Ford Heated Steering Wheel? (Read This First)

Reliable trucks such as the Ford F150 series are excellent vehicles. They are capable of journeying through rough terrains and roads.

They can also function optimally through extreme weather conditions.

The heated steering wheel is one feature that makes driving in extreme conditions possible and comfortable.

Whether you’re familiar with the feature, you should know that it is crucial. Does Ford offer this service? Let’s answer the question and many more.

Yes, heated steering wheels are available in several Ford super-duty trucks. The Heated Steering wheel is part of the standard feature on many Ford trucks. But there are many options available for owners that want to enjoy this feature but don’t have it in their car. We shall discuss those options. 

Does Ford offer a Heated Steering Wheel?

Ford trucks provide the heated steering wheel feature to make your journey easier. This feature is crucial to better control and maneuvering.

How’s that? A better grip on the wheel gives you much power of control while driving. 

A drive through snowy roads or terrains during winter can be quite challenging. The struggle to stay active through the cold is one thing.

Maneuvering through rough off-road paths in the cold while holding cold steering is another. 

You have to be extra careful in these conditions to stay on course. Ford has just what you need to remain on alert and cautious. 

A better grip is only possible because your steering wheel is heated. This warmth wakes up the nerves and blood cells on your palm.

So in a way, you don’t develop cold feet, or in this case, cold palms, when driving. 

Ford provides this feature for various trucks that are particularly off-road trucks. If you are a regular road user, this feature comes in handy during winter. 

A warm grip can be all you need to keep safe while driving from home to work. 

What is Heated Steering Wheel?

The heated steering wheel feature is a system installed in your truck to keep your wheels warm before you set out for a journey.

It does this by converting electric energy from the engine to heat energy that heats the fabric of your steering wheel. 

Heated steering wheels are not just simple installations. It is a system of sophisticated configurations.

The working module is a function of the external temperature. 

The system has target settings for temperature. The plan aims not just to heat your steering but to achieve a certain level.

The colder the environment, the longer it takes to reach the recommended temperature. 

Once it reaches the temperature, the heating stops automatically. For some models, the wheels maintain this temperature.

For other models, the wheels start to cool, and after a while, the steering wheel heated feature becomes active again.

This maintenance of equilibrium can continue for more than three hours before automatically shutting down.

For most drivers, that should be ample time to wake their palms, so to speak, to a better grip on the wheels.

The system is not just a simple feature. However, the good news is that you can always add a heated steering wheel feature if it is not standard for your current Ford truck. 

Aftermarket options come in different designs. These designs include a leather steering wheel or any other fabric of your choice. 

How do You Turn on a Heated Steering Wheel on a Ford?

The latest Ford F150 models are straightforward to turn the heated steering wheel feature as long as you can work your way through the touch screen on your Ford F150 series. 

For example, the lariat steering wheel has the heating feature under the climate icon on the screen.

Click on the screen section, and a new list of icons comes up.

The heated steering wheel button is usually the first at the top left corner. Press it to toggle between on and off. 

You see a button with a steering wheel icon on it. The steering wheel then has three curved arrows pointing up.

This icon is the button you are to press. The system turns on immediately.

For cars without the information screen, the button is usually among the series of buttons on the wheel. 

Ford trucks with the remote start feature can also operate the heated steering feature remotely.

Once the configuration is complete, the feature comes on as soon as your start the car remotely.

This option gives you time to heat the steering wheel before starting your journey. 

Can I Install Heated Steering Wheel? 

Some models of Ford SUVs do not have this system as standard equipment. Sometimes, the same model has a different package, and some packages do not have features.

For example, you get a ford heated steering wheel feature when you request the Ford F150 Lariat ultimate package. 

However, installation is possible if your current truck does not have this feature. What’s more?

You have more than one option available to you. Your choice depends on the condition and features of your car. 

#1. The Heated Steering Wheel Harness

The heated steering wheel harness is all you need in your car to achieve your goal. In addition, the harness makes it possible to add a heated steering wheel to your vehicle. 

This feature is available for Ford trucks starting from the 2015 model. You get to enjoy OEM installation from Ford.

You can install the Ford heating system with the heated steering wheel harness. 

#2. Aftermarket Heating Steering Wheels

You can replace the whole steering wheel with one with the heating feature. This replacement requires professional input.

And this option requires changing the board, the engine’s wiring, and other inputs. 

There are various companies with aftermarket options available to you. That said, experts must handle this replacement process. 

This feature is the next best thing if you don’t have the harness option.

#3. Heated Steering Wheel Covers

If the above options seem too stressful or you’re considering cost, there is one option left to explore. You can get heated steering wheel covers for your wheels.

This option is the cheapest and easiest to get. 

You can get a leather steering wheel cover with a plugin option. You plug it in your car, and it starts heating up.

The heated steering wheel cover also changes the interior look of your car and protects your wheel from wear and tear.

This option helps change the interior look of your vehicle. It also protects the wheel from wear and tear. 

Pros and Cons of the Heated Steering Wheel

There are two sides to a coin. The heated steering wheel comes at some cost for all the good it offers. It is essential to learn about both the pros and cons.

Then you can decide if you still want the feature or not. Here are a few pros and cons to note:

#1. Pros

• Comfort on cold days.
• Better grip and control
• Increases alertness behind the wheels

#2. Cons

• Faster tear and wear based on the frequency of use
• Consumes more fuel.
• An adverse effect of heat on the vehicle’s interior. 

Final Thoughts

Ford makes your journey through the cold, comfortable one. This comfort is possible thanks to this amazing feature.

You can add a heated steering wheel to your car or purchase a vehicle with the feature as standard equipment. Ford F150 affords you a comfortable ride. Enjoy your ride!