The steering wheel is one of the most essential parts of your vehicle, if not the most essential.
Unfortunately, it also one of the most user-unfriendly components of your car. In many cases, the steering wheel doesn’t offer enough grip, which can lead to some dangerous situations because it can slip out of your hands.
Thankfully this issue can easily be solved. All you have to do is get yourself the best steering wheel cover. This simple accessory will not only improve your grip of the steering wheel, but it will also make the driving experience much more pleasurable.
Steering wheel covers make it easier for you to grip the steering wheel, making your driving much safer. Not only that, but they also make driving in extreme heat and cold more bearable because they serve as an insulation between the hard plastic of the steering wheel and your hands.
Unfortunately, finding the best steering wheel cover for your needs can be quite tricky. The market is flooded with thousands of steering wheel covers that are all seemingly the same.
This is why I’ve done the research for you! In this article, I cover the most popular steering wheel covers on the current market and follow it up with a guide and the most common question about these products.
Top 10 Best Steering Wheel Covers of 2019
#1 SEG Direct Microfiber Car Universal Steering Wheel Cover
The first place in my list of best steering wheel covers goes to a model that I personally use. The SEG Direct Microfiber Car Universal Steering Wheel Cover is one of the best steering wheel covers I had the pleasure of using. I installed some time last year, and since then, I haven’t noticed any signs of wear and tear.
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SEG Direct Microfiber Car Universal Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This steering wheel cover is built out of durable and smooth microfiber leather. The material is soft to the touch and offers quite a lot of grip. My hands haven’t slipped once from the wheel since I’ve installed it.
The inside of the SEG is built out of skid-proof material that helps keep the cover in place while you’re driving it. I’m happy to report that since I installed it, this steering wheel cover hasn’t budged anywhere.
Since this is a universal cover, it can fit steering wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15 inches in diameter. This covers the majority of medium-sized wheels for a wide selection of cars, SUVs, and trucks. You can also get this cover in a variety of colors.
When it comes to daily use, the SEG is nothing short of perfect. The soft padding is perfectly contoured for a secure grip. What’s more, it is also both heat and cold resistant. This means the steering wheel won’t be freezing in the winter and scolding hot in the summer.
The SEG Direct Microfiber Car Universal Steering Wheel Cover is definitely one of the best covers you can get in the current market. It’s comfortable, durable, and, most importantly, offers a secure grip.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- It’s comfortable and offers a secure grip
Cons:
- A bit difficult to install
#2 Steever Max Solid Steering Wheel Cover
The second place in this list goes to Steever Max Solid Steering Wheel Cover. This cover will cover almost all of your needs.
I say “almost” because the size of this steering wheel cover may limit some of you who have cars/SUVs with smaller wheels. This cover is compatible with steering wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15.5 inches in diameter.
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Steever Max Solid Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
And even if you have a large steering wheel, you will have some trouble installing if because it’s a bit stiff.
Now onto the good stuff; the first thing you’ll notice once you unwrap this cover is that it has absolutely no odor whatsoever. This means your hands won’t smell like a factory every time you lay your hands on the steering wheel.
The outer side of the steering wheel cover is built out of high-quality microfiber leather. This leather is not only soft to the touch, but it’s also quite durable. It will easily withstand a year of wear and tear without showing any signs of use.
When it comes to everyday use, the Steever Max is just a pleasure to use. The microfiber leather is both comfortable to hold and offers a secure grip. It is also capable of soaking in quite a lot of palm sweat, so you don’t have to worry about the wheel slipping when driving in scorching weather.
Overall, the Steever Max Solid Steering Wheel Cover is an excellent cover that can withstand quite a lot of wear and tear and remain comfortable. If your car has a leather interior, you should definitely pick up this steering wheel cover because it will fit in perfectly with the décor.
Pros:
- Completely odorless
- Affordable
- Comfortable and grippy
Cons:
- Only compatible with larger steering wheels
- A bit difficult to install
#3 Valleycomfy Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Third place in this list goes to a Valleycomfy Leather Steering Wheel Cover, one of the best leather steering wheel covers on the market. You should definitely pick up this cover if you own a vehicle with leather interior since it will fit in perfectly.
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Valleycomfy Leather Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This cover is designed to fit most medium-sized steering wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15.5 inches. While this covers most cars, trucks, and SUVs, it is too large for roadsters and vehicles intended for city driving. But I’m nitpicking at this point.
