Every vehicle could benefit from having a steering wheel that performs several different functions. It makes it possible for you to conveniently activate various tasks without requiring you to remove your hands from the steering wheel.
When driving, keeping both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road is imperative.
As a result, having a steering wheel that can perform multiple functions effectively contributes to increased safety within the vehicle.
It is not difficult to commit to memory the location of each of the different switches. Because of this, you won’t need to avert your gaze any longer and can instead keep your attention on the road.
It is possible to have a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands because all buttons are conveniently located where the thumb can reach them.
What different functions can a steering wheel with multiple functions perform?
Buttons and rocker switches are located on a steering wheel with multiple functions, allowing you to control the car’s existing processes and any additional functions it may have.
The following are the typical functions:
- Radio volume
- A search of the channels
- Option for selecting the source (CD, MP3, or radio)
- A Limiter That Is Automatically Activated
- Control of the various menus available on the multifunction display (navigation, communication, and entertainment) and a great deal more besides
In an ideal world, the automobile should be ordered from the factory equipped with a multifunction steering wheel.
On the other hand, this does not get ordered frequently because it is typically quite expensive. Because the typical buyer of a used car does not focus on this feature in the first place, the absence of a steering wheel with multiple functions is typically understood and accepted in principle.
However, the existence of one contributes to an increase in the value of the vehicle. The market provides retrofit kits for consumers who, for reasons of comfort and safety, do not wish to be without this feature.
Which of these cars is the best option?
It is essential to consider the functions required of a multifunction steering wheel before installing one in a vehicle.
It is not too difficult to retrofit a vehicle if the primary goal is to improve the user’s ability to operate the various controls on the dashboard in terms of comfort and safety.
On the other hand, if you want to install a multifunction steering wheel with an automatic speed limiter, you need to investigate the project in greater depth.
It is recommended that an electronic throttle be installed in a vehicle to achieve the best results when fitting the car with a speed limiter.
Retrofitting is possible even if the vehicle still has a mechanical throttle with a cable drive, but additional servomotors will need to be installed. As a result, the undertaking will require more effort and cost more money.
Because of this, we strongly advise mechanics enthusiasts with limited funds and experience to only retrofit their vehicles with electronic throttles. This is our number one recommendation.
This project of making retrofits is challenging in its own right. However, It is not worth the risk for a motivated mechanics enthusiast to attempt to install an automatic speed limiter with a mechanical throttle because the risk is too significant that they will become overwhelmed.
A test that can be taken by anyone interested?
Despite the assertions made by the companies that make the retrofit kits, completing this task requires a comprehensive understanding of one’s capabilities.
Altering the radio or installing LED lights cannot be compared to installing a steering wheel with multiple functions.
For instance, altering and retrofitting the steering wheel necessitates installing the airbags to be appropriately mounted and taken off correctly.
If you make a mistake here, it could seriously injure someone while they are putting this together, or in the event of an accident, it could cause this safety feature not to work.
Because of this, [we recommend that you critically assess your capabilities and, if you’re still unsure, consult a specialist for assembly, especially given the nature of the task.
Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any damage that may occur due to following the steps outlined in this article.
The procedures and actions detailed in this article are only meant to serve as general pointers; they should not be construed as installation instructions in the traditional sense.
Instructions to follow before beginning assembly
The following is a list of the steps that need to be completed to assemble a steering wheel with multiple functions successfully:
1. Disconnect the battery
2. Make the necessary adjustments to the wiring harness
3. Make the necessary adjustments to the regulating apparatus
4. Take off the protective cover for the steering wheel
5. Take the airbag out of the vehicle
6. If it is necessary, remove the steering wheel from the vehicle
7. Attach the retrofit kit to the vehicle
8. Reassemble everything that was taken apart earlier
9. Set the parameters for the control unit
The process by which the wiring harness and control unit can be retrofitted varies significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Some retrofit kits consist solely of an additional module that plugs into the system. In some alternative approaches, the cables need to be disassembled from the harness to make room for other connectors.
In any event, before beginning the installation process, it is strongly suggested to read over the installation instructions carefully.
In addition, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the experiences other customers have had with the retrofit kit in question by doing as much research online as possible.
Other users have already encountered many issues and defects and are happy to share their experiences with anyone else who is interested.
For instance, when a multifunction steering wheel is installed in a Volkswagen Golf, the braking electronics frequently get an error message because the steering angle is no longer recognized.
This is because the multifunction steering wheel has multiple functions. Having the appropriate information and tools enables a speedy resolution of this issue; however, as a user, you are responsible for being aware of where to look in the first place.
Expenses associated with a steering wheel with multiple functions
The price of a multifunction steering wheel retrofit kit ranges between 150 and 300$, depending on the wheel type and the manufacturer. The set comes with the following:
- The entire control panel or the rotation of the vehicle
- A group that can be used for retrofitting the wiring harness
- Cable ties or glue
- Detailed step-by-step guide
In most cases, a brand new airbag will not be provided. To conduct a specialized workshop, approximately 1-2 hours’ worth of a professional installation would add roughly another two hundred euros to the total cost for labor.
On the other hand, taking this approach is strongly recommended by us in light of the complexity of this intervention.
In light of the myriad of things that could go wrong with this project, it is in your best interest to have a trained expert carry out the assembly rather than doing it yourself.
The steering column should be equipped with additional switches
If you are going to disassemble the steering wheel anyway in order to mount the multifunction buttons, you might as well think about mounting toggle switches to the steering column at the same time.
These rocker switches are situated directly behind the steering wheel and are within easy reach of the index finger.
The ability to change gears is available with transmissions that are either semi-automatic or automatic.
Because they are attached to the steering wheel, the levers will always rotate in the direction that corresponds to that wheel.
The toggle switches provide for a driving experience that is both particularly dynamic and particularly sporty.
Because you do not have to remove your hands from the steering wheel to change gears, they also contribute significantly to driving safety.
Multifunction steering wheels are an example of this type of steering wheel.
The cost of these retrofit lever switches is unexpectedly high, especially when compared to the retrofit kit for multifunction steering wheels.
The cost of the complete kit, which includes brand-new components, is typically between 300 and 400 dollars.
Moreover, even second-hand components rarely have a value that is lower than one hundred fifty euros.
However, prior to installation, it is imperative that it be determined whether or not the automobile supports the installation of toggle switches via retrofitting.
It is recommended, although not required, to completely replace both the steering wheel and the control unit, making the project more expensive.
This recommendation is contingent on the type and brand.
When it comes to retrofitting these toggle switches, we also strongly recommend using the services of a specialized workshop.
The installation of a multifunction steering wheel is without a doubt the perfect opportunity to add toggle switches to the steering column.
This is due to the fact that a significant portion of the labor required for both projects is the same.
Value enhancement, increased safety, and improved comfort
Those who decide to put money into a comprehensive steering wheel retrofit will be rewarded for their efforts.
The end result is that the automobile will be more secure, more dynamic, and more comfortable.
Because these features, especially the toggle switches, are not standard, they consistently draw the attention of people interested in making a purchase.
The automobile will have an improved sales position in the market, resulting in a higher resale value.
It would be extremely helpful to have the receipt from the specialized garage at this point at the very latest. The purchaser will have the peace of mind that these works have been carried out appropriately thanks to this mechanism.
