Updated at: 04-08-2022 - By: Lucas

In order for an automobile to go in a certain direction, the steering wheel is one of the most critical components. Steering is prone to wear and tear because of the critical role it plays in a vehicle.

If you’re thinking about swapping out your car’s steering wheel, then you’re likely asking yourself this question:

Is there a universal steering wheel?

For those reasons, you have found yourself in the correct spot today. There is a lot of information concerning the steering wheel that you need to know about in this post.

So, are steering wheels universal?

No, steering wheels are not interchangeable. The diameter of the steering shaft, the location of the airbag, and the number of splines all vary between different automobile manufacturers’ steering wheels. The main bolt that secures the steering wheel is also vastly different between the two types of steering columns.

You can’t put a Nissan airbag in your Toyota steering wheel, for example. A Nissan steering wheel cannot be used with a Toyota steering wheel since the two are not interchangeable parts.

It’s important to examine the specifications and measurements before purchasing a new steering wheel for your car.

Do steering wheels have a universal size?

Is A Steering Wheel Considered A Wheel

It’s not true that steering wheel sizes are universal; rather, they come in a variety of sizes based on the vehicle’s purpose. The diameter of a typical car’s steering wheel is between 14 and 15 inches wide. The steering wheel diameter of a racing automobile, on the other hand, typically ranges from 12.6 to 13.8 inches.

Cars had to be steered by hand until power steering came along, which made steering much larger than it needed to be. There was a noticeable difference in the size of the steering wheel between the larger and smaller vehicles.

This was done in order to make the car more comfortable for the driver and reduce the sensation of weight on the road. However, thanks to the invention of power steering, this is no longer the case.

There is no effect on steering wheel comfort while using a power steering system. As a result, the driver is able to drive comfortably regardless of the car’s size. The size of the steering wheel is no longer determined by the size of the vehicle.

Factors that determine steering wheel size

Cabin size

The amount of space in the interior has an impact on the size of the steering wheel. The car’s interior has an impact on its overall usability.

For comfort and performance reasons, cabin size is taken into account while choosing a steering wheel size.

When it comes to the size of the cabin, smaller vehicles tend to have smaller steering wheels, while bigger vehicles tend to have larger steering wheels.

Turning radius

To do a U-turn, a car must have a minimum turning radius of at least one meter in width or diameter. The turning radius of different types of vehicles varies.

When it comes to turning radius, tiny cars have a narrow radius, while large cars have a broad one. There are several sizes of steering wheels depending on the vehicle’s turning radius, which means the size of the wheel varies.

Car type

The type of vehicle you drive has a significant impact on the size of your steering wheel. It is common for normal automobiles to have larger steering wheels than racing automobiles.

Can I fit an aftermarket steering wheel?

Is A Steering Wheel Considered A Wheel-3

Unlike the original, an aftermarket steering wheel is not built by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. Most drivers’ best bet is to get an aftermarket steering wheel to replace their damaged or shattered one. Some people swap out their steering wheel for a different color or design because they enjoy it.

As for the original inquiry, the answer is YES, an aftermarket steering wheel can be installed in your vehicle. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that not all aftermarket steering wheels are compatible with every vehicle.

The architecture of the steering column and the primary bolt that secures the wheel on aftermarket steering wheels varied greatly. In order to make sure that an aftermarket steering wheel is compatible with your vehicle, you need examine its specifications and dimensions.

Final thoughts

It is our hope that this article has answered the question of whether or not steering wheels can be used on any vehicle. It’s not that all steering wheels are the same.

As stated above, they are not interchangeable in any way. Buying an aftermarket steering wheel to replace your damaged one? Make sure it’s compatible with your car model before you buy it.