Depending on who you ask, a steering wheel cover might just be the most important addition to their car. Although most modern cars get smaller and chunky steering wheels with leather coverings and heating functions in most cases, a steering cover can still be of help. To learn which cars get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and other features, car buying portals are a great source of information.
Because the steering wheel is easily the most-handled part of a car, it can get worn out quickly from dirt and grime, taking away from the driving experience. Steering wheel covers can also be seen as an upgrade, especially since some options help improve grip and give you better control. Some expensive options also come with heating functions, which can be a huge advantage in the winter.
Even with proper maintenance, leather tends to flake off after being exposed to the sun too long, and using a steering wheel cover can help you avoid these situations. Because they are relatively cheap and easy to put on, you can swap them out if you want to change your driving experience. And yes, a simple steering wheel cover upgrade can make a huge difference, especially since it’s the most common and frequent touch-point for the driver.
Some covers can also improve the aesthetics of your car, making the interiors look sportier and new. Since most standard wheels are 14 -16 inches in diameter, we’ll look at options for these sizes and rank them according to their reviews and value.
Before we dive into these covers, let’s look at the types available on the market and their advantages.
Leather Covers
As its name suggests, these covers are usually made of leather and offer the most comfort and durability. They also provide good grip and can be seen as an upgrade on cars with normal vinyl steering wheels. However, they are more expensive than other options on the market and come in limited color options.
Synthetic Covers
These covers are almost similar to the leather steering wheel covers, but they use either microfiber or PU leather. Because of their reduced quality, they are less durable. You get a lot more color options to choose from and they are relatively affordable. If you’re looking for covers to color match your car’s interior, these are the best options.
Cloth Covers
These are usually made of faux fleece or wool and are focused on comfort over style. Cloth covers are also a lot more effective in the winter for heated steering wheels. Cloth covers also come in a variety of color options and are usually cheaper than their leather counterparts. Most cloth covers are also machine washable, making them easy to maintain.
Rubber Covers
These covers prioritize grip above all else. Although they don’t last as long as leather or cloth steering wheel covers, they can be used in all seasons and improve grip. But don’t expect comfort levels to improve in this case as rubber covers are a lot firmer than usual.
Wood Covers
If you drive a luxury car, then wooden covers are good options to match the interiors. They are some of the most attractive options on the market but not as durable as leather or cloth covers. Most wooden covers are also harder to put on.
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the best steering wheel covers on the market depending on ratings and usability.
Valleycomfy Universal Steering Wheel Cover ($21.99)
Valleycomfy is easily the most popular brand on the market right now and this universal cover fits vehicles with steering sizes ranging from 14.5 inches to 15.5 inches. Because of its size, it may not fit certain pickup trucks. Valleycomfy also offers a variety of patterns and designs to match your car’s interior. Material quality and comfort are excellent for the price, especially since most of it is made from genuine leather. The cover feels good in the hand and will exude a luxurious feel to your car. It’s also fairly durable and several customers have given it high ratings compared to some other options on this list.
Valleycomfy Microfiber Leather Steering Wheel Cover ($16.99)
Although it’s slightly cheaper than the universal model, the microfiber leather offers similar levels of comfort. It is also more absorbent in comparison and provides a better grip. Valleycomfy offers a variety of color options to choose from and an added advantage with the microfiber materials is its capability of maintaining temperature. The material also absorbs sweat quickly and is good for summer climates. However, durability is limited and they can get worn out quickly, warranting an early replacement.
AmazonBasics Leatherette Steering Wheel Cover ($14.99)
This is one of the cheaper options on the list, and as the name suggests, is made of leatherette or faux leather material. This cover gets a two-tone design with a synthetic rubber liner to keep it securely in place. According to Amazon, the cover offers better heat resistance and is breathable to improve comfort. It also usually comes with seat-belt pads to improve the overall experience. If you want a simple steering wheel cover at a reasonable price, this option is highly recommended. However, it is slightly more difficult to install owing to the tight synthetic liner.
Salida Steering Wheel Cover ($11.99)
We finally move on to silicone steering wheel covers, which are the best option for changing weather conditions. Because of its silicone construction, grip levels are also good and it is resistant to catching grime and dirt. You also get subtle bumps on the surface for enhanced grip and easy handling. But, as expected, durability is limited and silicone covers can wear out quickly.
ChuLian Car Wheel Protector ($24.99)
Finally, if you want to add some bling to your car’s interior, this is one of the better options out there. Embedded with fake crystals and a thin design, the cover is made with a leather base to improve durability. However, the outer surface is not resistant to temperature changes and the crystals can fall off after some usage, especially in hot climates.
