Best Steering Wheel Covers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
When it comes to the inside of your car, there’s no more important piece of hardware than the steering wheel. Without it, you’re essentially sitting in a big metal box rolling down the road at several miles an hour, at the mercy of the elements. So, it probably goes without saying that you want to make sure you keep a good grip on your steering wheel, and maybe even want to personalize it to match your style. But how do you do this, you may ask?
Featured Recommendations
- Sino Banyan Crystal
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Our rating - Reduces Driver Fatigue
- Price: See Here
- Bokin
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Our rating - Better Safer Grip
- Price: See Here
- Rueesh Microfiber
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Our rating - Superior Grip
- Price: See Here
Steering wheel covers are the ideal way to customize your steering wheel as per your personal style, while in many cases, actually boosting the grip and temperature control of the wheel at the same time. Steering wheel covers not only look good, but they can also improve your grip on the wheel, essential for those long, tiring drives. And we’re going to be counting down the top ten best of them, here today. So, if you’re ready for your steering wheel to look great, read on, as we count down the:
10 Best Steering Wheel Covers
1. Sino Banyan Crystal
We’ve all been on those super long road trips where at some point our palms just feel numb, which only adds to our overall driving fatigue. Fortunately, those crystals on the rim of the cover aren’t just for show, as holding onto them actually massages your palms naturally as you steer. This helps drastically reduce driver fatigue over long periods of time, making for a more alert driver and a better driving experience.
Better grip
This is something that you want to look for in any steering wheel cover, because otherwise, why are you even buying the thing in the first place? Fortunately, this steering wheel cover has you, well, covered, as the rhinestones on the rim also add a lot of traction to your palm while massaging them at the same time. So, you have a much better grip, while feeling better all at the same time.
Cost and Value
For a high quality steering wheel cover, the price this entry is placed at is actually pretty affordable, all things considered.
Reduces driving fatigue
Better grip
Affordable
Rhinestone appearance can be gaudy to many
2. Bokin
One thing that will definitely wear down your hands when driving for a long period of time is the temperature of the steering wheel being at the mercy of the elements. Nothing kills your endurance quite so effectively as sweaty palms, after all. Fortunately, thanks to this cover’s smoother, breathable, and very comfortable microfiber leather and viscose construction, this cover will keep your hands cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter.
Better safer grip
The last thing you want when trying to steer is to lose control of yourself because you can’t get a good grip on your vehicle. A problem that this steering wheel cover eliminated with almost embarrassing ease, as this cover not only provides you with better traction and grip but the microfiber leather material will also absorb sweat produced by your palms, keeping your hands nice and dry for longer, safer control of your vehicle.
Cost and Value
The price of this steering wheel cover is just slightly below the price of the previous entry. Not enough for it to be all that significant, but enough to be worthy of note.
Warm in the winter, cool in the summer
Better, safer grip
Very affordable
Could be a bit bigger for some
3. Rueesh Microfiber
This steering wheel cover has one of the best grips and traction on the entire market. Made from microfiber leather, which is then topped off with an anti-slip matte finish, this steering wheel is almost impossible to lose your grip on short of just outright letting go of the wheel. This gives you better control on the road and thus ensures a safer drive.
Near universal fit
One main frustration that people tend to have with steering wheel covers is the fact that not all steering wheels are the same size and shape. So, it’s always a gamble as to whether or not your new steering wheel cover will even fit on your car’s wheel. Fortunately, this steering wheel cover is flexible enough to be able to fit on 90% of steering wheels currently on the market.
Cost and Value
Despite it’s more advanced build and near universal appeal, the best part about this steering wheel cover is how cheap it is. You’ll usually find this steering wheel cover at a good $5 or so cheaper than the previous two entries, making it one of the best deals on the list.
