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.