapters are suitable for all radios, regardless of brand, that have a remote control and the programming process will take place directly from the remote control. The ACV SWI-1 adapter allows you to retain all the functions of the buttons located on the steering wheel and even expands their capabilities, namely, it allows you to program two functions for the same button. This is achieved by short or long press.
Installation
- First, we connect the radio following all instructions. We connect the antenna and check the correct operation of the device.
- We connect the wires of the steering wheel block and the adapter wires, adhering to the following diagram.
- The white wire on the adapter must be disconnected from ground.
- Line 1 (blue wire) – STRG SWA.
- Line 2 (green wire) – STRG SWB.
- GROUND (black wire) – STRG GND, to minus (vehicle body).
After connecting all the wires, the actual programming process begins.
- The adapter is supplied with +12V power - one of the LEDs should blink.
- We connect the white wire to MASS, and the device enters the learning process.
- On the multifunction steering wheel we find the volume control button, press and hold it until the LED lights up.
- On the remote control, press the sound boost button and point the remote control at the adapter - the LED on the case should go out at this time.
- If you need to place a second command on the same button on the steering wheel, then you need to press and hold it until both LEDs light up.
- On the remote control, hold down the button until the LEDs go out.
- We program all other buttons using the same principle.
- We disconnect the white wire on the adapter and insulate it.
- The setup is completely completed, and you have independently connected the multifunction steering wheel to the aftermarket radio.
Some craftsmen decide to connect the radio to the steering wheel without having buttons on it. A natural question arises before them - how to make a multifunction steering wheel with your own hands. This is quite possible for those who are closely “friends” with electronics. I can give advice to everyone else - just buy a ready-made multifunctional steering wheel, this will save you from wasting time and money.
How to choose a steering wheel
The controllability of road transport depends on many factors. The main ones are usually the condition and quality of the tires, the serviceability of the steering system, and the complete set of the chassis. Driver skills also play an important role. Experienced drivers know that even accessories and what can be classified as them can affect handling. For example, the steering wheel.
In theory, you can fix a gas key at the place where the steering wheel is mounted - you can also drive the car by manipulating it. However, this option does not promise either safety or comfort. The standard steering wheels of many cars are minimally comfortable, in contrast to the advanced models that can be found in specialized stores. They have many additional features, a nice design and provide an easy and secure grip.
Avto.pro will help you understand the methodology for choosing a steering wheel.
Tuning or mandatory update?
Let us immediately note that it is strictly necessary to buy a new steering wheel only in cases where the old one seems too uncomfortable to you and does not provide clear feedback. The “steering wheel” of the car also does not have to be too large - it should not constantly rest against the driver’s knees (or require maximum reach if there is an adjustment mechanism). If you have not encountered all of the problems listed above, then replacing the steering wheel should be postponed. And if you just want to freshen up your car's interior and don't feel
problems with the budget, we advise you to continue studying this material.
Before you start selecting a steering wheel, it is worth understanding its main characteristics. It is worth paying attention to:
- Size (diameter);
- Type of fastener;
- Shape;
- Distance from the rim to the central fastening element;
- Material;
- Additional functions.
Particular attention should be paid to the latter. Steering wheels with additional functions are usually called multi-steering wheels
. They have a whole set of buttons that allow you to control various automotive mechanisms and devices, such as a radio, mobile communications, etc. There are even steering wheels with a touch control system. We will tell you about all this in more detail.
What you need to know about steering wheel size
The size, also known as the diameter of the steering wheel, directly affects the comfort of steering. The smaller the diameter of the wheel, the more effort must be applied to it when driving a car. This is a particularly relevant parameter for vehicles without power steering. We do not recommend choosing a handlebar that is too large - it may impair visibility or rest on the driver's knees. There are many sizes of handlebars and they are usually classified into separate categories based on the standard sizes of the braids:
- S.
_ The diameter is 31-37 cm. These are the dimensions of many sports steering wheels; - M.
_ Diameter 37-38 cm. Standard steering wheel size for a passenger car; - L.
_ Diameter 38-42 cm. Non-standard size for serial passenger vehicles; - XL
. Diameter 42-43 cm. Quite a standard size of the steering wheel of many crossovers and SUVs; - XXL
and
XXXL
. Diameter 47 and 49 cm respectively. Option for trucks.
Let us immediately note that this is only one of the categories accepted by sellers and car enthusiasts, but, as indicated, there are many sizes - you should focus on the diameter. For example, you can find sports models with a diameter of 28 cm, and this does not even fit into the S
.
As practice shows, both S
and
M
steering wheels are well suited for a passenger car. One more point: if the car has a hydraulic booster, then the conditionally maximum diameter of the steering wheel can be considered 32-33 cm - taxiing will not take much effort and at the same time the “steering wheel” itself will have modest dimensions.
More information about the shape of the steering wheel
A separate parameter of the steering wheel, which is still related to its size, is its shape. Surely you have at least once seen the steering wheel of a sports car in a photograph or in real life - it is either round or cut off. The classic shape is a circle, but the following wheels are also distinguished:
- Round with a flattened lower part, and less often also with an upper part;
- With top cut.
We recommend giving preference to the classic round steering wheel - all car enthusiasts are accustomed to it and it will not require adaptation. A cut steering wheel requires the abandonment of some steering techniques. A compromise solution is a flattened wheel, i.e. flat lower, sometimes lower and upper sectors. Otherwise called D-shaped
. This model will not rest on your knees and limit visibility even if its diameter is close to L or XL.
Other steering wheel parameters
If you have decided on the shape and diameter of the steering wheel, it's time to consider such an indicator as the distance from the rim to the central fastener. That it is called overhang, although such a name cannot be called suitable for this parameter. In English this distance is called Dish
. This image will help you understand what we are talking about:
As you might guess, too much distance does not play into the driver’s favor - it is more difficult to reach the paddles mounted on the steering column. Ideally, the paddles should be located directly behind the steering wheel so that the driver does not have to stretch his palm with his fingers open. The problem of the petals being too close can be solved by installing spacers and special adapters. The minimum length for most handlebars produced is 3.7 cm, but many of these models are not very impressive in design. Compromise option
: 5.08 cm.
One of the important parameters is the number of spokes. You can find 2, 3 and 4 spoke steering wheels on the market. Classic option: 3-spoke steering wheel. The number of spokes does not greatly affect handling (although this depends on your technique) and rather affects the aesthetics of the product. If you intercept the steering wheel spokes while taxiing, then pay attention to their shape, location and thickness.
Most handlebar mounts are compatible with 6x70mm
. Due to this, a new steering wheel can be installed instead of the standard one and even spacers can be installed without modifications. Some steering wheels are mounted to the steering column solely using an adapter, since they do not have holes for bolts. In most cases these are sports models.
If you are interested in a steering wheel with an airbag
), then, of course, choose a model that provides for the installation and connection of this device. Typically, steering wheels are sold without a built-in airbag, so you will have to purchase it separately. This guide will help you understand the features of choosing an airbag. Looking ahead, we will say that an airbag is an important element of active protection for the driver and passengers. Although this protection can indeed cause harm to a person, it is not comparable with the real benefit.
