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7 Best Steering Wheel Covers – (Reviews & Guide 2022)

With the best steering wheel cover for your car, you’ll feel confident and comfortable on the road, no matter how long the drive. A steering wheel cover can help if you’re simply looking for a way to protect your wheel from normal wear and tear, or a way to freshen up your car’s interior. Having a nice cover is a matter of both comfort and aesthetics, so why not take some time to learn something on this topic.

In order to help you choose an ideal model for you, we prepared a comprehensive buying guide and unbiased steering wheel cover reviews for our favorite models. We hope it helps you find the cover that will make your drives more pleasant.

See The Quick Comparison Chart

Is a Steering Wheel Cover Necessary?

Best Steering Wheel CoverA steering wheel is arguably the single most important part of your vehicle. It lets you interact with your vehicle, giving you control over it. However, steering wheels get worn out, and as they suffer normal wear and tear, they gradually become more uncomfortable, and less reliable. In fact, after some use, a leather steering wheel can become unbearably slippery, to the point where it becomes dangerous to drive with. It’s in cases like this that a steering wheel cover becomes an absolute necessity.

However, most fairly new cars don’t have this problem yet – they still didn’t receive as much use and damage. But even in such cases, it’s a good idea to put on a steering wheel cover. That’s mainly because covers prevent damage, letting you enjoy driving your car for longer, but also because covers add to the comfort of driving. A steering wheel cover does not only let you change the interior design of your car for a very low price, but it also provides additional comfort for your hands. They improve comfort by ensuring a firm grip and a soft, padded experience which lets you hold onto the steering wheels for hours on end without discomfort and driver fatigue.

Benefits of Steering Wheel Covers

A steering wheel cover is not a necessary part of your driving gear, but it will definitely help you steer with more ease and comfort. On the other hand, it may also save you a buck, or help you keep your car in a top-notch condition. Let’s take a look at all of the benefits a steering wheel cover brings to the table.

1. Improved Control

Wear and tear are completely normal when it comes to leather steering wheels. After a while, even luxury name brand car steering wheels get worn out, and they become slippery, uncomfortable, and generally hard to hold and control. This is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous, especially when you’re on roads with sharp turns and corners. If your car’s steering wheel starts losing its texture or becomes slippery, it’s time to improve your driving safety with a cover. A steering wheel cover successfully tackles this problem, and it ensures you get the best possible grip on your steering wheel again. With a cover, your car will once again be completely under your control.

For ensuring the safety over your steering wheel, you can also check our top-rated steering wheel lock guide.

2. More Comfort

Steering Wheel Cover ReviewsNot only do worn-out steering wheels get harder to control, but they also get quite uncomfortable to hold in a long run. With normal wear and tear, leather hardens and becomes too tough for a firm grip. In fact, many people get blisters if they have to make long drives with only their car’s steering wheel, and this problem gets worse with time. This problem is further made worse in the peaks of winter or summer when the leather steering wheels become hard to hold due to the temperature. Worn out leather does not mix well with summer sweat, so driving in the summer can become unbearable.

Steering wheel covers solve both of these problems. First of all, they are typically made out of two layers – an inner rubber layer, and a piece of outer fabric with padding. Together, they result in a steering wheel that is comfortable to grasp and hold for a long time. Secondly, a cover can provide a fresh, new material to hold on to, which can make your grasp more comfortable and prevent excessive sweating.

3. Longevity and Protection

As we already mentioned, any steering wheel deteriorates and wears out over time and with use. If your goal is to preserve your vehicle and keep it in top-notch condition for a long time, a steering wheel cover can provide just the protection you need. A steering wheel cover can cover up the damage that already happened. It can also prevent further wear and tear by enveloping the original wheel of the vehicle, thus protecting it. Furthermore, steering wheel covers are rather affordable, so they’re quite easy to replace every once in a while when the old one starts getting less comfortable.

