Whether the steering wheel is on the right or left side of the car depends on the country in which the car was designed and manufactured, as well as the local regulations regarding traffic flow. In countries where traffic flows on the right side of the road, such as the United States, the steering wheel is typically on the left side of the car. In countries where traffic flows on the left side of the road, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, the steering wheel is typically on the right side of the car. This arrangement allows the driver to have better visibility of oncoming traffic when overtaking or making turns.

Steering wheels can be categorized into various types based on their design, features, and functionality. Here are three common types of steering wheels:

1. Standard Steering Wheel: This is the most common type of steering wheel found in regular passenger vehicles. It consists of a circular rim with spokes extending from the center. It provides basic control for turning the vehicle and is equipped with features like an airbag, audio controls, and cruise control buttons in modern vehicles.
2. Sport Steering Wheel: Sport steering wheels are designed for performance-oriented vehicles. They often have a thicker rim, which provides better grip and control during aggressive driving. These steering wheels may have paddle shifters for manual gear control in automatic transmission vehicles. They are also more likely to feature materials like leather, Alcantara, or carbon fiber to enhance the sporty feel.
3. Multifunction Steering Wheel: Multifunction steering wheels are equipped with various buttons and controls that allow the driver to operate different functions without taking their hands off the wheel. These functions can include audio controls, phone controls, cruise control, navigation, and more. Multifunction steering wheels contribute to improved driver convenience and safety by minimizing distractions.

There are other specialized types of steering wheels as well, such as heated steering wheels, which have built-in heating elements to provide warmth during cold weather, and racing steering wheels designed specifically for use in motorsports vehicles.

Most cars on the road today use a type of steering system known as a “rack and pinion” steering system. Rack and pinion steering is a popular choice for modern vehicles due to its simplicity, compact design, and responsive handling characteristics. In this system, a rack (a linear gear) meshes with a pinion gear connected to the steering wheel.

Here’s how the rack and pinion steering system works:

1. Steering Wheel Input: When the driver turns the steering wheel, the motion is transmitted to the pinion gear, causing it to rotate.
2. Pinion and Rack Interaction: As the pinion gear rotates, it moves the rack linearly either to the left or right, depending on the direction of the steering wheel input.
3. Tie Rods and Wheels: The movement of the rack is connected to the front wheels through tie rods. These tie rods translate the linear motion of the rack into rotational motion of the wheels, causing them to turn accordingly.
4. Steering Column: The steering column connects the steering wheel to the pinion gear, transmitting the driver’s steering input to the rack.

Rack and pinion steering systems provide precise control and good feedback to the driver, making them suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger vehicles like SUVs. They are also compatible with power-assisted steering systems, where hydraulic or electric assistance is added to make steering easier, especially at low speeds or during parking.

It’s worth noting that while rack and pinion steering is the most common type in modern vehicles, there are other types of steering systems like recirculating ball steering (used in some trucks and older vehicles) and various electronic steering systems that have gained popularity due to advancements in technology.

The question of which steering system is “better” depends on various factors, including the specific needs, preferences, and priorities of the driver, as well as the type of vehicle and its intended use. Each type of steering system has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider what matters most to you.

Here’s a comparison of some common steering systems and their characteristics:

1. Rack and Pinion Steering:
   • Advantages: Offers precise control and responsive handling, generally lighter and more compact, good feedback to the driver, widely used in modern vehicles.
   • Disadvantages: Can feel overly sensitive at high speeds, potential for road vibrations to be felt through the steering wheel.
2. Recirculating Ball Steering:
   • Advantages: Can handle higher loads and forces, smoother operation at high speeds, can be more durable in certain applications.
   • Disadvantages: Generally less precise and responsive compared to rack and pinion, more complex mechanical design, less common in modern vehicles.
3. Electric Power Steering (EPS):
   • Advantages: Energy-efficient, allows for adjustable steering effort based on driving conditions, can be integrated with advanced driver assistance systems.
   • Disadvantages: Some systems might lack road feedback, potential for electronic failures, can feel artificial to some drivers.
4. Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS):
   • Advantages: Provides good road feedback, offers consistent steering effort regardless of engine speed, generally more familiar feel to traditional steering.
   • Disadvantages: Less energy-efficient compared to electric power steering, hydraulic fluid maintenance required.

Ultimately, the “better” steering system depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize precise and responsive handling, a rack and pinion system might be preferable. If you need a system that can handle heavier loads, a recirculating ball system might be suitable. Electric power steering offers flexibility and integration with modern vehicle technologies, while hydraulic power steering provides a more traditional feel.

It’s recommended to test drive vehicles with different steering systems to determine which one aligns best with your driving style and preferences.