 |
| www.amalgamcollection.com |
Many think of the steering wheel of their race car as a styling accessory but it is the primary device we use to control the vehicle. Here are a few items to consider when choosing your next wheel:
Rim Width
Choose a wheel with a comfortable grip width. It should fit your hand without causing cramps or fatigue. Every time we see an older vintage race car we wonder how the drivers of old steered with those skinny wood rimmed wheels.
Grip Material
Choose the material that is most comfortable in the hand rather than what looks the best. They come in a variety of options including Leather, Suede, Dense Foam Rubber or custom fitted grips.
 |
| www.amalgamcollection.com |
This boils down to driver preference really, but there are a few keys points in that whatever you choose should be slip free when dry or wet.
Glove Test
Test grip each wheel option with your gloves on. The glove material will make a difference in how the wheel feels in your hand.
Wheel Diameter and Shape
The overall diameter of the wheel is also very important. In some cars where space is limited, you may want to consider using a small steering wheels in either a “D” shape or a “Butterfly”.
 |
| www.finemodelcars.com |
If you have more room, the use of a larger wheel is encouraged simply because a larger diameter wheel provides more leverage which requires less turning effort. Sort of like adding power steering. Typical sizing runs from 250mm to 360mm with European wheels or 10 inches to 17 inches for US wheels.
Hubs
Quick release hubs are inexpensive and make getting in and out easier. Most importantly they make it easier for safety crews to get at you in times of need. There are two standard types of release hubs. A Button or a Ring release.
With the Button type, you have to press a button to pull the wheel off. This works fine with the wheel aligned straight ahead, but what about after you whack the outside wall? Where is the button now?
 |
| www.finemodelcars.com |
With the Ring type, you can simply pull back on the ring to release the wheel regardless of where the wheel is pointed. Cost should never be a factor when it comes to safety and we highly recommend the Ring type quick release hubs.
Wheel Stripe
Last but not least, almost every driver has a little stripe on the wheel at the 12 o'clock position. From World Rally to NASCAR to ALMS, everyone has it. This indicates straight ahead and helps you align your wheel properly on it's hub so you don't have to hope your steering is aligned with which way your tires are pointing.