4. Elegance and Design

Finally, the upside to steering wheel covers is that they can simply make your car’s interior look more attractive. After all, many people spend several hours in their cars on a daily basis. It’s just natural to want to make such a frequently visited space look its best. You can find various designs of steering wheel covers available on the market. They range from the very elegant, textured covers, over fancy ones with simple colors, to goofy, colorful models. Mix and match these with your vehicle’s upholstery and the best backseat organizers, and you can give your car a makeover – a fresh new look for very little money.

Best Steering Wheel Covers Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
SEG Direct Black Microfiber Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover Universal 15 inch

SEG Direct Black Microfiber Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover Universal 15 inch

  • Price: $$
  • Customer Rating: 4.4
  • Size: 15 inches
  • Material: Microfiber Leather
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Mayco Bell Car Steering Wheel Cover

Mayco Bell Car Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $
  • Customer Rating: 4.4
  • Size: 15 inches
  • Material: PU Leather
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Aumo-mate 38CM Car Steering Wheel Cover

Aumo-mate 38CM Car Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $$
  • Customer Rating: 4.4
  • Size: 15 inches
  • Material: PU Leather
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GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover

GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $$
  • Customer Rating: 4.5
  • Size: 14.5 inches
  • Material: PU Leather
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Yanda Car Suede Cowhide Steering Wheel Cover

Yanda Car Suede Cowhide Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $$$
  • Customer Rating: 4.5
  • Size: 15 inches
  • Material: Suede
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Plasticolor Jeep Steering Wheel Cover

Plasticolor Jeep Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $
  • Customer Rating: 4.3
  • Size: 15.5 inches
  • Material: PU Leather
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Auto-living Faux Wool Fluffy Steering Wheel Cover

Auto-living Faux Wool Fluffy Steering Wheel Cover

  • Price: $
  • Customer Rating: 4.7
  • Size: 15 inches
  • Material: Faux Wool
View On Amazon

Best Steering Wheel Cover Reviews

1. SEG Direct Black Microfiber Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover Universal 15 inch

SEG Direct Black Microfiber Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover Universal 15 inchHere we have a stylish model which comes in various color combinations, made by SEG Direct. This steering wheel cover is made out of durable microfiber leather, which imitates many good qualities of genuine leather. The material is odorless, so you won’t have to deal with strange smells in your vehicle. This cover will fit any steering wheel which has between 14.5 and 15 inches in diameter. The outer layer of this cover is made out of high-quality microfiber leather, while the inner side is covered with rubber. This ensures your cover stays in place, and you keep total control. The cover doesn’t have any additional embossing apart from the typical leather texture. It’s still quite comfortable to hold, and it’s actually very soft and well padded. This cover is not stitched after you put it on. In fact, the inner portion of your steering wheel may stay exposed as this cover doesn’t wrap completely around. If your goal is to protect a deteriorating steering wheel, this is not a good choice. If you don’t mind the slight gap, this is a good choice of a good-looking, high-quality cover.

Pros

  • Made out of high-quality microfiber leather
  • The sleek design is quite elegant

Cons

  • It doesn’t completely wrap around steering wheels

2. Mayco Bell Car Steering Wheel Cover

Mayco Bell Car Steering Wheel CoverOur next pick is a stylish Mayco Bell model. It comes in a variety of colors combined with a black base, including grey, blue, red, beige, white, and pure black. It’s made out of high-quality microfiber leather. The material is plush and soft, so it’s easy to hold and steer with. The breathable material makes sweaty hands less of a problem now. However, the stitching on this cover is not the best, so threads may go loose after a while. The material is odorless, so you don’t have to worry about getting your car interior smelling strange. The inner layer of the cover is made out of rubber, so you can rest assured that this cover won’t skid or glide around your steering wheel. In fact, it will snugly and securely fit any steering wheel of the outer diameter between 14.5 and 15 inches. As with most other steering wheel covers, this one is not wrapped around the entire steering wheel. This makes its grip circumference adjustable, but also leaves an inner part of your steering wheel seen through the slit.

