Do You Really Need a Steering Wheel Cover? Grip, Comfort and Protecting Your Wheel
CarMoods TeamYour hands touch the steering wheel more than any other part of your car, yet the wheel is the thing most of us think about least. If yours has gone shiny, feels slick on a hot morning, or is starting to look tired, the fix is smaller and cheaper than you'd expect.
A good cover isn't just decoration. It changes how the wheel feels in your hands, how it copes with an Australian summer, and how well the original rim ages underneath. Here's when one is genuinely worth fitting — with picks from our steering wheel covers collection.
Jump to: The case for a cover · Grip you can feel · Hot and cold wheels · Protecting your wheel · FAQ
The case for a steering wheel cover
Factory wheels are built to a price. Even in premium cars, the rim is often smooth urethane or thin leather that polishes up slick over a few years of use.
A cover solves three everyday problems at once: it adds grip, it insulates your hands from temperature, and it hides or prevents wear. For the price of a couple of tanks of fuel, it's one of the most-felt upgrades you can make to a cabin.
Grip you can actually feel
The biggest difference a cover makes is texture. A slightly padded, textured rim means you hold the wheel more lightly, which reduces hand and forearm fatigue on longer drives.
Suede and microfibre finishes are the grippiest, especially if your hands get sweaty. A breathable cover keeps that grip without feeling sticky in traffic.
Comfort when the wheel is hot or cold
Anyone who has grabbed a black wheel after it's baked in a car park knows the problem. Bare urethane and leather store heat, and in winter they turn cold and hard first thing in the morning.
A cover puts a layer between your palms and that temperature swing, so you can drive off straight away instead of steering with your fingertips.
Mercedes Carbon Fibre Leather Cover
Pro tip
Pair a cover with a windscreen sunshade in summer. The shade keeps the whole cabin cooler, and the cover handles whatever heat is left in the rim.
Protecting (or reviving) your wheel
A cover is also the easiest way to hide a wheel that's already worn, and to stop a good one from getting there. Peeling lacquer, shiny patches at ten-and-two, and cracked leather all disappear under a well-fitted cover.
If you want the tightest, most permanent result, a lace-on or braided cover is stitched directly to the rim so it never slips.
Which material suits how you drive?
Material is where personal preference matters most. Here's how the main finishes compare for everyday use.
| Material | Grip feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Suede / microfibre | High, soft | Sweaty hands, long drives, sporty feel |
| Leather / PU leather | Medium, smooth | A classic factory look and easy cleaning |
| Carbon-fibre look | Firm, textured | A performance-inspired cabin |
| Lace-on braid | Custom, tight | A permanent, non-slip fit |
Ford Mustang Carbon Fibre Leather Cover
So, do you need one?
If your wheel feels slick, gets uncomfortably hot or cold, or is showing wear, a cover is one of the cheapest upgrades that you'll notice on every single drive. Match the material to your climate and how your hands behave, and get the fit right for the diameter of your rim.
Browse the full range of steering wheel covers to find one made for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do steering wheel covers slip when you turn?
A correctly sized slip-on cover shouldn't move. If you want zero movement, choose a lace-on or braided cover that stitches directly to the rim.
2. Will a cover fit any car?
Covers are sized by rim diameter, and many are cut for specific models. Check your wheel's diameter or pick a model-specific cover for the neatest fit.
3. Are suede covers hard to keep clean?
Not really. A soft brush and the occasional wipe with a barely-damp cloth keeps suede looking fresh. Avoid soaking it.
4. Do covers make the wheel feel too thick?
Most add only a few millimetres. Many drivers actually prefer the slightly fuller rim, as it's easier to hold with a relaxed grip.
