What are the pros and cons of a multifunction steering wheel?
2 Answers
Multifunction steering wheel benefits include: Drivers can directly control some in-car electronic devices from the steering wheel, eliminating the need to search for various buttons on the center console. This allows for greater focus on the road ahead, enhancing driving safety. The downside is that improper modifications may affect airbag deployment, potentially creating hazards. Below are relevant details: 1. Multifunction steering wheel: This refers to a steering wheel with function buttons placed on either side or beneath it, designed for easier driver operation. These controls typically include audio system adjustments and air conditioning regulation. 2. Development trend: Multifunction steering wheels represent an evolutionary direction in automotive steering technology. Since 2013, they've become standard equipment in many mid-range and luxury vehicles.
I've been driving cars with multifunction steering wheels for several years and feel they offer numerous advantages, especially for daily commuting. The biggest benefit is being able to directly control music, navigation, and phone calls on the steering wheel without reaching for buttons, making driving more focused and safer. For example, during traffic jams, you can easily switch songs or answer calls to avoid accidents; on highways, cruise control can be turned on/off with one button, which is convenient and worry-free. However, there are also many drawbacks: too many buttons can lead to accidental touches – I once tried to mute but ended up opening a menu, causing a frantic moment. Poor design makes them prone to dirt, water damage, and malfunction; my old car's buttons would become sluggish on rainy days. Repairs are troublesome with high labor costs due to complex disassembly. Overall, those who like them will love them, but when choosing a car, test the smoothness of operation to avoid the frustrations of budget models, thus enhancing driving pleasure while reducing risks.