Pros

  • High-quality microfiber leather material comes in many colors
  • Odorless and comfortable

Cons

  • The threads may come loose quickly

3. Aumo-mate 38CM Car Steering Wheel Cover

Aumo-mate 38CM Car Steering Wheel CoverAumo-mate makes our next pick. It’s a fancy steering wheel cover that comes in many colors. The different colored covers are covered in rhinestones that sparkle and shine in the sun, making for a very stylish car interior. This steering wheel cover is made out of PU leather, and it’s well-padded, very soft, and textured, all of which makes it comfortable to touch and hold. The material is odorless, although you can feel a faint factory smell while it’s still fresh out of the box. The inner layer is made out of rubber, which ensures the cover fits snugly around your steering wheel. The rhinestones are, in fact, bolted through the rubber, so they don’t fall off easily. However, there’s a downside to this – their rivets may leave a mark on your original steering wheel, especially if it’s made out of very soft material. This cover fits any steering wheel which has up to 15 inches in the outer diameter. There’s no need to stitch it, you only need to fit it onto the steering wheel, and it stays in place.

Pros

  • A beautiful design decorated with rhinestones
  • Very soft and comfortable to hold

Cons

  • The bolted through rhinestones may leave a mark on your steering wheel

4. GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover

GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel CoverOur next model is called GripDrive, and it’s a sporty black design with very good performance. This model is made out of PU leather, and it’s a cover that you don’t need to stitch together. As with similar non-stitching covers, it doesn’t completely wrap around the steering wheel, leaving it exposed through a small gap on the inner side. The material doesn’t have any odor, apart for the first few minutes after it’s unpacked. It doesn’t heat up or cool down easily, so it can make extreme weather more bearable. The sides of this faux leather cover have an ergonomic design with finger bumps that ensure a superior grip. However, many people say that the stitching is too tough on their hands, making the cover somewhat uncomfortable. This model is made for smaller steering wheels, and it fits diameters between 13.5 and 14.5 inches. The rubber inner lining ensures a tight fit and no slipping. If you’re looking for a cover for a smaller steering wheel, this model is a good choice.

Pros

  • The ergonomic design of the sides ensures a great grip
  • Designed for smaller steering wheels between 13.5 and 14.5 inches

Cons

  • The stitching on the cover can be uncomfortable to hold

5. Yanda Car Suede Cowhide Steering Wheel Cover

Yanda Car Suede Cowhide Steering Wheel CoverYanda makes the next model we chose. This model is made out of a combination of elk suede and microfiber leather. The suede used to make this steering wheel cover is great, and it’s very soft and pleasant to touch. Along with the padded and ergonomically shaped design, this makes for a steering wheel cover with superior comfort. The design is quite simple, including black and grey materials. This cover should be stitched after it’s put on, but installation is not at all difficult. The stitching ensures that the cover completely encloses your steering wheel. So, if your goal is to preserve your car’s original steering system, this cover is a good solution. Like with other models, you can leave this cover in the sun or warm it up with a hairdryer to loosen up the rubber inner lining, making the cover easier to put onto the steering wheel. It will fit any steering wheel which has between 14.5 and 15 inches in its outer diameter. This cover is odorless, so it won’t make your car smell funny. Overall, this is a good, high-quality cover.

Pros

  • Stitched, making it enclose and wrap around the entire steering wheel
  • Soft, plush suede material combined with microfiber leather

Cons

  • Suede is not a good material choice for sweaty hands

6. Plasticolor Jeep Steering Wheel Cover

Plasticolor Jeep Steering Wheel CoverOur next model is made by Plasticolor, and it’s a pretty, plain black cover with a large, white Jeep logo on the sides. Even though it fits any vehicle with a larger steering wheel diameter, it was designed with Jeep in mind. It will fit any steering wheel which has between 14.5 and 15.5 inches in its outer diameter. The PU leather outer layer and the strong inner rubber lining make for a very durable and resilient steering wheel cover. The fact that the inner layer is made out of rubber makes this cover fit snugly around your steering wheel, making sure it doesn’t slip or glide around. This way, you can rest assured that you have total control over your vehicle at all times, even while steering with this extremely comfortable cover on. This cover only has a faint rubbery smell once you first get it out of the packaging, but the smell disappears quickly. That means that you can feel free to put this cover inside your car, without worrying that it will cause an odor. However, this cover is not textured, so it may be somewhat harder to hold if you have slippery or sweaty hands.

