If you’ve ever wondered whether a real leather steering wheel is worth the investment, the answer is yes. Leather adds comfort, style, and long-term durability to your vehicle’s interior. Unlike plastic or synthetic materials, genuine leather steering wheels resist grime buildup, prevent wear, and can even enhance your driving experience.
The Benefits Of Having A Leather Steering Wheel
While some steering wheels appear to be a true Leather Steering Wheel, often this is a cheap imitation. Alternatively, steering wheels are made of plastics.
Without a steering wheel covered in leather, the steering wheel gets dirty. Constant touching from your hands leaves oil and grime on the steering wheel which cakes into the material, staining it over time and causes discoloring. This drops the value of the car as it looks worn and tired. To avoid this, a steering wheel wrapped in leather will take the brunt of the dirt and oils.
This is also applicable to real tangible damage. Older steering wheels especially were made from strange foam that easily got bumps, scratches, and holes in it. A steering wheel wrapped in leather protect against this and keeps the wheel in one piece.
For those traveling on long journeys, leather increases comfort, and ergonomic design help to enhance your experience. And also prevent back problems, and increase blood flow to the brain. A leather wheel can provide padded placement for your hands. This can also relieve stress from the wrists, hands, arms, and back. Moreover, the softer touch can prevent calluses on your hands.
Leather steering wheels are also engineered to improve the look of your car. Available in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures, leather steering wheels bring a touch of class to the car.
Benefits of a Leather Steering Wheel
Improved comfort: Softer grip reduces strain on long drives.
Better protection: Shields the factory wheel from oils, sweat, and sunlight.
Luxury feel: Adds texture, color, and class to your vehicle’s interior.
Durability: Quality leather can last for decades with proper care.
Easier cleaning: Wipes down quickly without harming the wheel beneath.
How Will a Leather Steering Wheels Stand up to Water, Messy Hands, Sweat?
When wrapped in leather they are engineered specifically to stand up to wear and tear. And also protect your steering wheel from receiving this treatment.
In general, leather steering wheels are made from tough, high-quality leather and are therefore mostly waterproof. Similar to hiking boots, while the material is a little porous, the leather can protect from soda spills, coffee stains, and water damage.
Secondly, your leather-covered steering wheel is taking all the dirt and grime from your hands that would usually go on your wheel. It may not be visible to the naked eye. Small amounts of dirt build-up over time. So a leather-covered steering wheel protects the wheel from being subject to all this grime.
With this in mind, having a leather steering wheel makes cleaning your car easier after mucky hands have been touching all the surfaces. With a wet wipe of a damp cloth, you can clean off sticky messes from a steering wheel without affecting the original wheel.
The sweat from your hands will also transfer onto your steering wheel and covering it helps to protect against this, as sweat can sink into the material and degrade it. To help enhance the lifespan of your steering wheel, you can polish the leather to remove bodily oils.
How to Maintain and Clean a Leather Steering Wheel
Use a soft microfiber cloth and mild leather cleaner.
Avoid alcohol-based wipes—they dry out the leather.
Apply conditioner every few months to keep it supple.
Keep your car shaded to prevent cracking or fading.
Ready to upgrade or restore your steering wheel?
Request a free leather restoration quote today or call us to learn more about our custom leather steering wheel wraps.
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