Should You Install a Steering Wheel Cover?
2 Answers
Steering wheel covers do not need to be installed. Due to manufacturing or material defects in different steering wheel covers, the friction between the cover and the steering wheel may be insufficient, leading to slippage between the steering wheel and the cover during turns. This can result in unresponsive steering and imprecise handling, posing significant safety hazards. The dangers of installing a steering wheel cover are as follows: 1. Irreparable damage to genuine leather steering wheels: During daily use, constrained by rubber fasteners, the steering wheel cover cannot move extensively on the wheel but may shift slightly. These minor shifts cause friction that is fatal to genuine leather, leaving irreparable damage. 2. Using covers with plush toys or long fur can easily obstruct the dashboard, impairing visibility and affecting driving.
Recently heard friends talking about steering wheel covers, and I've been pondering this for a while. Without one, my fingers go numb from the cold while driving in winter, and in summer, sweaty palms make it easy to slip—especially for those of us driving older cars with steering wheels worn almost bare. But installing one might affect the grip, and if the cover doesn't fit right, it could slip during turns, which is dangerous. Choosing a cover depends on the material: genuine leather is the most durable but expensive, fleece is warm but hard to maintain, while silicone is anti-slip, washable, and the most hassle-free. I tried three different materials bought from Taobao and ended up using only the silicone one. The key is to get one with anti-slip granules and to heat it with a hairdryer before installation for a better fit.
