Basically, a steering wheel controls and changes the direction of a vehicle. In terms of design and shape, some cars may have butterfly—and yoke-shaped steering models. For instance, the Tesla Model S Plaid was the first car with a yoke steering wheel. In addition, there are many different types of steering wheels for cars. They include a tiltable steering wheel, telescopic steering wheel, and rack-and-pinion steering system.

Moreover, many modern cars have electric power steering systems. The steering wheel used to be the location of the car’s horn. However, in today’s world, it has also become a source of enhancing driving comfort for car riders.

It is with the help of various steering control buttons, like adaptive cruise control ADC, audio system, and telephone controls. The drivers need to set and adjust them while driving, just like car seatbelts! This helps drivers access it easily without taking their hands off from the wheel. So, let’s explore these.

Cruise Control

It manually assists the driver to set a desired speed without taking their foot off the accelerator pedal. Moreover, unlike ADC, it automatically adjusts the speed based on the traffic conditions around the car. The drivers can find the cruise control button usually on the left side of the steering wheels. The location differs depending on the models. The function remains the same, which is as follows.

  • On/off Button turns on and off the cruise control system.
  • Set Button helps drivers to set the speed of the car that it needs to maintain.
  • +/- Button increases or decreases the speed. It adds and subtracts 1 mph, equal to 1.60934 kilometres per hour, every time the driver presses the button.
  • Resume Button restarts the system to the original set speed.
  • Cancel Button disengages the system without turning it off.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control is an upgraded version of the basic cruise control system. Unlike manual speed settings, ADC scans the overall road condition with speed and distance sensors. It automatically maintains, increases, or decreases the car’s speed in accordance with other vehicles present on the roads. 

One more feature in adaptive cruise control is the set distance button, which maintains the distance and controls the speed. It is usually underneath the other cruise control buttons.

Lane Driving Assist Button 

Some cars have a lane driving assist button on the steering wheel. It is usually depicted with a lane marking symbol. This button helps you to ensure lane safety. It helps you to drive within the lane and alerts you if you suddenly drift out of the lane. It is one of the modern steering wheel features that enhances your comfort.  

Voice Command And Audio Call System 

This is among the distinctive and modern steering wheel features that cars nowadays have on the steering wheel. In this way, drivers can drive safely using these commands simultaneously without dividing their attention.

Imagine you are going home from the office and need to call someone on a busy road. This feature of voice command will help you a lot! You can give the command, and the car’s infotainment system will dial the phone number for you!

End Note

In short, modern steering wheel features have assisted drivers in guaranteeing smooth driving. The car features like adaptive cruise control, lane-driving assist button, airbags integrated into the steering wheel, and voice command mainly prevent drivers from being distracted. It helps them to drive safely and reliably and reduces the risk of severe accidents.