How To Adjust The Steering Wheel In Any Car - WikiHow

Home » How To Lower Steering Wheel » How To Adjust The Steering Wheel In Any Car - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Lower Your Steering Wheel Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Push down on the release lever. 2 Adjust the steering wheel up, down, forward, or back. 3 Push the lever back up to lock the steering wheel. 4 Check that the steering wheel is steady before driving. + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Hannah Madden Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: January 17, 2026 Fact Checked

X

This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 39,902 times.

Is your steering wheel just a tad too high? Not a problem—in most cars, there’s a simple way to adjust your steering wheel and make it comfortable for you. Keep reading to learn how to lower your steering wheel and lock it back into place before hitting the road again.

Things You Should Know

  • Push down on the release lever on the left side of your steering wheel to unlock it.
  • Adjust your steering wheel up, down, forwards, or backwards by pushing and pulling on it.
  • Lock your steering wheel again by pushing up on the release lever.

Steps

1

Push down on the release lever.

  1. Find the steering wheel release lever on the left side of the steering wheel. Find the steering wheel release lever on the left side of the steering wheel. Once you find it, push down gently to release the steering wheel and unlock it.[1]
    • This lever is usually right next to or underneath the steering column. Typically, it’s about 4 in (10 cm) long.
    • In some electric vehicles, the process for adjusting your steering wheel is different. If you’re in a Tesla, hit Controls > Steering, then use the arrows to move your steering wheel up and down.
    2. Advertisement
2

Adjust the steering wheel up, down, forward, or back.

  1. Grab the steering wheel and move it to your desired position. Grab the steering wheel and move it to your desired position. When the steering wheel is unlocked, grab it with both hands and push it down to lower it. You can also pull it up to raise it, or you can move it forwards and backwards.[2]
    • Adjust the steering wheel so that the top of the wheel is about as high as the top of your shoulder. Make sure that your arms are relaxed while holding the wheel for the perfect placement.
    • As you adjust, make sure you can still see the dashboard of your car behind the steering wheel.
3

Push the lever back up to lock the steering wheel.

  1. Lock your steering wheel again with the same release lever. Lock your steering wheel again with the same release lever. Once you have the steering wheel adjusted to your liking, simply push the lever back up into place.[3] If the lever is sticking slightly, wiggle the steering wheel just a little bit as you push up on the lever.
    • If your position still doesn’t feel quite right, try messing with your seat instead of the steering wheel. Adjust your seat to scoot forward or backward to find the most comfortable position for you.
    2. Advertisement
4

Check that the steering wheel is steady before driving.

  1. Push and pull on the steering wheel to make sure it’s locked. Push and pull on the steering wheel to make sure it’s locked. It’s dangerous to drive with an unlocked steering wheel, so do a quick safety check before you hit the road again. Push, pull, and turn the steering wheel to make sure it stays in place.[4]
    • If the steering wheel moves, push down on the lever and then push it back up again.

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Ideally, the steering wheel should be about 10 in (25 cm) away from you. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never adjust your steering wheel while driving. Always stop your car in a safe location and put it in park before adjusting.[5] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Unlock Steering Wheel Without KeyHow to Fix a Frozen Steering Wheel (Push to Start or Keyed) Fix a Locked Steering WheelHow toFix a Locked Steering Wheel Adjust Seating to the Proper Position While DrivingHow toAdjust Seating to the Proper Position While Driving Adjust a Ford EcoSport SeatHow toAdjust a Ford EcoSport Seat Replace Leather on a Steering WheelHow toReplace Leather on a Steering Wheel Adjust Office Chair HeightHow toAdjust Office Chair Height Adjust HandlebarsHow to Adjust Bike Handlebars: Change the Height and Angle Adjust Your Seat BeltHow toAdjust Your Seat Belt Adjust a Torsion BarHow toAdjust a Torsion Bar Drive a ForkliftHow to Use a Forklift Like a Pro: Driving, Parking, and Loading Drive a TeslaHow to Drive a Tesla: The Complete Guide Steer Your CarHow toSteer Your Car Install a Steering ColumnHow toInstall a Steering Column Reset Steering Angle Sensor Without ScannerHow to Reset Your Steering Angle Sensor Without an OBD-2 Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://owners.kia.com/content/dam/kia/us/owners/pdf/2019/2019-Kia-Sportage-Vehicle-Feature-Tips-min.pdf
  2. ↑ https://owners.kia.com/content/dam/kia/us/owners/pdf/2019/2019-Kia-Sportage-Vehicle-Feature-Tips-min.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2016/cx5/contents/04050100.html
  4. ↑ https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2016/cx5/contents/04050100.html
  5. ↑ https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_us/GUID-DEB259CC-ABAC-4BFC-8D10-B7B1BBCFCB1F.html

About This Article

Jason Shackelford Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 39,902 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 17, 2026 Views: 39,902 Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,902 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jason Shackelford Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician 4 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 17, 2026 Views: 39,902

Quizzes & Games

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizTraffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlayWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Unlock Steering Wheel Without KeyHow to Fix a Frozen Steering Wheel (Push to Start or Keyed)Fix a Locked Steering WheelHow toFix a Locked Steering WheelAdjust Seating to the Proper Position While DrivingHow toAdjust Seating to the Proper Position While DrivingAdjust a Ford EcoSport SeatHow toAdjust a Ford EcoSport Seat

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I Quiz151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?The Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign BeautifulThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Are You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizTake QuizAm I Selfish QuizAm I Selfish QuizTake QuizAm I Misogynistic? Get Answers HereAm I Misogynistic? Get Answers HereTake QuizYoga Pose RecommenderYoga Pose RecommenderGenerateGuess My Age QuizGuess My Age QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Cars
  • Car Maintenance and Repair
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --399

Tag » How To Lower Steering Wheel