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As automotive enthusiasts, we love making every part of our car like an extension of ourselves. Changing every bit we deem needs changing. Which is essentially why Vivid Racing exists.
We love to have control over the appearance and the feeling our cars give us. And that brings us neatly to the part where most of the car’s control happens: the steering wheel.
When enthusiasts think of mods for their pride and joy, they typically think of chrome trims, spoilers, air intakes, exhaust systems, and the like.
And then there’s a steering wheel that looks like it was put there just to work and not look good. For example, BMW’s, Mercedes’, and Audi’s non-sport steering wheels doesn’t hold a candle to how beautiful and delicate the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s steering wheel looks and feels like.
The steering wheel not only helps control and operate your car, it also plays a vital role in forming your ride’s interior style. So, if you want to make your vehicle unique, why put up with a boring factory wheel?
There are several different types of steering wheels to choose from, so which is best for your specific needs? Below, we detail the three main types of steering wheels we offer.
If you are looking to add your own unique sense of style to your car and your steering wheel, a custom steering wheel may be the best option for you. Choose from a wide variety of unique custom steering wheels to find the design that is best for you.
A custom steering wheel performs the same task as the standard steering wheel does, but has added features to benefit the race car driver. Most of them are lighter than stock wheels, giving them weight savings. Some of them have pre-wired buttons for nitrous oxide systems, transmission lock systems, and electronic shifting systems, among other accessories and performance products.
In addition, most custom steering wheels are slightly flatter, giving you more adjustability with the seat position. Also, when coupled with a racing collapsible steering column, the racing steering wheel is designed to cushion the impact of the steering column on your chest if you are involved in an accident.
A universal steering wheel is a wheel that is designed to fit pretty much every kind of vehicle. However, oftentimes an adapter is needed in order to make sure the universal steering wheel is secured firmly in place.
A quick release steering wheel is a steering wheel that is designed to allow drivers to easily enter and exit the car. That means that if there is ever a crash or some other kind of emergency, a quick release steering wheel allows you to make a quick and safe exit from the vehicle.
It is, essentially, a performance steering wheel that securely attaches to the steering column by means of cams, push or pull rings or pins. Most steering wheels are attached to the steering column by means of a large nut, usually hidden by some trim pieces. A quick release wheel removes the trim pieces for the performance and racing environment. This type of wheel is usually coupled with a collapsible steering column to improve safety and allow the driver of a high-performance car to enter and exit the car quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.
Additionally, quick release steering wheels also deter thieves. They can’t drive a car without a steering wheel, right?
Are modified steering wheels illegal?
If you have a car that didn’t come with an airbag from the factory, which is typically cars made before the early 90s, then you can legally change your steering wheel to an aftermarket one. If your car does have an airbag, there technically isn’t a law saying that you can’t change out your steering wheel, but you could end up getting a ticket if ever get pulled over since you removed the airbag from the car.
Some states say you can’t swap your steering wheel for an aftermarket unit. Others, let’s just say, are laxer. Further, do you want to give up having phone controls and other convenient buttons on your steering wheel? Consider the trade-offs and remember that an aftermarket steering wheel is only really worth it if you’re racing or tracking your car on a regular basis, or if your current steering wheel is completely shredded.
Can you put a custom steering wheel on any car?
Aftermarket steering wheels are universal and thus while they can 'fit any vehicle' they require some sort of an adapter- called a boss kit or a wheel hub adapter. Boss kits can be specific to a model or even a series of models.
Do aftermarket steering wheels have airbags?
Unlike traditional cars, racing cars do not have airbags! This may come as a surprise to you, but that is the truth. In racing cars, there is already 5 Point, 6 Point, or in some cases even 7 Point seatbelts that help restrict driver’s haywire motion in case of an accident. This multi-point seatbelt system does the job of airbags, thus eliminating the need for adding them in the first place.
Airbags have been a mandatory part of new vehicles for over two decades now, and the one that most people think about is sitting right in front of your face when driving. Inside the steering wheel, an airbag is mounted that deploys in a crash. The system is in place to prevent the driver’s head and face from smashing into the steering wheel and dash.
Aftermarket steering wheels can bring several advantages, including better driving feel, improved steering performance, sportier looks, and can even be theft deterrents if removed. But, most—if not all—aren’t equipped with an airbag either for weight savings, airbags being not competition safe, or because a manufacturer doesn’t want the liability of sending just anyone a steering wheel loaded with an explosive charge.
Vivid Racing will provide you with the right custom wheel that will create satisfying visual and tactile sensations, while enhancing your driving experience, and provide an unmatched appearance and exquisite feel when your hands are wrapped around the rim like you would the person you love the most.
The wheels we offer start as OEM steering wheels, but then they’re transformed by experienced craftsmen and fitted with your choice of leather, wood, carbon fiber or Alcantara.
Older vehicles are perfect with our classic and racing-style steering wheels which feature leather, real wood, and aluminum, stainless steel, or chrome spokes.
These spokes come with slots, holes, or in retro banjo style reminiscent of the cars of the 30s and 40s. We also have a large selection of hubs and adapters to fit these wheels to your vehicle, and you can complete the installation with a custom horn button available in styles and with logos to please any enthusiast. You can also customize your steering wheel and increase your comfort level with a custom steering wheel cover.
Vivid Racing carries high-performance parts for almost any need. Click these links to choose from our selection of Body Kits, Big Brake Kits, Seats, Custom Wheels and Tires, Engine Parts, Exhaust Parts, Intakes, Suspension, and Transmission Parts.
Buying from Vivid Racing is the best choice you can make. We back every part we sell with our guarantee of satisfaction.
Buy online or give one of our world-class sales professionals a call at 1-480-966-3040. If you don't see what you are looking for, Call Us.
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