Steering wheel cover: how to choose the right size and fit it

A steering wheel cover changes how your car feels in your hands every day: softer in winter, less slippery in summer, and it protects a worn wheel. But it has to be the right size and properly fitted: a cover that spins round the wheel is more of a hindrance than a help. Here's how to choose and fit yours.

Measure your steering wheel: the one step not to skip

A cover is chosen according to the outer diameter of the steering wheel:

Lay a tape measure flat across the steering wheel, with the wheels straight, and measure from one outer edge to the other, through the centre.
Most cars have a steering wheel of 37 to 38 cm: that's the size of most covers.
Small city cars and some sporty models go down to 36 cm; vans and motorhomes often go above 40 cm.

Look at the shape too: if the bottom of your steering wheel is flat, you need a cover designed for a D-shaped wheel. A round cover fitted on a flat-bottomed wheel wrinkles at the bottom and doesn't hold well.

Slip-on cover or clip-on grips

A slip-on cover covers the whole rim of the wheel. It's built on an elastic or rubber edge that keeps it taut: the most complete solution, and the most secure once fitted.
Grips are two pieces that clip onto the sides of the wheel, where your hands rest. They go on in seconds, without dismantling anything, and leave the rest of the original wheel visible.

Which material for which use

Synthetic leather: the look closest to an original steering wheel, and easy to wipe clean. Smooth, embossed or perforated depending on the feel you want.
Perforated lets air through: your hands sweat less on long journeys and in summer.
Synthetic suede offers a soft grip that holds well, popular with people who drive a lot.
Silicone is thin, flexible and washable with water: handy for a steering wheel shared by several drivers.
Plush and long pile save you from gripping an icy wheel on winter mornings. They get dirty faster, so keep them for the cold season.

Fitting your cover properly

Park up, engine off, wheels straight.
A new cover is deliberately tight: leave it for a few minutes in the sun or near a radiator, and the edge becomes more supple.
Hook the top of the cover over the top of the steering wheel, then pull it down on both sides at once, easing it on little by little.
Finish with the bottom, pulling firmly: it's the hardest part, and that's normal.
Rotate the cover by hand to line up the seam or the top marker, then check that it no longer moves.

A cover only covers the rim of the steering wheel, never the centre: the airbag cover and the steering wheel controls must stay clear. If the cover turns or slips once fitted, it's too big: don't drive with it.

Care

Synthetic leather and silicone: a slightly damp cloth is enough, with no harsh products.
Suede and plush: a quick going-over with a soft brush, and a damp cloth for stains.
Avoid leaving the car in full sun with the windows closed for hours on end: heat wears out all materials, original and add-on alike.

Our steering wheel covers

Free delivery in France and across Europe, and 14 days to change your mind:

Steering wheel covers: synthetic leather, perforated, suede, silicone and plush for winter, with styles for round or D-shaped wheels.
Car & Motorbike: all our accessories for the car interior.