Volante vs. sterzo
The Italian words volante and sterzo are both related to driving, but they refer to different parts of a car's steering system.
Volante
A2Volante means steering wheel in Italian. It is the circular device that the driver holds and turns to control the direction of the vehicle.
Ho comprato un volante sportivo per la mia auto.
(I bought a sports steering wheel for my car.)
Il volante è ricoperto in pelle.
(The steering wheel is covered in leather.)
Tieni le mani sul volante mentre guidi.
(Keep your hands on the steering wheel while driving.)
Sterzo
B1Sterzo refers to the entire steering system of a vehicle, including the steering wheel, steering column, and other components that allow the driver to control the direction of the car.
Lo sterzo della mia auto è molto sensibile.
(The steering of my car is very sensitive.)
Il meccanico ha riparato lo sterzo.
(The mechanic repaired the steering system.)
Questa auto ha lo sterzo assistito.
(This car has power steering.)
Summary
While volante specifically refers to the steering wheel, sterzo encompasses the entire steering system of a vehicle. Volante is the part you physically hold and turn, whereas sterzo includes all components involved in steering the car.