Pros

  • A large-sized cover that fits 15.5-inch steering wheels
  • Soft, padded material is comfortable

Cons

  • Smooth surface makes grip somewhat harder

7. Auto-living Faux Wool Fluffy Steering Wheel Cover

Auto-living Faux Wool Fluffy Steering Wheel CoverOur next pick is a fluffy steering wheel cover by Auto-living. This cloth cover is made out of faux wool, and it’s very plush, fluffy, and soft. It’s a perfect choice for winter because it can keep your hands warm and comfortable. Each strand of the fuzzy material is almost 0.7 inches long, so this cover is extra furry. The textured cloth also makes your grip more secure. On the inside, there is an inner lining of rubber, which ensures your cover sits snugly atop your steering wheel, without sliding or gliding. This cover can be used on any steering wheel, which is between 14.5 and 15 inches in outer diameter. It’s quite easy to put on, especially if you warm it up before installation. This steering wheel cover doesn’t have an odor, so your car won’t end up smelling funny. However, cloth covers can pick up smells from your hands, so frequent cleaning is advised. Despite its looks, this beautiful plush cover is easy to clean. You can dry clean it, or handwash it in warm water and mild detergent. You can comb it if it ever loses its fluffiness.

Pros

  • A beautiful fluffy cover that is comfortable to hold
  • Warms up your hands in the winter

Cons

  • Cloth covers generally don’t handle sweat easily

Steering Wheel Cover Types

On the market, you can find numerous steering wheel covers, and it can be hard to choose between all of them. Because of that, it’s important to know the different types available and to pick the most suitable kind before hitting the stores. When it comes to steering wheel covers, the main difference among them is in the material they’re made of. The material affects everything from comfort, over durability, to price. Let’s take a look at the most common materials steering wheel covers are made of.

1. Leather Covers

Steering Wheel Cover TypesLeather covers are the classic choice because most steering wheels are originally made out of leather as well. This material provides a solid and comfortable grip, even in the long run. You can find both softer and tougher models on the market since manufacturers use different kinds of leather. While there are high-end leather types that come at luxury prices, there are affordable kinds of leather as well. Suede and smooth cowhide are the most commonly used leathers in mid-range products. Both are quite soft, and suede has a unique texture which improves grip. Another benefit of leather is that it’s particularly resilient and durable. A good leather steering wheel cover can last you for years, even decades on end.

However, leather has its drawbacks as well. First of all, it’s very expensive. Genuine leather covers cost a lot, so you should beware when getting leather that’s cheap. There are some products on the market that advertise as genuine leather, but they are in fact good quality synthetic blends that can pass for genuine leather to an untrained eye. You can feel the real difference with time – genuine leather is far more durable than synthetic blends. Leather also comes in limited color palettes. Typically, you can only find leather covers in natural shades of beige, brown, and black, because there’s no easy way to dye the material. The most notable exception is suede, which can be dyed. Furthermore, leather is not particularly eco-friendly. There are many organizations around the world that put effort into preserving animal species used for their hides.

2. Faux Leather Covers

Synthetic leather also called artificial or faux leather, is a popular and eco-friendly alternative to leather. The most common types of faux leather used in the steering wheel cover industry are microfiber and PU (polyurethane) leather. Higher and lower quality of both are available on the market, but in general, PU leather is of somewhat lower quality and price.

The main difference between the two doesn’t lie in the visible, leather-like layer of the fabric, but rather, in the choice of fabric used as a backing layer. Particularly, microfiber leather has an additional layer. Because of this difference, PU leather has lower performance when it comes to factors like moisture absorption. However, this doesn’t make a difference when it comes to steering wheel covers, as the covers typically come with an additional inner layer made out of rubber, vinyl, or a similar material.

Microfiber leather is considered to be the material that imitates the properties of real leather the best. It successfully replicates the tactile feel of genuine leather, but also qualities like breathability and moisture absorption.

