Can a steering wheel cover affect vehicle safety?

A well-fitted cover that does not interfere with airbag deployment or any steering controls is safe. Ensure the cover does not overlap horn switches, airbag covers, or steering-mounted controls. Avoid very thick covers that make it difficult to maintain a proper grip, and check that the cover cannot slip under heavy cornering.

How do I keep a steering wheel cover from slipping?

Ensure the cover is the correct size — too large is the main cause of slipping. Stretch-fit covers should be fully seated around the entire rim circumference. Lace-up covers should be tightened evenly through all eyelets. Warming the cover before fitting and allowing it to cure for 24 hours improves the grip of the material on the wheel rim.

Are steering wheel covers washable?

Most microfibre and fabric covers can be hand-washed or machine-washed at 30 °C and allowed to air-dry. Leather and synthetic-leather covers should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and a mild detergent — machine washing distorts the material. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

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Steering Wheel Cover buying guide — what to know before you buy

A steering wheel cover is a protective or decorative sleeve that fits over the rim of the steering wheel, improving grip, masking wear or damage, and personalising the cabin interior. Covers are available in a wide range of materials — perforated leather, synthetic leather, microfibre, silicone, and fabric — and in standard sizes to fit the most common wheel rim diameters (37 cm, 38 cm, 39 cm, and 40 cm). CarParts247 stocks steering wheel covers in a range of materials and designs.

Why fit a steering wheel cover?

The most common reasons to fit a steering wheel cover are to restore grip on a worn or polished rim, to protect a leather-trimmed wheel from further wear, and to improve hand comfort in extreme temperatures — a dark leather wheel in summer sun can be very hot to the touch. On older or used vehicles, a cover is a cost-effective way to refresh the cabin without replacing the entire steering wheel assembly.

Restores grip on worn, smooth, or oily-feeling rims
Protects the original leather from cracking and fading
Moderates surface temperature in hot weather
Updates the cabin appearance at low cost
Provides extra padding comfort on long drives

Choosing the correct size

Steering wheel covers are sized by rim outer diameter and, on some designs, by rim cross-section (grip thickness). Measure the outer diameter of your wheel rim before ordering — the most common sizes are 37–40 cm. A cover that is too small will not stretch over the wheel; one that is too large will feel loose and move under your hands. The cover should fit snugly with moderate effort to slide on.

Measure the outer diameter of the rim — typically 37, 38, 39, or 40 cm
Some covers also specify grip thickness — measure the rim cross-section if relevant
A correct fit requires moderate effort to install — not forcing, not loose
Universal covers use lacing or elastic to accommodate a range of sizes

Fitting a steering wheel cover

Lace-up and stretch-fit covers have different installation approaches. A stretch leather or synthetic-leather cover needs to be warmed before fitting — place it in warm water at 50 °C for a few minutes to make the material more pliable, then work it over the wheel starting at the 12 o'clock position and pulling alternately at 6, 3, and 9 o'clock. Lace-up covers feed a cord through the eyelets along the back face of the rim to secure the cover.