Are Steering Wheels Universal?

The steering wheel is one of the most critical components in any car. It controls the direction of the car's movement by turning the front wheels left or right. But are they universal?

No, steering wheels are not universal. Steering wheels can vary from one car model to another in terms of size, shaft diameter, number of splines, and how the airbag is fitted. In addition, the construction of the steering column and the bolt pattern holding it in place also varies between aftermarket steering wheels.

So how can you know what steering wheel fits your car and which one to buy as a replacement?

How Do I Know What Steering Wheel Fits?

The steering wheel only fits when it has a compatible bolt pattern with your car's hub.

Also known as Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD), the bolt pattern is the specification of how a steering wheel attaches to the hub in your vehicle. The terms refer to the diameter of an imaginary circle that the center of the wheel lugs form.

Any steering wheel you choose must have a compatible PCD specification to fit your car. The different options currently available on the market include the following:

• 3 x 1.75-inch PCD means 3 wheel lugs arranged around a 1.75-inch diameter circle.
• 5 x 2.75-inch PCD means 5 bolt holes placed around a 2.75-inch circle.
• 6 x 70 mm PCD measures 70 mm in diameter and has 6 wheel lugs.
• 6 x 74 mm PCD has 6 wheel lugs arranged in a circle measuring 74 mm in diameter.
• 6 x 2.75-inch PCD consists of a 2.75-inch circle with 6 bolt holes.

Suppose the steering wheel you want to purchase does not have a compatible bolt pattern. In that case, many aftermarket steering wheel manufacturers also supply PCD or hub adapters that can safely modify the bolt pattern of your vehicle's hub to suit the steering wheel that you want to install.

How Do I Know What Steering Wheel To Buy?

You can find out what steering wheel to buy by looking at the following aspects:

• Bolt Pattern : You should buy a wheel compatible with the bolt pattern in your vehicle's hub; otherwise, you'll need to use a hub adapter to make it fit.
• Shape : You can choose between round, open-top, and flat-bottom wheels. Open-top steering wheels improve gauge visibility in dedicated track cars. Buy a flat bottom steering wheel to clear up more leg room to get in and out of the vehicle easily. The factory steering wheel on most passenger cars is round in shape.
• Size : Aftermarket steering wheels usually range from 14.5 to 16 inches in diameter. Smaller wheels free up more cabin space and have faster steering inputs. Larger steering wheels may occupy more room but provide a more effortless steering experience.
• Dish : Dish is the measurement of the distance between the centerline of the steering wheel and the mounting surface. A deep dish steering wheel sits close to you, while flat wheels remain far and are more comfortable.
• Grip Circumference : The steering wheel grip circumference does not matter from the performance perspective. You can buy a steering wheel that you can grip most comfortably.

Do All Steering Wheel Covers Fit All Cars?

No, not all steering wheel covers fit all cars. For example, most steering wheels range from 14.5 to 16 inches in diameter. Hence, most steering wheel covers are also sold in corresponding sizes.

You should measure your steering wheel with a tape measure to find its diameter and choose a steering wheel cover in the correct size.

Alternatively, check our steering wheel size data or other sites that provide steering wheel sizes.

Final Thoughts

The steering wheel is essential for a car to operate smoothly. Replacing a worn-out steering wheel is necessary for a smooth driving experience.

When looking at replacement steering wheels, choose a model with a bolt pattern compatible with your vehicle's hub. Or you'll need to use a PCD adapter to make it fit.

If you don't like the way your existing steering wheel looks, you can use a steering wheel cover to make it look different. Just be sure to choose one in the correct size.