The main downside of faux leather covers, especially compared to their real leather counterparts, is that they last a considerably shorter time. While leather can withstand a decade of daily use, a faux leather cover lasts up to three years before it starts cracking. However, the price difference is also immense, and you can buy ten faux leather covers for the price of one real leather model.

3. Cloth Covers

You can also find a variety of cloth, and plush steering wheel covers available. These can be very soft and comfortable to hold, especially the plush fleece, or fluffy covers made out of faux wool. Cloth covers bring a large advantage in the winter season since they don’t get as cold as leather, faux leather, and wood. Cloth covers come in a large variety of designs, so they’re the best choice if you’re looking for a stylish way to spruce up your car’s interior. However, cloth steering wheel covers are not a good long-term solution, because they quickly deteriorate as a result of sweat and moisture.

4. Wooden Covers

Wooden steering wheel covers are not common, but they are a classic choice for an elegant, luxurious-looking steering wheel. The trouble with wood as a material for a cover is that it must be made exactly to size, as the material is not adjustable and flexible like the other materials used in the industry. Because of that, wooden covers are custom-made. They are comfortable to hold, even though they’re not soft.

5. Rubber Covers

Rubber covers are another common option, especially for large steering wheels. Because of the rubber’s quality of friction, these models provide additional grip safety. The anti-slip material is ideal for long drives. However, rubber is less durable than leather and faux leather. When it comes to resistance to the weather, rubber doesn’t get too cold to the touch in the winter. However, it can cause trouble in the summer, because the material expands a bit in warm temperatures.

Steering Wheel Cover Buying Guide

Steering Wheel Cover Buying GuideEven though steering wheel covers are simple accessories for cars, it’s not easy to choose the right one. There are many different types, and also many factors that you should consider before making your pick. We tried to compile a comprehensive list of things you should pay attention to when choosing a steering wheel cover for your car. Before you make a definitive choice, make sure the cover you like checks out on all of these criteria.

1. Dimensions

Getting the proper sized cover for your steering wheel is a must. Getting a cover that’s a size too big can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. On the other hand, you will not be able to get a cover that’s too small onto the steering wheel. It will either end up returned, torn apart, or forgotten.

1.1. The diameter

Luckily, measuring the exact size you need is a very simple thing to do. You only need a tape measure to determine the outer diameter of your steering wheel. Find the center of the wheel, and run the tape measure from one end of the wheel to another, making sure the tape measure goes through the center.

Typically, medium size steering wheels range from 14 to 17 inches, with the most common diameter being 15 inches. Trucks have larger steering wheels of about 22 inches.

1.2. The grip circumference

Grip circumference tells you how thick your steering wheel is, which is also an important measurement to take. This is especially true if you have a particularly thick or thin steering wheel. To measure it, find the thickest part of the wheel, and wrap your tape measure around it.

Medium size steering wheels typically have a grip circumference of between 2.75 and 4.25 inches. Getting a cover with a matching grip circumference will ensure your cover has a snug fit.

2. The Material

The material is another important factor to consider. We already discussed the properties of different materials when we introduced you to the types of steering wheel covers.

2.1. The Outer Layer

The most important thing for a steering wheel cover is how comfortable it feels in your hands, especially when you have to hold it for hours on end. People have different preferences, especially when it comes to the tactile quality of the cover. However, there are materials that are objectively more or less suitable for covers. Consider how well you can handle sweat and dirt, whether you prefer a smooth or a textured surface, and your tolerance to hot and cold materials. Another important thing to consider is how easily the material is cleaned and disinfected.

In general, the most popular materials for the outer layer of a steering wheel cover are leather and faux leather, followed by cloth and rubber.

2.2. The Inner Layer

An important factor to consider when it comes to the inner lining of a steering wheel cover is how well the material sticks to your wheel. In general, rubber is the most popular choice of material for the inner layer. It creates strong friction, not letting the cover glide over the steering wheel. The anti-slip properties of rubber are perfect for a snug fit and a secure clutch of the cover over the steering wheel.

