Car steering wheel covers: Why you need one and 5 best buys in the Philippines

For car owners, it can be said that their respective cars are a part of who they are. It can also be a reflection of their personality, a representation of their hopes and dreams, and a lifelong partner, for some, in facing the challenge of the daily commute.

We’ve suggested several things to spice up your car’s interior before, like giving your seats a cover or even making you and your car safe by installing the best dashcam. Now, however, we’ll be talking about one of the most important parts of your car’s interior, the steering wheel and how you can improve it with car steering wheel covers in the Philippines.

I. Car steering wheel is an important vehicle component

For some select car models, their stock steering wheels not only function as the primary directional control interface of the vehicle, but it’s also one of the most important components of a vehicle.

There’s the Ferrari 458 Italia’s race-ready flat-bottom steering wheel, the Lexus LFA’s grippy and racing ready wheel, and the chromed-out, leather-clad wonder found on the Aston Martin One-77.

Just look at the Aston Martin One-77's steering wheel

Those cars, however, are either within supercar territory, and are far from the standard fare that we use for commuting, whose stock steering wheels are either too dull, too shiny, or just too plain. They’re functional, sure, but they’re hardly the most attractive thing inside an affordable car.

As such, many will want to improve on how it looks and feels by employing the aid of steering wheel covers. On top of that, steering wheel covers come in many different colors and designs, and there’s bound to be one out there that’ll fit the interior of your car, or your tastes.

II. Steering wheel cover Philippines: Car steering wheel covers improves grip

Now most economical daily drivers being sold in the country right now have steering wheels that are covered in either faux leather or polyurethane material. These look great, but sometimes, especially if a driver’s palms are always sweaty, they aren’t very grippy at all.

While some will improve grip, we don't know how a fluffy cover will benefit a driver.

So apart from improving the look and feel of your car’s interior, a car steering wheel cover can greatly improve grip. Depending on the design, some will even provide a textured feel to the steering wheel, or even a very tactile surface by using grippy fabric.

>>> Related: A guide on dashboard accessories in the Philippines and our recommendations

III. Why not use a racing wheel for optimum performance?

Sure, removable racing steering wheels are the best in style, and grip, but these come with a huge caveat. Moreover, installing one will remove the driver’s airbag. For those who aren’t aware, the driver’s airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel. As such, we recommend using steering wheel covers for cars that you’ll be using primarily on public roads.

Look ma, no airbags.

IV. Considerations when buying a steering wheel cover Philippines

Of course, you just can’t pick out a random steering wheel cover for any car. You’ll have to consider if it even fits your car model’s steering wheel size. Also, some car steering wheel covers will be thicker than others. Buying a steering wheel cover that’s either too thick or too thin will literally numb your hands especially on long trips.

You’ll also have to consider the material it’s made out of. To give you a slight overview of this, here’s a list of common steering wheel cover materials and what they can do for you:

1. Rubber – Best in the grip
2. Cloth/Fabric – Will maintain grip even with sweaty hands. Also great for keeping hands warm. Will also tend to come in many different colors.
3. Synthetic leather or PU leather – Best in durability.
4. Real leather – Also durable, but can be expensive.

Also, check out our guide on how to install steering wheel covers.

V. Steering wheel covers Philippines: 5 best product for 2020

For the year 2020, here are our recommendations for the best steering wheel cover Philippines you can buy today.

5 best car steering wheel cover Philippines

Product	Material	Price	Diameter
Blade AN8906 Steering Wheel Cover	PU Leather	P249	38 cm
DID Universal Steering Wheel Cover	Microfiber leather	P243	38 cm
Car Steering Wheel Cover COD	Microfiber leather, rubber, and fabric	P109	38 cm
Winter Warm Steering Wheel Cover	Fabric	P258	36 cm to 40 cm
Mal Universal Anti-Slip Steering Wheel Cover	Faux Leather	P203	38 mm

1. Blade AN8906

Made out of PU or polyurethane leather, this steering wheel cover has a diameter of 38 mm. It’s one of the most popular items on this list. Note also that PU leather is one of the more durable materials out there, and it is actually quite resistant to sun damage, and wear and tear.

Pros	Cons
Made of PU leather Classy color choices	Limited color choices

2. DID Universal steering wheel cover

Next up is the DID steering wheel cover. It’s slightly more expensive at Php 530, and it features faux carbon fiber on the six o’clock and 12 o’clock positions. The sides however are clad in microfiber leather, and it is grippy as well as comfortable.

Pros	Cons
Great grip Quiet, unobtrusive styling Sporty	Limited color choices Primarily black so it won’t be resistant to heat.

3. Car Steering Wheel Cover COD

This cover is one of the most affordable in this list, and it’s the only one that features fabric. Note also that this product has a lot of color options, and is made out of three materials: rubber, microfiber leather, and fabric. 

Pros	Cons
Great grip Lots of color choices Very affordable	Might be too thick for some people

>>> Related: Car Air Freshener Philippines: Are they safe to use and what to buy?

4. Winter Warm Fashion steering wheel cover

This product, despite having the “winter” phrase in its name, will be useful for drivers whose hands get cold easily. Apart from the wheel cover, you’ll also get a warm and fuzzy gear shift cover, as well as a handbrake cover. And aside from pink, it can also come in white, or red.

Pros	Cons
Stylish Very vibrant Great for cold hands	Might be too thick for some drivers

5. Mal Universal Anti-Slip Car Steering Wheel Protective Cover

Can be fitted in most car brands available here in the Philippines, and is made out of durable faux leather. It also comes in several color combinations like black, black and red, black and purple, and black and blue.

Pros	Cons
Fit in most car brands Made of faux leather Stylish	Might be too thin for some drivers.

>>> Related: Best car covers in the Philippines: Top 6 products to buy

VI. FAQs about steering wheel covers in the Philippines:

Q: Why do you need steering wheel covers?

A: To have a better grip on the steering wheel, and to protect the steering wheel from wear and tear.

Q: What materials are steering wheel covers made out of?

A: Some steering wheel covers are made out of polyurethane leather, rubber, cloth, microfiber leather, and many other types of fabric.

Q: Can I wash my steering wheel cover?

A: We recommend washing the steering wheel cover only if it's made out of fabric.

Q: Do I need to remove my steering wheel to install a steering wheel cover?

A: No, you do not need to remove the steering wheel to install a steering wheel cover.

Q: Do I need tools to install a steering wheel cover?

A: No, you do not need tools to install a steering wheel cover.

For more guides and product recommendations, please keep reading here on Philkotse.com.