This steering wheel cover is built out of premium-grade, durable, high-quality genuine leather. The cover feels luxurious to the touch while offering a superb grip on the steering wheel. On top of that, it is also quite breathable, which means you will have a secure grip even if your palms are sweaty.
The inside of this cover is just as premium as the outside. The interior is built out of natural rubber, which not only eco-friendly but also skid-proof and stretchy. You won’t have any issues installing it on your steering wheel, and once installed, it will grip the steering wheel firmly, preventing any sliding.
The only issue I have with this steering wheel cover is the stitch that connects the two sides of the cover. It looks like it will wear out after just a couple of months of use.
If you own a vehicle with leather interior or if you want to make your car more presentable, you should definitely pick up the Valleycomgy Leather Steering Wheel Cover.
Pros:
- Built out of high-quality genuine leather
- Comfortable and grippy
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The cross-stitch looks weak
#4 Vitodeco Odorless Luxury Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Vitodeco Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover is another excellent product that’s in the fourth place in this list for only one reason, the price. This steering wheel cover’s price is equivalent to the cost of two “non-premium” covers.
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Vitodeco Odorless Luxury Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
But what do you get for this “premium” price? Well, you get premium materials! This steering wheel is built out of durable, soft, premium genuine leather. This leather is both heat and cold resistant and features a unique texture that helps boost your grip on the wheel.
Furthermore, the leather is almost odorless, and that little odor it has will clear out after a couple of days.
At first, I thought the “dragon scale” texture on the side of this steering wheel cover won’t offer that much additional grip. However, after a couple of days of use, I noticed just how much extra grip it provides, especially when making U-turns.
Although this cover is marketed as universal, it will fit only steering wheels 14.5 inches in diameter. Why? Because it’s compatible with steering wheels ranging from 14.25 to 14.75 inches. This means you will have a hard time installing it on anything that is bigger than 14.6 inches in diameter.
Even with its downsides, it is hard not to recommend the Vitodeco steering wheel cover. It won’t just give your worn out steering wheel a fresh look, it will also provide superb grip and comfort.
Pros:
- Built out of premium genuine leather
- “Dragon Scale” texture offers additional grip
- Odorless
Cons:
- Pricey
- Won’t fit on steering wheels bigger than 14.5 inches
#5 Aumo-Mate Wheel Cover
The fifth place in my list goes to the best budget steering wheel cover you can find on the current market. The Aumo-Mate Wheel Cover offers superb comfort and grip all at a reasonable price.
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Aumo-Mate Wheel Cover[/caption]
The outer part of this wheel cover is built out of microfiber leather and features padding that provides additional comfort. The padding makes the steering wheel soft to the touch and allows for extra grip.
This steering wheel cover is available in a wide range of colors and designs. Some of these designs are incredibly tacky, like the pink one that features fake diamonds all around. Thankfully, not all color options are tacky.
When it comes to compatibility, this cover is compatible with steering wheels ranging from 14.9 to 15.7 inches. This means it will fit most of the medium-sized steering wheels. I recommend you give this product a pass if your vehicle has a steering wheel bigger than 15 inches since you’ll have a hard time fitting it.
Since this is a budget steering wheel cover, the stitching isn’t of the highest quality. The stitches look like they’ll give out any minute, but when you consider the price, it’s a fair tradeoff. The Aumo-Mate Cover is an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget and are looking for a steering wheel cover that offers the best bang for the buck.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Comfortable padding
- Offers a secure grip
Cons:
- The color options are a bit tacky
- Low-quality stitching
#6 GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover
So far, I’ve talked about covers that are compatible with medium-sized steering wheels. However, I’m well aware there are vehicles with steering wheels that are smaller than 14 inches. This is where the GripDrive Pro comes into play.
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GripDrive Pro Synthetic Leather Auto Car Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This steering wheel cover is compatible with wheels ranging from 13.5 inches, up to 14.5 inches. If you own a Honda Civic, rejoice because this cover fits their steering wheels like a glove.
And if you have a steering wheel that’s exactly 14.5 inches in diameter, you should heat up the cover before installing it. Heating it up will make this cover more stretchy, making the installation less painful.
When it comes to the design, the GripDrive Pro oozes sportscar design. The sides of this cover are contoured to fit your fingers and are also quite grippy. The GripDive Pro is built out of synthetic leather, which is easier to maintain and is also heat and cold resistant.
The only issue I have with the steering wheel cover is the stitching. Even though the stitches are pretty decent, they are way too sharp and can rub on your hand the wrong way. However, if you don’t have overly sensitive hands, you won’t have any issues with this steering wheel cover.
