Do you want to be able to control your music without taking your hands off the wheel? Or answer a call without looking at your phone? With steering wheel controls, you can!
In this article, we will discuss how to add steering wheel controls to your car. We will cover the different types of controls that are available and provide step-by-step instructions on how to install them. So whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just starting, read on for all the information you need to get started!
Steering wheel controls
Steering wheel controls are buttons or switches that are mounted on the steering wheel and allow the driver to control various functions of the car without taking their hands off the wheel. The buttons include controls for the audio system, hands-free phone, and navigation system. There are also controls for the cruise control and driver assistance systems. These controls are mostly found on newer cars, but can also be added to older vehicles. There are a few different types of steering wheel controls that are available:
Types of steering wheel controls
There are two types of steering wheel controls: hard-wired and wireless.
Hard-wired
Hard-wired controls are controls that are connected to the car’s electrical system and wirelessly connected controls use Bluetooth to connect to the car’s infotainment system. With this type of control, you will need to have a professional install it.
Wireless
Wireless controls are easier to install and can be done by anyone. These types of controls come with a receiver that plugs into the car’s infotainment system and a transmitter that is mounted on the steering wheel. The transmitter sends signals to the receiver when the buttons are pressed.
Similarities between Hard-wired and wireless controls
Shape
Both hard-wired and wireless controls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common shape is a round button, but there are also rectangular buttons, toggle switches, and touchpads. The size of the button or switch will depend on the function it controls. For example, the audio control buttons are typically larger than the cruise control buttons.
Colors
Another similarity is that most controls are black, but some are available in other colors such as white or silver.
Number of buttons
The number of buttons on the control will depend on the functions it needs to control. The audio controls will have more buttons than the cruise control.
Differences between hard-wired and wireless controls
Even though there are a lot of similarities between these two controls there are also differences; the most notable difference is how they are mounted on the steering wheel.
Mounting
Hard-wired controls are mounted on the steering wheel with screws and bolts, while wireless controls use an adhesive pad or mounting bracket.
Installation
Another difference is that hard-wired controls are connected to the car’s electrical system and need to be installed by a professional, while wireless controls use Bluetooth to connect to the car’s infotainment system and can be installed by anyone.
Installing hard-wired steering wheel controls
If you’re installing hard-wired steering wheel controls, you’ll need to do is:
1. Purchase the correct kit for your car.
There are many different types of kits available, so be sure to select one that is compatible with your car’s make and model.
2. Read instructions
The second step is to read the instructions that come with the kit. This will help you understand how to properly install the buttons and receiver. I know how reading a manual can be boring, but you must read and understand what you have to do.
3. Remove the airbag.
The next step is to carefully remove the airbag to prevent it from accidentally going off. To do this, disconnect the battery and remove the negative terminal.
4. Remove the old steering wheel:
To install steering wheel controls, you’ll need to remove the old steering wheel. This can be done by removing the bolts that hold the steering wheel in place, disconnecting the wires, and pulling the steering wheel off. Be careful not to damage the wires that are attached to the back of the steering wheel.
5. Install the new steering wheel:
Once the old steering wheel is removed, you can install the new one. This is done by bolting the new steering wheel in place and reconnecting the battery.
6. Connect to the infotainment system
The next step is to connect the receiver to the car’s infotainment system. The exact location will vary depending on the type of controls you are installing, make, and model of your car, but generally involves wiring the controls to the car’s electrical system which is typically located behind the dashboard and relatively easy to find.
7. Mount the buttons
The next step is to mount the buttons on the steering wheel. The kit will include instructions on how to do this, but it is generally a simple process of attaching the buttons with double-sided tape.
8. Test the controls:
The final step is to test the steering wheel controls to make sure they are working properly. After everything is installed, it’s time to test the controls. Make sure that they are working properly and that you understand how to use them.
Once you have installed the steering wheel controls, you should be able to use them to control the car’s audio system, hands-free phone, navigation, cruise control, and driver assistance systems. If you have any problems with the installation, be sure to consult the instructions that came with the kit.
Installing wireless steering wheel controls
The process of installing a wireless control differs from that of the hard-wired control, you first have to:
1. Purchase the correct kit for your car.
There are many different types of kits available, so be sure to select one that is compatible with your car’s make and model.
2. Read instructions
The second step is to read the instructions that come with the kit. This will help you understand how to properly install the buttons and receiver. I know how reading a manual can be boring, but you must read and understand what you have to do.
3. Mount transmitter
The next thing you’ll need to do is mount the transmitter on the steering wheel. The transmitter can be mounted in a variety of ways, so follow the instructions that come with it.
4. Plug the receiver
Next, you’ll need to plug the receiver into the car’s infotainment system. The receiver must be plugged into the system for the controls to work.
5. Test the controls
The final step is to test the steering wheel controls to make sure they are working properly. After everything is installed, it’s time to test the controls. Make sure that they are working properly and that you understand how to use them.
Wireless steering wheel controls offer several advantages over hard-wired controls. They are much easier to install and can be done in a matter of minutes. Additionally, they offer the added benefit of being able to be used with any car, regardless of make or model.
Buttons on steering wheel controls
There are several buttons on the steering wheel controls and each button has a specific role it plays. They are:
1. Audio controls
These buttons allow you to control the car’s audio system without taking your hands off the wheel. They can be used to turn the volume up or down, change the radio station, and answer or end a phone call.
2. Hands-free phone
These buttons allow you to control the car’s hands-free phone system. They can be used to answer or end a call, and activate the voice recognition system.
3. Navigation
These buttons allow you to control the car’s navigation system easily. They can be used to enter a destination, zoom in or out of the map, and change the route.
4. Cruise control
These buttons allow you to control the car’s cruise control system without taking your hands off the wheel. They can be used to set the speed, turn the system on or off, and resume or cancel cruising.
5. Driver assistance
These buttons allow you to control the car’s driver assistance systems with minimal effort without having to leave your steering wheel. They can be used to turn on or off the headlights, activate the windshield wipers, and sound the horn.
Pros of steering wheel controls
There are numerous reasons why steering wheel control buttons are a great addition to any car.
1. Safety
The first advantage of steering wheel control is safety, This type of control prevents the driver from being distracted or taking their hands off the wheel to perform a task. This can be especially beneficial when driving in hazardous conditions or stop-and-go traffic.
Convenience
Another advantage of steering wheel controls is convenience. With these buttons, you can control various functions without having to reach for another device. This can be helpful when you need to change the radio station or answer a phone call.
Cost-effective
The third advantage of steering wheel controls is cost. These buttons are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most auto parts stores. With just a few dollars you can purchase one for your car.
Touch of class
Additionally, steering wheel controls can add a touch of luxury and class to your car. If you are someone who likes to have the latest and greatest gadgets, then steering wheel controls are a great way to show it.
Our thoughts
Installing steering wheel controls is a relatively easy process that can be done by anyone with basic mechanical skills. By following the instructions that come with the kit, you can easily add steering wheel controls to your car.
Whether you choose hard-wired or wireless steering wheel controls, be sure to test them thoroughly before hitting the road. And remember, if you have any questions about the installation process, be sure to consult the instructions that came with
Thanks for reading!
