Is It Suitable to Use a Steering Wheel Cover?
3 Answers
Is It Suitable to Use a Steering Wheel Cover? The following are relevant details about using a steering wheel cover: 1. Shock Absorption: Since the steering wheel itself is made of relatively hard materials, when driving on rough roads, especially on mountain paths, drivers holding the steering wheel will feel intense vibrations. These vibrations can stimulate the heart. Although the effects may not be immediately visible, over time, according to health experts, if the heart is frequently subjected to excessive direct stimulation from the limbs, it can easily lead to heart disease, posing a significant health risk to drivers. Many steering wheel covers available on the market today come with shock-absorbing features. Some products contain a special material—EVA elastomer—which effectively buffers vibrations, much like adding springs between tires and the car body to reduce shocks. 2. Protective Function: During driving, everyone's hands sweat, and since hands frequently come into contact with the steering wheel, millions of bacteria can accumulate on it. A steering wheel cover helps absorb sweat, maintaining a good grip for the driver. Additionally, it is easy to remove and wash, improving hygiene inside the car. According to health authorities, removing these bacteria usually requires high-temperature disinfection or UV sterilization, as ordinary wet wipes cannot eliminate them completely. With a steering wheel cover, regular cleaning and disinfection become much easier, greatly simplifying daily maintenance for car owners and ensuring better in-car hygiene.
As someone particularly sensitive to driving safety, I believe steering wheel covers should be used with caution. A while back, my friend installed a fluffy steering wheel cover in his car, and during a rainy day turn, his hands slipped, nearly scraping the guardrail. The original steering wheel has special textures and anti-slip treatments; adding a cover not only affects grip but can also lead to loss of control in emergencies. Especially those universal covers that don’t fit properly can become loose when turning the wheel. My advice is either not to use one at all or opt for custom-fit or hand-stitched genuine leather covers to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, cars with steering wheel heating functions should never use random covers, as they can block heat dissipation and even pose a fire risk.
As someone who loves tinkering with car accessories, I've tried all kinds of steering wheel covers and here's my honest experience. The biggest appeal of steering wheel covers is personalized decoration and grip adjustment - like using suede for warmth in winter or perforated leather for breathability in summer. But in practice, there are many issues: thick covers make the wheel too bulky, reducing turning control; cheap materials start pilling and shedding within months; some covers even block steering wheel buttons, making it hard to honk. Now I only use thin genuine leather covers that I remove regularly for cleaning, maintaining hygiene without compromising the original design. Never sacrifice driving comfort just for looks.