Pros:
- Contoured for secure grip
- Odorless
- Compatible with smaller steering wheels
Cons:
- The stitching is a bit uncomfortable
#7 JYPC Silicone Steering Wheel Cover
The seventh place in this list goes to a steering wheel cover that’s built out of silicone, a material you don’t see very often used for steering wheel covers. The JYPC is definitely one of the best silicone steering wheel covers I’ve seen so far.
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JYPC Silicone Steering Wheel Cover,Non-Slip and Sweat Absorbent, Universal 13 to 15 inches(Black) (Black)[/caption]
The JYPC Silicone Steering Wheel Cover is just as excellent and grippy as a leather steering wheel cover with the added benefit of not having any stitches. The stitches are the first thing that will start to get loose on a leather steering wheel cover.
But the benefits don’t end there. Because this steering wheel cover is built out of silicone, it’s much easier to install and remove. It also doesn’t fade with time and doesn’t require any maintenance. You can install it on steering wheels ranging from 14 to 15 inches.
The JYPC cover is designed to provide the best possible grip. It features silicone knobs that massage your hands as you grip the steering wheel. You don’t have to worry about getting calluses on your hands because this steering wheel cover is exceptionally soft to the touch.
Another awesome thing about this cover is its resistance to extreme temperatures. No longer will you scorch your hands when you put your hands on the wheel on a hot summer day, nor will your hands freeze on a cold winter day
Pros:
- Affordable
- Color doesn’t fade with time
- Offers superb grip
Cons:
- It has a rubber odor
#8 BOKIN Steering Wheel Cover
The BOKIN Steering Wheel cover combines two materials to ensure you have the best possible comfort and grip on your steering wheel.
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BOKIN Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This steering wheel is built out of eco-friendly microfiber leather and viscose. Both of these materials are quite grippy and durable. What’s more, the viscose is even more breathable than microfiber leather. Not only that, but it’s also incredibly soft to the touch and can soak up quite a lot of your palm sweat.
Both of these materials are also resistant to extreme temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about experiencing any discomfort while driving in extreme cold or heat.
The thing I like the most, besides the inclusion of viscose, are the stitches. None of them stick out or rub your palm the wrong way. In fact, the only two visible stitches are there just for visual appeal. I also love the way it feels when I let go of the steering wheel, and it rubs against my palm.
The only issue I have with this steering wheel cover is the fit. This cover is designed to fit steering wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15 inches in diameter. This is incredibly tight, and you will have trouble installing it. This is why I recommend you heat it up first and then install it since it will become more stretchy.
Pros:
- Built out of microfiber leather and viscose\
- Offers excellent grip
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons:
- A bit difficult to install
#9 Plasticolor Star Wars Licensed Cover
There is no lack of Star Wars-branded accessories, and that goes for steering wheel covers too. Because I’m a huge fan of this franchise and since I’m in love with the Mandalorian TV show, I’ve decided to include the Plasticolor Star Wars Licenced Cover into this list.
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Plasticolor 006736R01 Star Wars Darth Vader Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This Star Wars-branded steering wheel cover features stormtrooper helmet illustrations and a textured symbol of the Empire. I was always been enthralled with the design of the stormtrooper helmets even if the stormtroopers themselves couldn’t hit a target to save their lives.
This steering wheel cover is built out of microfiber leather that’s quite soft to the touch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature any padding, which means it is less comfortable than most other steering wheel covers.
The stitching also leaves a lot to be desired. It looks shoddily done and feels like it will tear at any moment. This becomes even more apparent during the installation because you’ll have to use quite a lot of force to pull it over the steering wheel.
When it comes to compatibility, this steering wheel cover can fit most medium-sized wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15.5 inches. If you’re a Star Wars fan that owns a vehicle with a small wheel, I’m really sorry.
Even with its drawbacks, this steering wheel covers is worth buying as a cool Christmas present or a way to show your love to the Star Wars franchise.
Pros:
- Star Wars branded
- Soft to the touch
- Offers secure grip
Cons:
- No padding
- A bit hard to install
#10 Ylife Microfiber Leather Car Steering Wheel Cover
The last place in my list of best steering wheel covers goes to a product that’ll breathe new life into your worn out steering wheel. The Ylife Microfiber Leather Car Steering Wheel Cover doesn’t feature any particular design quirks or multicolor patterns.
