Non-Slip Steering Wheel Covers: How to Get a Secure Grip in Any Weather
CarMoods TeamYou only notice your steering wheel's grip when it lets you down — a sweaty palm sliding on a hot summer morning, or cold, stiff hands fumbling the rim on a frosty start. A good non-slip cover fixes both, giving you a consistent, confident hold no matter the weather.
The trick is choosing the right material for the way your hands actually behave. Below we break down what makes a cover genuinely non-slip, and match real options to real driving conditions.
What actually makes a steering wheel cover non-slip
Grip comes down to two things: surface texture and how the material handles moisture. A smooth, glossy cover looks sharp but turns slick the moment your hands warm up. Textured microfibre, perforated leather and suede all bite back against your palms instead.
Perforation matters more than most people realise. Tiny holes let sweat and heat escape rather than pooling under your fingers, so the surface stays dry and tacky through a long drive.
Recommended
Volkswagen Suede Breathable Carbon Fiber Leather Steering Wheel Cover
A breathable, perforated build that vents heat and moisture so your grip stays dry on long drives.
Shop nowMicrofibre leather is the all-rounder here. It has a fine, slightly grippy texture, resists stretching, and doesn't go glassy in the heat the way cheap PU can.
Staff Pick
Changan Sports Microfiber Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Fine microfibre texture holds firm in warm and cool weather, with a colour range to match any cabin.
Shop nowGrip in the heat versus grip in the cold
Australian driving swings between both extremes, sometimes in the same week. Heat makes palms sweat and glossy surfaces slide; cold makes bare rims feel hard and unforgiving. The best material handles both without a compromise you can feel.
| Material | Grip in summer heat | Grip in winter cold |
|---|---|---|
| Perforated microfibre | Excellent | Excellent |
| Suede | Very good | Very good |
| Perforated leather | Good | Very good |
| Smooth/glossy PU | Poor | Fair |
Pro tip
If your hands sweat, avoid glossy finishes and lean towards perforated or suede textures. If cold is your issue, a slightly thicker cover insulates the rim so it warms up faster in your hands.
The sporty option: carbon-look and D-shaped covers
Carbon-fibre-style covers aren't just about looks. The best ones pair a carbon top section with a grippy leather or suede lower half, so your thumbs rest on structure while your palms sit on texture.
Bestseller
Honda Carbon Fiber Sports Steering Wheel Cover
Race-inspired shaping with a grippy lower section for a planted, sporty feel behind the wheel.
Shop nowIf you drive something chunkier — a ute or a 4WD — a thicker rim fills your hand and reduces the effort of holding on over rough terrain.
Editor's Choice
GWM TANK Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover
A fuller rim that fills your hand for a secure hold on rough or off-road drives.
Shop nowCarmoods recommends
Check whether your wheel is round or D-shaped before you buy. A cover cut for the wrong shape will bunch or gap at the flat section and undo all that grip.
Suede for that tactile, race-car feel
Suede (or Alcantara-style microsuede) is the material rally and performance drivers reach for. It's warm to the touch, has a soft nap that grips your palms, and never feels slippery — even when you're pushing on.
Staff Pick
MG Carbon Fiber Suede Steering Wheel Cover
Soft suede nap for a tactile, race-car grip that stays sure in warm or cool cabins.
Shop nowLace-on covers for a locked-in fit
Slip-on covers are quick, but a hand-stitched, lace-on cover moulds tight to the rim so there's zero rotation under your palms. That snugness is grip in itself — nothing shifts when you turn.
Recommended
Toyota Leather Steering Wheel Cover
A stitched-on braid design that laces tight to the rim so nothing slips or rotates as you steer.
Shop nowLace-on covers take a bit longer to fit, but the payoff is a cover that behaves like it was moulded to your wheel from the factory.
Our top picks
- 🥇 Honda Carbon Fiber Sports Steering Wheel Cover Bestseller Shop →
- 🥈 Volkswagen Suede Breathable Steering Wheel Cover Best for hot hands Shop →
- 🥉 Changan Sports Microfiber Leather Cover All-rounder Shop →
Choosing your non-slip cover
Start with your biggest grip problem — sweat, cold or rotation — then pick the texture that solves it: perforated microfibre or suede for moisture, a thicker rim for cold, and a lace-on fit to kill any movement. Match the shape and size to your wheel and you'll wonder how you drove without it.
Ready to upgrade your grip? Browse the full steering wheel covers collection to find one tailored to your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most non-slip steering wheel cover material?
Perforated microfibre and suede offer the best grip because their texture bites against your palms and lets moisture escape, so they stay tacky in both hot and cold conditions.
Do steering wheel covers stop sweaty hands slipping?
Yes, provided you choose a breathable, perforated or suede cover. These vent heat and sweat instead of trapping it, keeping the surface dry and grippy.
Are lace-on covers more secure than slip-on ones?
Generally yes. A hand-stitched lace-on cover moulds tight to the rim and won't rotate under load, which many drivers find more secure than a slip-on.
How do I know which size cover to buy?
Measure your wheel's outer diameter and note whether it's round or D-shaped. Most cars suit a 37 to 38 cm cover, but always match the shape for a snug, non-slip fit.
