You need a steering wheel because it is the primary way the driver interacts with the steering system to control the direction of a vehicle.
The Core Function of the Steering Wheel
Based on the provided information, the fundamental reason for needing a steering wheel is its role within the vehicle's steering system.
- Driver Input: The steering wheel is specifically defined as "the part of the steering system that the driver manipulates". This means it is the interface through which the driver provides instructions on where to go.
- System Response: The reference further states that "the rest of the steering system responds to such driver inputs". The act of turning the steering wheel sends signals (mechanical, hydraulic, or electronic, depending on the system) to the components that actually turn the wheels.
Essentially, without the steering wheel, the driver would have no direct means to communicate their desired direction to the parts of the vehicle that control steering. It translates the driver's intended path into actions performed by the steering mechanism.
Steering Wheel Applications
While the core function remains consistent, steering wheels are necessary across a wide range of vehicles:
- Automobiles: Cars of all types rely on a steering wheel for direction control.
- Buses & Trucks: Larger vehicles like buses and trucks also use steering wheels, often with power steering systems to assist with the effort required.
- Other Vehicles: The reference notes their use in tractors and tanks, highlighting their importance in diverse land-based vehicles where driver-controlled steering is essential.
In summary, the steering wheel is indispensable because it serves as the critical link, allowing the driver to provide the necessary inputs that make the vehicle turn.
