‘Should I use a steering wheel cover for my car?’ [Newbie Guide]

Many new car owners don’t waste time in installing accessories to personalize their rides, and usually, the additions in question are inexpensive yet functional to start with. One of these is the steering wheel cover, typically a ring of fabric or leather that is slipped over the tiller.

Many car owners spend on a steering wheel cover as part of their ride's accessories

The accessory itself is not new, as drivers have used it on their vehicles in the past. Given that, it’s easy to think of it as an old-fashioned add-on, especially with cars these days using premium materials on the steering wheel that one might think of showing off instead of hiding.    

Steering wheel covers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to match your interior. However, there’s more to them than just aesthetic reasons, whether your car is old or new.

Steering wheel covers can help with grip, especially for those with slippery hands

Using a steering wheel cover can allow you to have more grip when driving, especially with covers that feature raised nubs. This is helpful if you don’t have especially good grip strength or if your palms are prone to sweating. The nubs increase the friction between the surface of the wheel and your hands, giving you better control.

The cover also adds more girth to the wheel, an advantage for those who might find the stock steering wheel to be a little too skinny. This also reduces the likelihood of hand fatigue, where your hands cramp up because of holding the wheel during long drives. And if you use a padded cover, there’s also an improvement where comfort is concerned.

They can also hide the damage that a steering wheel sustained with continuous use

A steering wheel cover can also serve to protect the wheel’s finish. Constant exposure to sunlight and palm grime can take their toll on the original material, causing it to wear out, crack, and deteriorate. The accessory can also shield the steering wheel from sustaining further damage.

There are caveats to using a steering wheel cover, however. You’ll need to make sure that you get the right size for your car. An improperly fitted steering wheel not only compromises the car’s operation, but it can also interfere with the airbag’s operation.

Always choose the right cover for your car's steering wheel

If you have smaller hands, having a cover fitted might make the steering wheel harder to grip. And some driver-assist features on modern cars rely on steering wheel-mounted sensors that may be blocked if you use a steering wheel cover.  

Find more tips for beginner car owners at Philkotse.com.