How to Choose the Right Steering Wheel Cover: Size, Material and Fit Guide
Updated June 2026 · Written by the Carmoods team
Your steering wheel is the one part of your car you're literally always touching. So it's a bit surprising how many of us put up with a wheel that's gone shiny and slippery with age, uncomfortably hot in summer, or just plain boring to look at. The right steering wheel cover fixes all three — better grip, better comfort, and a cabin that instantly feels more "you."
The only thing that trips people up is fit. A cover that's too big slips and twists (dangerous), and one that's too small is a wrestling match to fit and never sits right. Get the size and style right, though, and it transforms the feel of every drive. This guide walks you through exactly how to choose: measuring your wheel, picking the right material, understanding the different fit types, and matching a cover to your car. Let's sort it out.
Quick answer: how to choose a steering wheel cover
- Measure your wheel's outer diameter — most cars are the standard 37–38cm.
- Check the grip thickness if your wheel feels chunky or very thin.
- Pick a material to suit your climate and taste — leather, suede, carbon-fibre microfibre or plush.
- Choose a fit type — easy slip-on stretch, hand-stitched lace-up, or a make-specific cover.
- Match it to your car for a tailored, factory-look finish.
- Fit it warm and work it on evenly for a snug, safe result.
The two things that matter most are size and grip thickness — nail those and everything else is personal preference. Here's the detail.
Why a steering wheel cover is worth it
A good cover isn't just decoration. It earns its place in a few practical ways:
- Grip and control. An anti-slip surface gives you a more confident, secure hold — especially with sweaty hands in summer or cold hands in winter.
- Comfort. A padded or soft-touch cover is kinder on your hands over long drives and takes the sting out of a wheel that's been baking in the sun.
- Temperature. Bare wheels get scorching in an Australian summer and icy in a cold snap. The right material stays far more comfortable year-round.
- Protection. It shields the original wheel from wear, sweat and UV fading — which helps protect resale value, particularly on leased cars.
- Style. It's one of the cheapest, most visible ways to refresh your interior.
Step 1: Measure your steering wheel
This is the step that makes or breaks the result. There are two measurements worth knowing.
Outer diameter
Measure straight across the wheel from one outer edge to the other. The vast majority of passenger cars use a wheel between 37 and 38cm, which is the "standard" size most covers are made for. Larger 4WDs, trucks and some older vehicles can run bigger, so it's always worth a quick check rather than assuming.
Grip (section) thickness
This is the thickness of the rim itself — the part your fingers wrap around. Sportier cars often have a chunkier rim, while some older or budget cars are thinner. If your wheel feels notably fat or thin in the hand, factor that in, because it affects how snug a given cover feels.
Standard sizing at a glance
| Size class | Diameter | Typical vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (M) | 37–38 cm (14.5–15") | Most sedans, hatches, SUVs |
| Small (S) | 36–37 cm | Some compact and older cars |
| Large (L) | 39–42 cm | Larger 4WDs, trucks, vans |
The simplest path to a guaranteed fit is a make-specific cover designed for your car — it removes the guesswork entirely. More on that below.
Step 2: Choose your material
Material affects grip, comfort, temperature and looks. Here's how the popular options compare.
| Material | Feel & grip | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Microfibre leather | Firm, smooth, premium grip | All-round daily use, classic look |
| Suede | Soft, sporty, excellent dry grip | A performance feel; year-round comfort |
| Carbon-fibre style | Grippy with a sporty texture | A modern, performance-inspired look |
| Plush / fur | Soft and warm to the touch | Winter comfort and cute interiors |
For most Australian drivers, a microfibre leather or suede cover is the sweet spot: both breathe well, resist sweat, stay comfortable across hot and cold days, and look the part. Carbon-fibre styles add sporty flair, while plush covers are lovely in winter but best kept out of direct summer sun.
Step 3: Understand the fit types
Covers attach in a few different ways, and the right one depends on how much effort you want to put in and how perfect a fit you're after.
- Slip-on (stretch fit): the most common and easiest. A flexible inner ring stretches over the wheel in a few minutes, no tools needed. Great everyday choice.
- Hand-stitched (lace-up / DIY): you thread the cover onto the wheel and stitch it tight with the included needle and thread. More effort, but the payoff is a glove-tight, custom, slip-proof finish that looks factory-fitted.
- Make-specific: cut and shaped for your exact model so it fits perfectly with minimal fuss. The best blend of easy fitting and tailored looks.
Step 4: How to fit a steering wheel cover
For a slip-on cover, the trick is warmth and patience:
- Leave the cover somewhere warm (or in the sun) for a few minutes — warmth makes it more flexible and easier to stretch.
- Hook the bottom edge over the bottom of the wheel first.
- Work the cover up and over both sides evenly, easing the top edge on last.
- Adjust it around so it's seated evenly all the way round, with no twisting or bunching.
For a lace-up cover, slip it over the wheel first, then stitch from one side to the other, pulling the thread snug as you go for that tailored finish. Whatever the type, make sure it's firm and can't rotate before you drive — a cover that twists is a safety risk.
The best steering wheel covers by car make
Here are five favourites spanning the most popular materials and brands. Every cover in our range is tailored to suit specific models for a snug, factory-look fit — find yours in the full Steering Wheel Covers collection.