3. The Grip

When you get a new cover for your steering wheel, you want it to feel comfortable, and be easy to hold in the long haul. A cover that slips and glides in your hands is not good, because it can make you lose control over the vehicle. Because of that, you should look for a cover that ensures a tight, non-slippery, comfortable grip.

3.1. Material

Leather, faux leather, and rubber covers are the most popular choices when it comes to grip. Cloth covers are great for the first hour or so, but they’re not as comfortable for long drives. Because of that, you should assess your driving habits before getting a cloth model. That’s because cloth quickly becomes soaked and uncomfortable to hold as a result of natural oil and sweat on your hands.

3.2. Texture

Textured covers provide a much tighter grip than plain, smooth covers. You can find cover models with a variety of textures and embosses, including tiny to large curves, and regular geometric, or irregular patterns with organic shapes. The choice between these is entirely up to you – the design of the texture doesn’t matter.

Leather naturally has a dotted texture, and so does faux leather. Still, some manufacturers emboss an additional design on them, and that makes these covers very skid-proof. On the other hand, rubber doesn’t require texture at all because of its inherent slip resistance. In fact, mesh-like fabrics or rubber elements on a smooth, non-textured cover can take the place of texture and ensure a fair grip.

4. The Design and Color

Finally, getting a steering wheel cover is a chance to refurbish and change the looks of your car’s interior. You can choose whichever style complements your car’s upholstery, backseat organizers, or accessories you have around your dashboard.

When it comes to color choices, cloth covers offer the largest variety. Leather and faux leather covers typically come in dark, natural colors. However, faux leather and genuine leather styles such as suede can be dyed, so you may find some colorful covers as well. When it comes to the choice between dark and light-colored covers, we’d suggest considering the area you park in, and the exposure to sun your windshield generally gets. Light colors like beige, white, and light grey bounce off most of the sun’s UV rays. So, to some extent, they protect the car’s interior and the cover itself from overheating. If you live in a hot climate, we’d recommend going with a light color. On the flip side, dark colors retain some of the heat, so dark-colored covers can really help keep your car comfortably warm in cold areas.

How to Install a Steering Wheel Cover?

How to Install a Steering Wheel CoverInstalling a steering wheel cover is very easy. However, the exact installation and the margin of error in sizing that’s acceptable differs among the different materials. For the exact installation instructions, check the label of your cover, or take a look at the manufacturer’s website to see if they provide any installation tips. We will cover the general steps you need to take with any type of steering wheel cover.

1. Wipe Before You Start

Before you install a cover, it’s a good idea to clean your steering wheel. This will prevent the formation of mold or the expansion of bacteria on your steering wheel under the cover. Potentially, this can result in serious damage to your steering wheel.

In fact, you can use the same method for cleaning your steering wheel before you install your cover, and for regular maintenance of your cover later on.

1.1. The choice of a cleaner

The exact product you use to clean your steering wheel depends on the material it’s made of. The most common type of steering wheel is faux leather. Genuine and faux leather are hard to differentiate, yet they must be cleaned with different products to avoid damage. Make sure to check your car’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website to make sure.

For faux leather, rubber, and plastic steering wheels, use a multi-purpose disinfectant diluted in water. Wood and leather steering wheels require specialized cleaning products which you can find in your general store.

1.2. Cleaning method

Get a clean, microfiber towel. Spray the cleaning solution onto the towel. Never spray the solution directly onto the steering wheel, because that way you risk getting the liquid trapped inside the dashboard, which is not good for the car’s electronic parts.

Wrap the microfiber towel which is moist with the cleaning solution around your steering wheel, and scrub it.

After you’re done, get a clean cloth, and spray some water onto it. Wipe the steering wheel with it, removing loose dirt and excess chemical cleaner.

Finally, get a dry cloth or a paper towel, and wipe or pat your steering wheel dry. Alternatively, let it air dry. Never put a cover onto a wet or damp steering wheel.

