What is the purpose of the small hole under the steering wheel?
2 Answers
The function of the small hole under the steering wheel is to allow the airbag to deploy in the event of a car collision, serving as an important safety device to protect the driver. The airbag is designed to pop out from the center of the steering wheel by pushing open the cover in the center. It then rapidly inflates with gas within a very short time. The gaps on the steering wheel are very small, but the area where the car logo is placed in the center is extremely smooth. Beneath this smooth surface, there is usually an ultra-thin gap, only 0.05mm thick. This design ensures that there is minimal resistance when the airbag deploys, preventing any hindrance to its activation.
That small hole under the steering wheel isn't just a random design—it's primarily there to facilitate maintenance of the airbag system. When replacing the steering wheel or servicing the airbag, technicians can insert tools through this hole to loosen components, avoiding the need to dismantle entire panels and saving labor time. I used to do this often in the workshop, and it made the job much quicker and safer. Additionally, some car models use this hole to conceal diagnostic ports or for wiring purposes, such as installing Bluetooth devices. Overall, it reflects thoughtful design, reducing repair costs while ensuring daily driving reliability. If you encounter it during modifications, be careful not to poke around randomly to avoid accidentally damaging internal wiring.
