What is the name of the lever under the steering wheel?
3 Answers
The lever under the steering wheel, the one on the left is called the light control lever, and the one on the right is called the wiper control lever. Below is an introduction about the control levers: Both left and right control levers have their own distinct functions. Functions of the left control lever: Pushing the lever upward activates the right turn signal, pushing it downward activates the left turn signal. Turning it to the first small notch turns on the parking lights, the second small notch turns on the headlights, and pulling it upward activates the car's flashing light device. Functions of the right control lever: Pushing it downward activates the wiper function, which is used during rain or when the front windshield is not clear. Introduction to the steering wheel: It is the wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a skeleton, foam, and the corresponding installation clips or screw holes for the driver's airbag (DAB).
I've been driving a taxi for over a decade, and that small lever under the steering wheel is commonly referred to as the turn signal lever or directional control lever among us. Its primary function is to activate the turn signals - whether turning left or right, we rely on it to alert other vehicles, because safety always comes first. If the lever malfunctions and the signals don't work, it could easily lead to accidents. I once had a situation where the lever got stuck, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Different vehicles may have additional functions assigned to it - some even control the windshield wipers or high beams. The operation is simple, just a push or pull motion. However, prolonged use may cause looseness or poor contact, so regular inspections are necessary. Modern car designs are more user-friendly, but don't forget to perform periodic maintenance to ensure its responsiveness. Road safety is no trivial matter, and this small component plays a crucial role - never underestimate its importance.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for a while, the standard name for that lever under the steering column is the turn signal lever, specifically designed to control the operation of turn signals. During maintenance, we often encounter internal wear and short-circuit issues—lights may fail due to stuck springs or aged wiring, requiring inspection of the contacts. Sometimes, when drivers complain about non-functional wipers, it could also be a malfunction in the functions controlled by this lever. It's advisable to have technicians test its responsiveness during routine maintenance, rather than regretting it after an accident. Although vehicle designs vary widely, the core principle remains the same: it controls the lights to alert others via electrical current. Proper maintenance can save money and enhance safety.
