For 1990-2009 cars

In addition to the steering function, the steering column provides safety and security. The energy-absorbing column is designed to compress in a front-end collision to lessen the chance of driver injury. The ignition switch and the lock are mounted on the column, allowing the ignition and steering operations to be locked to inhibit theft of the car. The column levers trigger the turn signals, the headlight beams, and the windshield washer and wipers. A tilt steering column uses a spherical joint to allow the steering wheel to tilt up and down. This enables the driver to adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position.