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Ylife Microfiber Leather Car Steering Wheel Cover[/caption]
This cover serves only one purpose, and that’s to freshen up your car’s interior while providing secure grip and comfort.
As you might have already figured out, this steering wheel cover is built out of microfiber leather. This leather is textured to resemble a stock steering wheel and features holes on the part where you grip them to regulate palm sweat.
Since it’s a universal cover it is compatible with steering wheels ranging from 14.5 to 15 inches in diameter. And since it’s built out of microfiber leather, you will have to use a lot of force to install it. This is why you should heat it up before installing, so it’s more stretchy and malleable.
Even though it’s in the last place on this list, it doesn’t mean it’s the worst cover on the market. In fact, the only reason why it’s in the last place is that it looks like a stock steering wheel. I like my covers to have some flare or combine two or more colors.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Offers secure grip
- Comfortable and soft to the touch
Cons:
- Plain design
- A bit tricky to install
Why Should You Buy A Steering Wheel Cover and What You Need To Consider When Buying One
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Why Should You Buy A Steering Wheel Cover and What You Need To Consider When Buying One[/caption]
Now that we've taken an in-depth look at the contenders for the title of the best steering wheel cover, it's time to find out what you have to consider when buying one.
Even though these products are quite simple, the market is flooded with models that range in price and quality.
Knowing how are steering wheel covers made and what makes them so essential to your driving experience is crucial to making an informed purchasing decision.
However, before we get into things you should consider when buying a steering wheel cover, first, let's answer the question of why you need one in the first place.
Why You Should Use A Steering Wheel Cover
At first glance, you'd think that steering wheel covers are just another useless accessory to your car. You might even believe they are just too tacky and ruin your vehicle's interior.
However, these products do have their benefits. In fact, here are five reasons why you should use a steering wheel cover in your vehicle.
#1 Steering Wheel Covers Provide Better Grip
Some cars have steering wheels that are just too slick or are difficult to grip because they aren't thick enough. This is especially true for cheaper models that don't have leather interiors.
While you won't have this issue with more expensive vehicles that have leather steering wheels, you will have trouble if your car has a plastic or vinyl wheel.
This is where steering wheel covers come into play. Not only will these products improve your grip, but they'll also make the steering wheel more appealing. A good steering wheel cover will allow you to manage your hold on the steering, in turn increasing the handling of the car. No longer will you struggle with your steering wheel slipping or sliding because you didn't grip it tight enough.
#2 Steering Wheel Covers Provide A More Comfortable Grip
Steering wheel covers not only allow for a tighter grip, but they are also more comfortable than the stock steering wheel.
A great number of most popular steering wheel covers feature a cushion grip that provides much-needed comfort. Not only that, but they also feature grooves that further improve your comfort and grip.
These ergonomic touches aren't there just for style. They also prevent driver fatigue and help keep your hands comfortable during long drives.
#3 Steering Wheel Covers Prevent Wear And Tear
This should be pretty simple. Most, if not all, steering wheels wear out over time. The steering wheel gets more wear than any other part of your car's interior.
Even if you take care of the interior of your vehicle, years of friction, dirt, and grime will wear out your steering wheel. This is where steering wheel covers come into play. These products will prevent any damage to your steering wheel or hide the existing one.
#4 Steering Wheel Covers Regulate Temperature
What do I mean by this? Well, have you ever touched a steering wheel that's been backing in the sun for a couple of hours? You can easily burn your hand if you're not careful enough.
Depending on what material the steering wheel cover is built out of, it can keep things cool or warm.
Plastic covers will get pretty hot in direct sunlight. And if that's an issue for you, you can always go for a leather cover since they're excellent at insulating temperature. They won't get too hot nor too cold.
And if you live in a place that has a particularly cold climate, you can always go for a fuzzy cover. They do look a bit ridiculous, they are excellent at keeping your hands warm.
#5 Steering Wheel Covers Add Style
Steering wheel covers come in a million shapes and sizes. You can find them in dull black, tacky pink, and even leopard print.
If you can imagine a style, you will probably find a steering wheel cover that matches it. These products are the easiest and most affordable way to give your car's interior more style.
If these reasons haven't changed your mind on the usefulness of steering wheel covers, I don't know what will.
Now we can continue to four things you should consider when buying the best steering wheel cover.
Fit and Ease of Installation
You may be tempted to get a universal cover that just barely fits your steering wheel. Maybe it's a tenth of an inch too small or big.
I urge you to avoid this temptation at all costs. Why? Well, you will most likely end up with a steering wheel cover that is either too bulky and slips easily or is too tight and will start to crack after a couple of months of use.
