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Standard cars are equipped with steering wheels that are abut 38 to 43 cm in diameter. But racing cars use wheels that are about 33 cm. It would seem to me that a smaller wheel would be a lot easier to drive with, but I've never had a chance to try it. What's the deal with steering wheel sizes?
I suspect that the wheel became standard in times when there was no power steering, and drivers needed the leverage. And the industry just stuck with the standard, which was no longer needed. to conform with buyers' expectations
Should I go to a speed shop and replace my steering with with a racing wheel?
Standard cars are equipped with steering wheels that are abut 38 to 43 cm in diameter. But racing cars use wheels that are about 33 cm. It would seem to me that a smaller wheel would be a lot easier to drive with, but I've never had a chance to try it. What's the deal with steering wheel sizes?
I suspect that the wheel became standard in times when there was no power steering, and drivers needed the leverage. And the industry just stuck with the standard, which was no longer needed. to conform with buyers' expectations
Should I go to a speed shop and replace my steering with with a racing wheel?
NO! Don't do it! A smaller size steering wheel will upset the factory ratios that give you steering control in traffic. My look cool but is dangerous as hell in traffic.
Race cars are designed from the ground up ,including the steering ratios, so for your everyday car leave well enough alone.
The reason like on old vehicles and trucks is lever principle. Leverage, it is easier to point the vehicle where you want it to go with less physical effort.
While you can put a racing wheel on, the question of why must be asked... With power steering the input effort is far less. If power steering fails or engine quits the workload becomes a lot more. Will it mess with ratios? No. The ratios are usally decided in the gear. Be it rack and pinion or whatever other system is in place.
boy back in the day the wheel in my old 60's Chevy's were much bigger then what i have in my s2000 now. But what's std in cars these days seems fine, remember the wheel is not just for a quick lane change, but complete turns, parking, and full manuevering. I'd hate to see someone in a panic situation trying to go hand over hand in something smaller then what's already in a car and still have good control. Not to mention unless the OP's car is older the air bag could be an issue as well.
That's a really broad statement, to say that "racing cars" all have the same size wheel. Open wheel cars have much smaller steering wheels, for instance. They turn about 3/4 of a turn in either direction.
Larger steering wheels are easier to turn, and comfort is a lot of what drives that thinking in the consumer market.
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