Your Mini Cooper steering wheel is what connects you to the road, giving you feedback as to how your vehicle is handling. Many people install aftermarket performance steering wheels to help increase this feel, as they are often of more solid construction and therefore transfer more information to the driver. Your Mini Cooper steering wheel is right in front of you every time you drive, so it makes sense that many consider it to be one of the most important changes you can make to enhance your driving experience.

Steering wheels which are larger than your Mini Cooper factory wheel will make steering easier and smoother in motion, while smaller wheels will require more driver input but will allow for finer steering input and control. In almost all cases, aftermarket steering wheels require the purchase and use of a steering adapter (sometimes referred to as a "steering boss"), which takes the place of your factory steering wheel's hub and allows the new steering wheel to be bolted on. Some Mini Cooper owners prefer to just dress up their factory steering wheels with accessories such as leather covers and inserts, which go over the original wheel.

Q: Do you need to buy anything with the steering wheel to make sure it installs properly?
A: All steering wheels require a car specific hub adapter for installation. You cannot install the steering wheel without the hub adapter. Depending on the steering wheel, most use either 6-bolt hubs or 5-bolt hubs.

Q: How do you install a steering wheel?
A: A steering wheel is installation is a bolt-on procedure once the hub is installed. When your hub is installed there are screws in the center of the steering wheel that attach to the face of the hub. Screw down all the hardware and you will be good to go.

Q: Why buy a steering wheel?
A: Nothing adds a more dramatic new look to your interior than a custom steering wheel. It gives your car that race feel that really makes driving enjoyable.

Q: Can I install an aftermarket steering wheel if my vehicle has an airbag?
A: In recent years, certain aftermarket steering wheel manufacturers have started producing airbag-equipped wheels for newer, popular applications (such as newer Ford Mustangs), so owners of more contemporary vehicles may be in luck if they want a more stylish steering wheel. While it is possible to replace your airbag steering wheel with a more traditional aftermarket steering wheel and hub adapter, there are some issues to take note of if doing so. First, you will obviously lose the airbag itself, and your airbag warning light will likely stay on. Second, you may lose any functions that your factory steering wheel allows, such as radio controls and/or cruise control. Finally, there are some instances where you will lose the self-cancelling feature of your turn signals. In the end, it's up to you to decide how comfortable you are not having an airbag in your steering wheel, and we can make no claims as to the legality of making any changes to your safety restraint system. Removing your factory airbag may not be legal depending on where you live. If it's not legal where you live, then you can only remove your airbag if your vehicle is exclusively used offroad (e.g., a race track). If in doubt, contact your local enforcement agency and/or insurance company to see what is and isn't allowed in your area.