2. Installation

2.1. Wrapping

Align the cover to your steering wheel. Find the slit on the inner side of the cover, and use it to wrap it around the steering wheel. Start wrapping at the top of your steering wheel.

Holding the wrapped cover with one hand, work your way down with another. Once you put the cover onto half of the wheel, the fitting will become a bit more difficult. Keep on working your way down, holding the portion of the cover that you already installed down tightly.

The last couple of inches of the cover installation are the most difficult. You will have to pull and tug with your hand a bit. It’s important to do the bottom last because the cover becomes tense in the last part of the installation. The cover may slingshot, or you may smack your face if you pull too hard installing at the top. Make sure to hold the fitted part of the cover in place with your other hand until you manage to get the entire cover sitting snugly on the steering wheel.

2.2. Warm-Up

Take this step if your steering wheel cover doesn’t fit, or it seems too hard to put on.

Take the cover off. If the inner lining of your cover is made of rubber, you can heat it up to make the rubber expand a little, making the cover easier to put on. You can either heat the inner rubber layer with a hairdryer or soak the cover in warm water for a couple of minutes. Don’t use top heat settings, or boiling water, as rubber can melt if it’s overheated. This will make the cover easier to slide on.

2.3. Stitching

Some wrap style covers need to be stitched after they’re put on. You may need to use thread or laces. Typically, these covers come with pre-made holes for the stitching. We recommend getting a large leather needle or adding a bit of wax to one end of the lace to make it stiffer and easier to slide through.

FAQ About Steering Wheel Covers

1. What is a good steering wheel cover size for my car?

To find out which size cover you should get, you first need to measure your steering wheel’s outer diameter. Do this simply by running your tape measure across the wheel, form one side to another, making sure the tape touches the center of the wheel. Alternatively, you can look up the steering wheel measurements in your car user manual, or the manufacturer’s website. Most sedan vehicles have a steering wheel with a diameter between 14 and 17 inches, with the most common size being 15 inches.

2. How should I clean my steering wheel cover?

How you clean your steering wheel cover depends on the material it’s made of. Rubber and faux leather covers should be wiped down with a microfiber cloth and diluted all-purpose disinfectant. On the other hand, a genuine leather cover requires wiping with a specialized product for cleaning leather. Finally, cloth covers can be washed on a gentle cycle in a washing machine.

3. Is it dangerous to use a steering wheel cover when driving?

The only case in which a cover can negatively influence your driving is if the cover is too large for your steering wheel. If it’s too saggy, it may skid and glide across your steering wheel as you turn it, making proper steering difficult. However, a cover that fits your steering wheel snugly is not at all dangerous, and in fact, it may help keep long drives more comfortable.

4. Are there any unusual or unpleasant smells?

It depends on the material. Leather products generally have a very distinct, easy to recognize the smell. However, whether you find this smell pleasant or not is completely up to personal preference. On the other hand, faux leather products have an odor only when they’re first taken out of their original packaging. The odor diminishes quickly, after only a few minutes in the sun. Rubber covers have the most distinctive odor, which can linger on your hands. Finally, cloth covers do not have an inherent odor, but they quickly pick up smells from your hands. Because of that, frequent washes are advisable for this type of steering wheel cover.

Wrap Up

Car steering wheel covers are a great choice in many situations. For example, if your car came with an uncomfortable steering wheel, you’d like to protect a deteriorating steering wheel that started to peel or got discolored, or you’d simply like to refurbish and redesign your vehicle’s interior. Whichever the case, it’s not hard to find and choose the best steering wheel cover when you know what to look for.

We hope our buying guide answered all of the questions you had when you started searching for a good model for yourself. Furthermore, hopefully, you found an ideal pick among our steering wheel cover reviews. We tried to bring you the best information available, in our unbiased reviews and buying guide. If you have any remaining questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!

About Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson worked as a traveling salesman, traversing the country for the bigger part of the year. On the road, he encountered all sorts of problems with his car, from maintenance to engine issues. One day he decided that enough is enough, so he started learning and researching car related topics, solving basic car problems on his own. He summed up everything he learned into guides and blogs for others to learn the way he did.

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