The main tool with which the driver controls the vehicle is the steering wheel. This is quite obvious, since without it it is impossible to control the movement of the car. However, constant operation is fraught with the fact that the steering wheel will quickly lose its appearance. In particularly neglected situations, the steering wheel may be worn to such an extent that it cannot be used. Also, one should not forget about the impact of the environment on it. So, he constantly faces the sun’s rays, temperature changes. All this leaves its negative mark on the steering wheel, as well as other parts of the cabin.
It would seem that the sun cannot bring any damage, but in fact it leads to a rapid drying of the surface, due to which it begins to crack and lose its color. Agree, it’s not very pleasant to sit in the driver’s seat and see an ugly and unkempt steering wheel in front of you. For this reason, many drivers prefer to use a special steering wheel cover, which allows you to provide it with reliable protection. As part of this material, we will take a closer look at the features of choosing a cover for the steering wheel.
What Should I Pay Attention to When Choosing a Steering Wheel Cover?
When choosing a cover, special attention should be paid to many factors, since each of them in one way or another affects the features of future operation. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.
Cover Material
At the present stage of industrial development, covers can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as the skin of various animals, fabrics, plastics and many other synthetic mixtures. Note that the skin of different animals differs in its properties, so you need to be extremely careful. Each of the materials described above has its own characteristics and advantages. The first thing you always need to pay attention to is how well a particular sample is made. It should not show any visible damage. Now let’s look at these materials in more detail:
- Leather. This is the most popular material from which a steering wheel cover can be made. Its main advantages are resistance to environmental factors, comfortable feelings during operation, as well as long-term durability. However, you need to understand that covers made of real leather will cost a really lot. This is due to the exclusive properties.
- Synthetics. Covers made of synthetic components are the cheapest. They are made thanks to the latest achievements of science. The basis of such covers are rubber, polyester or microfiber. It is worth noting that they will be as pleasant to the touch as the skin. At the same time, the price of such covers is much lower than that of leather ones.
- Fabric. This cover option will offer the most options in terms of colors. Also, these covers are very warm and cozy, they create a rather pleasant atmosphere in the car. Such material is most often used for steering wheels of cars in regions where the climate is cold. Another advantage is that such covers can vary greatly in their external design. Fabric steering wheel covers are very common in women. The main disadvantage of such covers is their fragility.
There is one more general recommendation: you need to choose a cover that is odorless. The thing is that, firstly, over time, this smell will permeate the entire interior, which will make trips less comfortable, and secondly, in the sun this smell will become even sharper, which will make the trip impossible. Most often, only the cheapest covers have a smell.
Design and Style
In addition to the material from which the cover will be made, you should pay special attention to the appearance of the cover so that it blends harmoniously with the design of your salon. Also, we must not forget the fact that many car owners may buy a cover just because it looks beautiful and can decorate the interior. There really are many options for this. For example, you can buy fluffy, studded, painted and a variety of covers. It can perfectly match with your interior lighting, other interior decorations, seat covers.
Don’t worry if a particular cover doesn’t fit. It is not permanently installed, so you can always change it if you want. Alternatively, you can buy many different covers and just change them according to your mood.
Cover Size
Obviously, when choosing a cover for the steering wheel, size should also be taken into account. It may seem that in every car the steering wheel is the same size, but in fact it is not. They differ in shape, diagonal, and girth thickness. So you need to take measurements. Or give the exact model and year of manufacture of the vehicle so that you can immediately recommend a suitable cover.
Thus, we have considered the main factors that influence the choice of a cover. It is important to understand that each person has their own preferences, which affect the selection of a cover. For the most part, this is a decorative element that can reflect your personality. We hope our guide will help you find the cover you’ve always dreamed of.