Is It Necessary to Add a Steering Wheel Cover?
2 Answers
If the grip of the steering wheel is not unbearable, it is not recommended to install a steering wheel cover. Here is some relevant information: 1. Aesthetics: Steering wheel covers come in a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles, which can add a lot of visual appeal to the otherwise monotonous interior of a car. 2. Improved Grip: For some lower-priced or entry-level models, manufacturers may cut costs, resulting in steering wheels made from cheap materials with poor grip comfort. Steering wheel covers can significantly improve this issue. 3. Potential Hazards of Steering Wheel Covers: Due to defects in workmanship and materials, some steering wheel covers may not provide sufficient friction with the steering wheel, leading to safety risks such as slipping or poor responsiveness when turning the wheel.
I also struggled with this issue when I first bought my car. After driving for three years, I suggest considering it based on actual conditions. If you're driving in northern winters with temperatures below -20°C, where the factory steering wheel freezes like ice, a fleece cover does make it much more comfortable. In southern summers, when the steering wheel gets scorching hot after being exposed to the sun, a perforated leather cover can help. However, be aware that sports car steering wheels are usually thinner, and adding a thick cover might affect handling, especially during high-speed turns where your palms can easily slip. Additionally, factory steering wheels are made with anti-slip materials, while cheap $3-$4 covers on the market will peel and deform within half a year, with fragments getting stuck in the gaps and being harder to clean. Therefore, I only recommend adding a cover in two cases: for extreme climate regions or for people with excessive hand sweat, opting for a custom-fit model. For other situations, it's really not worth the hassle.
