Can a heated steering wheel be installed aftermarket?
Yes, it’s possible to add heat to a steering wheel after purchase, but it isn’t a universal or risk-free upgrade. The safest and most reliable path is to use an OEM-approved retrofit kit or have a certified technician handle the installation to protect airbag safety and vehicle electronics.
To understand the question more fully, this article examines available options, safety and regulatory considerations, typical costs, and what to expect during installation. It focuses on why compatibility with the airbag system matters, how different approaches compare, and how drivers should approach the decision.
Options to consider
Various routes exist for adding a heated steering wheel, each with its own safety implications, cost, and installation requirements.
These packages include a heated steering wheel designed to work with your car’s airbag system, plus wiring harnesses and software updates. Installation is typically performed by trained technicians, and availability varies by model and region. Some vendors offer wheels designed to be used with your car’s airbag and clockspring. These require professional installation to ensure proper airbag function and electronics integration. Plugs into the vehicle’s power supply and adds heat without replacing the wheel. They’re cheaper and easier but can affect grip, clearance, and are not always approved for use with all airbags or models. Modifications that bypass or disable the airbag system are dangerous, may be illegal in some regions, and can void warranties and insurance coverage.
Choosing among these options depends on the car model, budget, and how comfortable you are with potential warranty or regulatory implications.
Safety and regulatory considerations
Modifying a steering wheel that contains or interfaces with an airbag touches critical safety systems. Any retrofit or replacement must preserve airbag integrity, proper timing, and electrical communication with the vehicle’s modules.
Airbags and electronics
Installations should ensure the clock spring, connectors, control modules, and wiring are compatible with the steering wheel and heating element. In many modern cars, aftermarket changes require reprogramming or calibration after installation to avoid fault codes or deployment issues.
Warranty and insurance implications
Modifying the steering wheel system can affect factory warranties and insurance coverage. Some manufacturers forbid non-OEM modifications to the airbag system, and insurers may request documentation or reject claims if the modification is deemed unsafe or non-compliant.
Costs, time, and what to expect during installation
Costs vary widely by method and model. Dealer or factory retrofit installations can run from roughly a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the vehicle and region, plus labor. Cheaper plug-in covers are often under $100 but carry safety and compatibility caveats. Installation times can range from a few hours to a full day for a complete retrofit.
- Verify model compatibility and the availability of an official retrofit kit or a wheel designed for your vehicle’s airbag system.
- Arrange professional installation with a reputable shop or dealership experienced with airbag systems.
- Install the wheel, heating element, and wiring harness; confirm clockspring and airbag connectors are correctly seated and that the airbag system remains functional.
- Code or calibrate the system as needed and test for fault codes and proper heat function.
- Document the modification for warranty and insurance records and perform a final safety check.
Exact steps and requirements vary by model and installation method; some vehicles may require additional components or software updates.
Summary
Adding a heated steering wheel aftermarket is feasible, but it demands careful consideration of safety, compatibility, and warranty implications. The most prudent path is an OEM-approved retrofit or a professionally installed, airbag-compatible aftermarket wheel. Cheaper plug-in covers exist but may not meet safety standards or could affect warranties. Prioritize airbag integrity, proper installation, and manufacturer guidance to avoid safety risks.
Can a heated steering wheel be added aftermarket?
Yes, you can retrofit a heated steering wheel, but it's a complex process that often requires professional installation due to its complexity, which involves wiring, software coding, and compatible parts. For a less complex and expensive alternative, a heated steering wheel cover is available.
You can watch this video to see how a heated steering wheel is retrofitted in a BMW F30: 57sWhite Rose DrivesYouTube · Dec 30, 2021
Retrofitting a heated steering wheel
- Complexity: This is a difficult project involving electrical work, and it's recommended for those with experience or a professional mechanic.
- Components: The process requires a new heated steering wheel, a compatible clock spring, and a new button to control the heating.
- Software: Depending on your car, you may need to use special software to code the new heated steering wheel feature to activate it.
- Compatibility: Not all cars are compatible with aftermarket heated steering wheels, so you need to check if your car is designed for this kind of upgrade or if parts from a higher trim level can be adapted.
Alternative: Heated steering wheel covers
- Simplicity: Heated steering wheel covers are a much easier, cheaper, and DIY-friendly alternative to retrofitting a heated steering wheel.
- Cost: They are significantly cheaper than a full retrofitting job.
- Functionality: They provide the same basic function of a heated steering wheel by heating the wheel on contact.
You can also watch this video to see how to remove the airbag from the steering wheel for the retrofit process: 54sBMWORKZYouTube · Feb 3, 2024
What to consider before starting
- Professional help: If you're not an experienced mechanic, it's best to have a professional install the heated steering wheel.
- Cost: Factor in the cost of the parts and potential professional installation to make sure it's worth the investment.
- Car compatibility: Check with your car manufacturer or online forums for your specific vehicle model to see if it's possible to retrofit a heated steering wheel.
This video shows the process of retrofitting a heated steering wheel in a BMW F10: 52sSingle Malt MotorsYouTube · Feb 24, 2022
Can you install heated seats in a car that doesn't have them?
Yes, you can! Adding warmth to your seats is possible with an aftermarket kit, though the installation can be complex. Whether you're aiming for added comfort or trying to make those frosty mornings more bearable, here's what to know before moving forward.
Can you make a heated steering wheel?
Yes -- in most cars you can add a heated steering wheel, and there are three practical approaches: retrofit the factory-style heated rim, install an aftermarket steering-wheel heater pad, or fit a heated steering wheel assembly. Choice depends on vehicle, budget, desired appearance, and DIY skill.
How much does it cost to get a steering wheel retrimmed?
Our custom steering wheels start from £200 for a standard retrim. This can be leather, Alcantara or suede retrim with your choice of thread colour.