Toyota Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover
Toyota is Australia's most popular brand, and this carbon-fibre-style cover is a perfect match — designed to suit Camry, C-HR, Corolla, RAV4, Yaris and Prius. It pairs a sporty carbon-fibre texture with a breathable, anti-slip grip for confident control.
Why drivers love it: it brings a performance look to everyday Toyotas while genuinely improving grip and comfort. Best for: Toyota owners who want a sporty, modern feel. $57.99 AUD.
BMW Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Crafted from premium microfibre leather with a carbon-fibre-inspired finish, this cover suits a wide range of BMWs — M Series, X1/X3/X5/X6 and the popular E and F series. It delivers a soft-yet-firm grip with an anti-slip, sweat-resistant surface that keeps your hands planted in any season.
Why drivers love it: it nails the balance of sporty and luxurious, with stretch-fit installation that needs no tools. Best for: BMW drivers wanting a premium, performance-inspired upgrade. $56.99 AUD.
Tesla Suede Steering Wheel Cover
Designed for the Model 3, Y, S, X and Roadster, this suede cover gives Tesla's minimalist wheel a sporty, race-inspired feel. Suede offers superb dry grip and a soft, breathable touch that suits Tesla's clean cabins beautifully.
Why drivers love it: excellent grip, a premium motorsport feel, and a look that complements the interior rather than cluttering it. Best for: Tesla and EV drivers after a sporty, breathable upgrade. $53.01 AUD.
Mazda DIY Hand-Stitched Microfiber Leather Cover
If you want the tightest, most tailored fit possible, a hand-stitched cover is the way to go. This black microfibre leather kit is cut for a 100% fit on Mazda 3/Axela, 6/Atenza, CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, and includes the thread and needle to lace it on for a glove-tight, slip-proof finish.
Why drivers love it: the custom, factory-look result and a satisfying DIY project — plus it's the most affordable option here. Best for: Mazda owners who want a perfect, permanent-feeling fit. Brilliant value at $29.56 AUD.
Mercedes Suede Leather Steering Wheel Cover
This suede microfibre cover is tailored for a long list of Mercedes-Benz models — A, B, C, E and S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLC, GLE and more. It offers a soft, velvety, non-slip grip and an all-season feel: cool in summer, warm in winter, comfortable on every drive.
Why drivers love it: a genuinely luxurious feel that suits a Merc cabin, with easy flexible-ring installation. Best for: Mercedes drivers wanting refined comfort and reduced driving fatigue. $53.99 AUD.
Drive something else? We stock covers tailored for Audi, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Haval, Mitsubishi, Geely and many more — see the full Steering Wheel Covers collection, and our deep-dive on carbon fibre vs leather covers if you're weighing up styles.
Caring for your cover (and when to replace it)
A quality cover lasts a long time with minimal effort. Wipe leather and microfibre covers down with a damp cloth now and then; brush suede gently to keep its texture; and keep plush covers out of prolonged direct sun. Consider replacing a cover when the grip starts to wear smooth, the stitching loosens, or it begins to slip — grip is a safety feature, so don't let a tired cover linger. Keeping your wheel and the rest of the cabin clean helps too; our car detailing guide covers the interior in full.
Frequently asked questions
What size steering wheel cover do I need?
Measure the outer diameter of your wheel across the middle. Most passenger cars are 37–38cm and take a standard (M) cover. Larger 4WDs, vans and trucks may need a large (39–42cm) cover. The easiest guaranteed fit is a make-specific cover designed for your exact model.
How do I measure my steering wheel diameter?
Hold a tape measure across the wheel from the outer edge on one side to the outer edge on the other — that's the diameter. For a really precise fit, also note the grip thickness (how fat the rim is around), as sportier wheels can be chunkier than standard.
Are steering wheel covers safe?
Yes, provided the cover fits snugly and can't rotate or slip on the wheel. A correctly sized, properly fitted cover actually improves safety by giving you better grip. Avoid covers that are too large, too bulky, or that twist when you turn — those are the ones to steer clear of.
What's the best material for a steering wheel cover?
For year-round comfort and grip in the Australian climate, microfibre leather and suede are hard to beat — both breathe well and resist sweat. Carbon-fibre styles add a sporty look, while plush covers are cosy for winter but best avoided in cars that sit in direct summer sun.
How do I fit a tight steering wheel cover?
Warm it up first — a few minutes in the sun or a warm room makes the material far more flexible. Hook the bottom over the base of the wheel, then work it up and over both sides evenly, easing the top on last. For lace-up covers, stitch from side to side, pulling snug as you go.
Will a cover make my wheel too thick to hold?
Most slip-on covers add only a few millimetres and actually feel more comfortable, not bulky. If you already have a chunky sports wheel and prefer a slim feel, a thin microfibre or hand-stitched cover keeps the added thickness to a minimum.
The bottom line
Choosing the right steering wheel cover really comes down to two things: get the size right (measure that diameter — most cars are 37–38cm), and pick a material and fit that suit how you drive. Do that and you'll gain better grip, more comfort and a fresh-looking cabin, all from one of the most affordable upgrades you can make.
When you're ready, browse the full Steering Wheel Covers collection to find a cover tailored to your make and model — and enjoy taking hold of a wheel that finally feels right.
