Negative Effects of Modifying Car Steering Wheel
As a vehicle owner, you surely have the desire to beautify the appearance of your vehicle according to your heart's desire. Many people enjoy enhancing their vehicles by making modifications. In cars, modifications typically include changing the steering wheel, replacing the exhaust, changing the rims, installing a short shifter, adding a body kit, installing a cold air intake, putting on stickers, and modifying the interior.
Changing the steering wheel has long been a common practice among car owners. Several factors lead car owners to enjoy modifying their car's steering wheel, including the following:
Reasons Car Owners Modify Their Steering Wheels
One reason car owners modify their steering wheels is their preference for the classic car style that features a manual steering wheel with a classic and simple shape, without additional features and buttons on the wheel. Additionally, many drivers modify their cars to look cooler and more stylish like a racer by replacing the regular steering wheel with a racing steering wheel to resemble those found in race cars.
Although steering wheel modifications have been common for a long time, such modifications are now discouraged because newer cars are generally equipped with airbags that can protect drivers in the event of unforeseen circumstances like accidents. Therefore, modifying the steering wheel is considered to pose certain dangers. Do you know what the negative effects of modifying a car by changing the steering wheel are? Let's take a look at the information from us.
Risks of Modifying Car Steering Wheels
1. Dangerous in the event of an accident
It has been mentioned that cars are now equipped with airbags that can automatically inflate during certain events like accidents; this airbag functions to protect the driver's head from impacts, thereby minimizing injuries during an accident. Steering wheels that have safety and security systems for drivers should not be modified. Without the airbag, it can endanger lives in the event of an accident. However, if you still wish to modify the steering wheel, ensure that the airbag in the car's steering wheel still functions properly even after the modification.
2. Features may not work
Unlike steering wheels from the 80s to 90s, modern steering wheels come with features and buttons around the wheel. These features can include audio controls, volume adjustment, radio, CD, USB, and buttons for answering calls, which can make it easier for drivers. Additionally, after the steering wheel installation, warning indicators on the instrument panel and MID screen may malfunction or even completely stop working after installation. If you modify the steering wheel, it is highly likely that these features will be lost and cease to function. Therefore, if you appreciate these features on the steering wheel, you may want to reconsider your intention to modify your car's steering wheel.
3. Short circuit in the wiring
The process of changing the steering wheel will certainly require alterations to the car's wiring, which can pose the danger of short circuits. During the steering wheel replacement process, the positive and negative battery cables must be disconnected to ensure the safety of the airbag inflator installation on the steering wheel and to prevent it from exploding due to a short circuit. This airbag inflator is crucial for transferring the airbag from the old steering wheel to the new one so that the modified steering wheel still has an airbag to support your safety.
Now you are aware of the dangers of modifying the steering wheel, especially if the modification is not done by an expert, which can lead to greater risks. Therefore, if you want to modify your Daihatsu car, you can consult with our team at the Daihatsu dealer in your city!
