Is a three-spoke car better than a four-spoke? The Evolution of Car Steering Wheels | A Look at Unique Steering Wheel Designs

Whether it is gasoline vehicles still electric vehicles. The steering wheel is definitely the device that drivers come into contact with the most. In addition to controlling the direction of the vehicle, after more than a hundred years of development, the functions of the steering wheel have also evolved synchronously, becoming more complex and diversified. Kwiksure reviews the evolution of steering wheels, delves into the technological breakthroughs and style changes of each important period, and shows you a variety of unique and interesting steering wheels.

19th century: The tiller becomes a disc, making steering smoother and more precise

When cars first came out, most used steering levers or turntables as steering systems. In 1894, French inventor Alfred Vacheron in the Paris-Rouen race, he modified the tiller on his Panhard racing car into a disc steering wheel, making the control more continuous and precise. It has since been regarded as the ancestor of the car steering wheel.

Given that most cars at the time were made of wood and metal, steering wheels naturally relied on these two materials and were relatively simple in structure. Since steering wheels lacked any ergonomic design or steering assistance systems and were mounted almost vertically on the vehicle, they were generally large to increase leverage and facilitate operation.

1920s: Hardwood and leather steering wheels, upgraded comfort

By the 1920s, with advances in mass production technology and improved performance, drivers' expectations for vehicle interior quality continued to rise. Besides steering wheel positioning more tailored to the driver's seating position, designs also began to pursue greater comfort. Many car manufacturers began using polished hardwood and leather wrapping for a more comfortable grip, and rubber pads were applied to the center of the steering wheel to cushion the impact in collisions.

At that time, Mercedes-Benz and Ford introduced three-spoke steering wheels equipped with horn buttons, which revolutionized the driving interface.As the output power of the car gradually increases, the steering resistance decreases and the leverage force decreases, the steering wheel diameter also gradually decreases.However, the appearance has not changed much and still maintains the slim frame design style.

1950s: Power steering becomes standard, and groundbreaking designs emerge

The post-war 1950s saw rapid development of the automotive industry, leading to further increases in engine power. Purely mechanical steering systems were no longer sufficient to cope with the speeds of the time. Power steering, which uses an engine-driven hydraulic pump, was gradually adopted by various automakers. This significantly reduced the steering force required, making driving easier.

It is unknown whether steering wheels became easier to use, as many groundbreaking steering wheel designs emerged during this period, such as the 1957 Ford Edsel, which placed the shift knob in the center of the steering wheel.In the 1970s, due to the increasing number of traffic accidents, the United States began to legislate that cars must be equipped with airbags, resulting in the need for more space on the steering wheel to place the airbag module., which not only made the center of the steering wheel larger, but also strengthened the overall structure, but the unconventional design similar to that of the Ford Edsel is no longer seen.

1980s: Three-spoke/four-spoke structure mainstream + functional integration

As drivers' demands for comfort and ease of use continue to rise, steering wheel design is placing greater emphasis on ergonomics. Besides the long-standing three-spoke design, four-spoke and other steering wheel configurations are becoming increasingly common.The three-spoke type uses a three-point connection to the steering wheel, providing more space and is more suitable for models that focus on performance. The four-spoke type focuses on supporting stability and improving the comfort of long-term driving.。

Furthermore, starting in the 1990s, steering wheels gradually integrated cruise control, audio controls, and driving information system buttons, significantly improving steering control versatility. Some high-end models also incorporate heating functions and electrically adjustable steering angles, allowing drivers to find the most comfortable driving position.

21st Century: Smart Steering, Artificial Intelligence, and Touch Control Are the New Trend

Over the past decade, with the advancement of autonomous driving technology, steering wheels have evolved from purely mechanical steering devices to intelligent control centers. These steering wheels are now incorporating more intelligent features, such as touch sensing, multi-touch control buttons, and gesture recognition. These features, combined with in-vehicle artificial intelligence systems, assist drivers in monitoring vehicle conditions and alerting them to potential safety hazards.

at the same time,For safety reasons, the steering wheel structure is strengthened, integrating high-strength alloy and composite materials, which not only improves impact protection but also takes into account lightweightDespite this, the changes in appearance are relatively unremarkable. The more impressive ones are, Tesla Published in 2021 Yoke. However, it was not widely accepted by the outside world. Many car owners complained that the new steering wheel was difficult to use and inconvenient. Finally, Tesla changed back to the traditional steering wheel design the following year and listed the Yoke steering wheel as an optional feature.

Strange steering wheel one by one

1957 Ford Edsel

The ‘Teletouch’ electronic automatic transmission system's shift buttons were placed directly in the center of the steering wheel, arranged in a circular pattern. This gave it a futuristic look and feel. Unfortunately, electronic technology was immature at the time, leading to frequent malfunctions. Furthermore, some drivers were accustomed to pressing the center of the steering wheel to sound the horn, which led to accidental shifting, resulting in accidents and even damage to the transmission. As a result, this design was quickly phased out.

1965 Ford Mercury Park Lane

Invented by rocket engineer Robert J. Rumpf, the Wrist-Trist steering wheel shrinks the traditional steering wheel down to a ring approximately 5 inches in diameter. The driver simply grips a ring in each hand and twists it to steer the vehicle. The two handwheels interact synchronously, allowing for easy steering with minimal wrist movement, significantly reducing arm movement. However, the thinness of the rings makes them difficult to turn without power assistance.

1965 Chevrolet Turbo Titan III

The exterior has a strong sci-fi feel, and the steering wheel is equally impressive. It is the ‘Twin Dial System’ developed by GM Saginaw Division - there are two circular dials in front of the driver, like aircraft controls, called ‘Twin Dial Steering’. The left and right hands can be operated separately, each controlling the direction of the car. The design concept is to improve operational accuracy and reduce large-scale rotation.

1971 Maserati Boomerang

The Boomerang's cabin, reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit, features a striking design that seamlessly integrates the instrument panel and steering wheel. The center of the steering wheel houses multiple gauges and controls. The upper section features speed, oil, and water temperature gauges, while the lower section houses controls for the turn signals, headlights, and drencher. Simply turning the outer edge of the steering wheel allows the driver to clearly read various driving information.

1986 Oldsmobile Incas

This concept car, designed by Italian firm Italdesign, features a steering wheel designed like an airplane joystick. It can be manipulated 90 degrees to the left and right, and is filled with various buttons for operating the transmission, air conditioning, and wipers. The left side houses the lights, indicator lights, audio, and cruise control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have all car models in recent decades adopted a three-spoke or four-spoke steering wheel design?

Modern automotive design emphasizes ergonomics and safety. Three- and four-spoke steering wheels not only provide a more balanced grip and reduce fatigue on long drives, but also enhance structural support and reserve space for airbags.

Why are some new cars starting to have non-traditional round steering wheels?

Some new electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S Plaid, are pioneering yoke steering wheels, designed to increase instrument visibility and reduce hand-travel space. However, due to driving habits and regulatory restrictions, they are currently only adopted by a small number of models, and some brands have reverted to traditional round steering wheels as an option.