Car steering wheels may seem simple, but they are the components that determine where the car goes. In the automotive world, steering wheels come in different designs, mechanisms, and sizes depending on the driver's needs and the characteristics of the car.

Common Types of Car Steering Wheels

1. Tilt Steering Wheels

This type of steering wheel allows the driver to adjust the position of the steering wheel up or down. Its function is simple: to make the driving position more comfortable and fit the driver's posture.

2. Telescope Steering Wheels

Also known as telescopic steering wheels, this type can be adjusted forward or backward by about 3 inches. It is suitable for drivers who want a truly precise steering wheel position.

3. Adjustable Steering Wheels

At first glance, they look similar to telescopic steering wheels, but the adjustment mechanism is different. The available settings are not as drastic as tilt or telescopic, but they still help adjust the height of the steering wheel.

4. Swing-Away Steering Wheels

This is a unique type. The steering wheel can swing about 9 inches to the right when the car is parked. The purpose? To make it easier for the driver to get in and out of the cabin. A feature that used to be futuristic, but is now rarely found.

5. Recirculating Ball Steering Wheels

This steering system uses a pitman arm as a link between the steering wheel and the wheel drive components. The mechanism is designed to make steering feel smoother.

6. Rack-and-Pinion Steering Wheels

This is the most widely used type today. When the steering wheel is turned, the gears move the rack and turn the vehicle's wheels. The response is faster and feels more natural.

Why Do Car Steering Wheels Vary in Size?

Typically, everyday car steering wheels have a diameter of around 14–15 inches. Meanwhile, racing car steering wheels are smaller, around 12.6–13.8 inches, so they are more responsive when maneuvering at high speeds.

Before the era of power steering, steering wheel size was greatly influenced by the weight of the car; the heavier the car, the larger the steering wheel so that it was easier to turn. But power steering technology changed everything. Now, steering wheel size is no longer determined by the weight of the car because turning is assisted by a hydraulic or electric system.

Currently, the size of the steering wheel is determined by the following factors:

1. Cabin Space

The smaller the cabin, the smaller the ideal steering wheel size. The goal is to maintain ergonomics and driving comfort.

2. Type of Car

Everyday cars tend to have larger steering wheels than race cars, which require quick responses.

3. Turning Radius

Every vehicle has a different turning radius. Smaller vehicles usually have a smaller turning radius and a more compact steering wheel for easier maneuvering.

4. Driver's Shoulder Size

Human body size is also a consideration. A steering wheel that is too large can make the driving position uncomfortable. For those who enjoy modifications, it is best to stick to a steering wheel size that is not too far from the standard to ensure safety and ergonomics.

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Kenalan dengan Tipe-Tipe Setir Mobil dan Kenapa Ukurannya Bisa Beda-Beda

Setir mobil kelihatannya sederhana, tapi inilah komponen yang menentukan ke mana mobil melaju. Dalam dunia otomotif, setir hadir dengan desain, mekanisme, dan ukuran yang berbeda-beda tergantung kebutuhan pengemudi maupun karakter mobilnya.

Tipe-Tipe Setir Mobil yang Umum Dipakai

1. Tilt Steering Wheels

Setir model ini memungkinkan pengemudi mengatur posisi setir ke atas atau ke bawah. Fungsinya simpel: bikin posisi berkendara jadi lebih nyaman dan pas dengan postur tubuh.

2. Telescope Steering Wheels

Dikenal juga sebagai setir teleskopik, tipe ini bisa disesuaikan maju–mundur dalam jarak sekitar 3 inci. Cocok buat pengemudi yang ingin posisi setir benar-benar presisi.

3. Adjustable Steering Wheels

Sekilas mirip setir teleskopik, tapi mekanisme pengaturannya berbeda. Setelan yang tersedia tidak sedrastis tilt atau teleskopik, namun tetap membantu menyesuaikan tinggi setir.

4. Swing-Away Steering Wheels

Ini tipe yang unik. Setir bisa bergeser sekitar 9 inci ke kanan saat mobil diparkir. Tujuannya? Memudahkan pengemudi keluar masuk kabin. Fitur yang dulu futuristis, sekarang mulai jarang ditemui.

5. Recirculating Ball Steering Wheels

Sistem kemudi ini memanfaatkan lengan pitman sebagai penghubung antara roda kemudi dan komponen penggerak roda. Mekanismenya dirancang untuk membuat putaran setir terasa lebih halus.

6. Rack-and-Pinion Steering Wheels

Jenis yang paling banyak digunakan saat ini. Saat setir diputar, roda gigi akan menggerakkan rak dan memutar roda kendaraan. Responsnya lebih cepat dan terasa lebih natural.

Kenapa Ukuran Setir Mobil Bisa Berbeda?

Biasanya, setir mobil harian punya diameter sekitar 14–15 inci. Sementara itu, setir mobil balap lebih kecil, sekitar 12.6–13.8 inci, supaya lebih responsif saat bermanuver di kecepatan tinggi.

Sebelum era power steering, ukuran setir sangat dipengaruhi bobot mobil, semakin berat mobilnya, semakin besar setirnya agar lebih mudah diputar. Tapi teknologi power steering mengubah semuanya. Kini, ukuran setir tidak lagi ditentukan oleh bobot mobil karena putarannya sudah dibantu sistem hidrolik atau elektrik.

Saat ini, penentuan ukuran setir lebih mempertimbangkan beberapa faktor berikut:

1. Luas Kabin

Semakin kecil kabin, semakin kecil ukuran setir yang ideal. Tujuannya menjaga ergonomi dan kenyamanan berkendara.

2. Jenis Mobil

Mobil harian cenderung memakai setir lebih besar dibanding mobil balap yang butuh respons cepat.

3. Radius Putar

Setiap mobil punya radius putar berbeda. Mobil kecil biasanya punya radius putar kecil dan setir yang lebih kompak agar mudah bermanuver.

4. Ukuran Bahu Pengemudi

Ukuran tubuh manusia juga jadi pertimbangan. Setir yang terlalu besar bisa membuat posisi berkendara jadi tidak nyaman. Untuk yang hobi modifikasi, sebaiknya tetap gunakan ukuran setir yang tidak terlalu jauh dari standar agar tetap aman dan ergonomis.