Look for a cover that is sized to fit your steering wheel snugly. I recommend you look for covers that fit the steering wheel in a one-inch range. For example, if your steering wheel is 15 inches in diameter, look for a cover that can fit the wheel between 14.5 and 15.5 inches in diameter. The snugger the fit, the better.
Unfortunately, you will have trouble installing them because they don't stretch too much. This is why you should heat up the cover with a hairdryer since it will make it more malleable. Even then, you will have to struggle a bit, but when you're done, you will be happy with the glove-like fit.
Material
Steering wheel covers are built out of a wide range of materials. The material used is also the main factor that influences its price. You can judge how durable a steering wheel cover is just by looking at the materials used in its construction.
Here are the three most common materials you will encounter when looking for the best steering wheel cover:
- Genuine Leather - Steering wheel covers that are built out of genuine leather are the best ones you can get. They are soft to the touch and quite supple. Leather covers are also easier to install. Unfortunately, they are the most expensive and require regular maintenance (like everything made out of leather). This type of covers are also quite thin and don't have much extra padding.
- Man-Made Materials - Steering Wheel covers built out of man-made materials are usually the cheapest. You can find this type of cover anywhere, from Walmart to Autozone. They aren't as durable or cool-looking as other covers, but there is some good news. They tend to be quite clean since they have stain-resistant materials built-in. They are also easy to clean and maintain. And if you're looking for a licensed cover, these covers are a way to go.
- Cowhide - These steering wheel covers are less expensive than leather ones and are made from the underlayer of the cow's skin. They aren't as nice as those built from genuine leather, but they're more durable and require less maintenance.
Price
When it comes to the price of a steering wheel cover, there is no wrong answer. There are only right and false expectations. Don't expect your cover to last you for a lifetime. At best, it will last for two years. At worst, it'll last for a couple of months.
Most steering wheel covers orbit around the 20-dollar price tag, and most of those will last you for a year or two. I recommend you do some shopping around, you might find a bargain. However, you should keep in mind that, in most cases, you will get what you pay for.
Grip
The grip is the most crucial factor you should consider when looking for a steering wheel cover. There is no point in getting a cover that is just as bad as the stock steering wheel.
If you're looking for a cover built out of synthetic materials,
I recommend you look for models that feature rubber on the outer side. This will give you more grip than plain silicone.
If you're looking for leather covers, look for those that feature textured or grooved surfaces. These will not only ensure more gripping power but also give your car a more sporty look.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Determine THe Size Of The Steering Wheel Cover To Use?
Before you set out and buy at steering wheel cover, you have to measure the diameter of your steering wheel. I recommend you use a tape measure, but you can't do it with a ruler too. Provided the ruler is big enough.
After you've measured the diameter of your steering wheel, you have to compare your measurements with the specification of the cover you're interested in.
Covers that are too big will slide on the wheel, and those that are too small will probably break during installation.
Q: How Do You Clean A Steering Wheel Cover?
Regularly cleaning your steering wheel cover will extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning also helps get rid of any bacteria and prevents mold and mildew growth.
Start cleaning your cover by removing it. Then, use a damp, lightly soaped cloth to clean it. Clean both the inside and the outside. You can also use antibacterial wipes as the last step to get rid of any bacteria that survived the cleaning.
Q: Do Steering Wheel Covers Smell?
The answer to this question depends on the material the cover is made from.
Steering Wheels made out of man-made materials usually have a slight odor. However, it usually clears out after a couple of days.
In fact, all steering wheel covers I listed above are entirely odorless. You don't have to worry about your hands smelling like a factory each time you go for a drive.
Q: What Are The Most Usual Complaints About Steering Wheel Covers?
Overall, these products get excellent review scores. The most common complaint about steering wheel covers is the fit. Why? Well, most universal covers fit around 90% of the 15-inch steering wheels out there. Steering wheels come in too many variations for a cover to be able to fit them all.
The second most common complaint is the durability. Some of the cheaper models have shoddy stitching that will tear and loosen over time.
Wrap Up
Finally, it's time to crown the victor amongst the best steering wheel covers on the current market. The competition was very fierce, but there was one clear winner. The SEG Direct Microfiber Car Universal Steering Wheel Cover had the shortest list of drawbacks and was the best overall. However, Steever Max Solid Steering Wheel Cover came awfully close thanks to it's superb build quality and comfort. I would consider buying either one since they’re both awesome.
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