Superior grip
Near universal fit
Cheap
No padding
4. Valleycomfy
This steering wheel cover is made from heavy duty genuine leather, weighing in at 1.3 pounds. And yet it’s also one of the comfiest steering wheel covers to grip on the entire list as well, with the leather providing a soft to the touch surface, while also giving you a completely reliable grip. So, if those two things go together to put you in a mood for spending money, then you’ve found the right steering wheel cover for you.
Odor free
You wouldn’t think a steering wheel cover would get smelly but put anything made of leather under the sun long enough and it will start to stink eventually. Unless, of course, you line that leather with odor resistant materials that keep the leather fresh and odor free. Which is precisely what Valleycomfy did with this steering wheel cover.
Cost and Value
We go from one of the cheapest entries on this entire list to something a bit more average as far as steering wheel covers go. Not too expensive, but definitely not cheap.
Soft, reliable grip
Odor free
Fits all standard steering wheel sizes
Installation can be a pain
5. BDK Genuine
There are a lot of factors that play into this steering wheel cover being so tough, but chief among them is the fact that the leather used to make this cover has double stitched seams that hold the material together twice as strong as usual. Which as a result, makes it a lot longer lasting than most other brands out there.
Rip resistant
Not only are the seams of this steering wheel cover almost impossible to break, good luck ripping anywhere else on this cover. This steering wheel cover is made from the finest genuine leather money can buy, making it resistant to heat, immune to mold, and almost impossible to rip or tear without considerable effort being put in.
Cost and Value
We return to low prices with this entry, as this steering wheel cover is cheaper than any of the entries we’ve covered thus far. So, if you want durable protection for a very good price, this is the steering wheel cover you’re looking for.
Double stitched seams
Rip resistant
Cheap
A bit stiff
6. SEG Direct Microfiber
It isn’t just rips and tears that you have to be concerned about when it comes to steering wheel covers. You also have to be worried about skids and scuff messing it up as well. Fortunately, this steering wheel cover gets around that by featuring skidproof, stable microfiber leather that’s basically impossible to mark or skid, due to its incredibly smooth surface.
Heat-resistant
Due to its lighter color scheme and soft leather construction, this steering wheel cover is incredibly heat resistant, and able to remain nice and cool to the touch, even when under the summer sun for hours on end. Making for a nicer, smoother drive that lessens your fatigue. So, you don’t have to worry about a hot steering wheel sapping the life from you slowly over a long drive.
Cost and Value
While not the cheapest on this entire list, this entry is still remarkably affordable for what it’s offering you. So, if you want a decently priced steering wheel cover for your upcoming long summer road trip, then look no further, because you’ve found the cover for you.
Skidproof
Heat resistant
Affordable
Runs a bit large
7. Aully Park
The main thing plaguing every other entry we’ve covered? They’re pre-made, and thus too small or too large or too specifically shaped for certain wheels. Not so with this one, however. Your only limit with this entry is the amount of leather you have, and this entry gives you quite a bit to work with. More than enough, at least, for your average steering wheel, no matter how big it may be. And if you don’t need a steering wheel cover, no problem. Wrap this leather around anything, and you get the same results.
Can replace normal material
If you’re steering wheel has become damaged over time, and you don’t have the money to have a pro replace it, then you’re in luck. All you need is some above average threading skills, and you can replace the material of your steering wheel with this. Just make sure to have some replacement internal padding if needed.
Cost and Value
As you can probably imagine, this is the cheapest entry thus far, and definitely a contender for the cheapest on the entire list. So, if you’re tired of your steering wheel covers never fitting quite right, do it yourself with this excellent cover material.
Truly universal
Can replace normal material
Very cheap
Requires threading and needling experience to get the most out of it
8. GripDrive Pro
Being synthetic in its construction definitely has its benefits. For one, unless you make it out of some top of the line material, leather tends to get sticky under intense heat. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, doesn’t have this problem. It’s also completely odorless, so you have no unnecessary distractions while driving.
Sporty and classy look
If you’re going to be putting a leather sleeve onto your steering wheel, it may as well look good when you do. Which is why this steering wheel cover comes with a unique stitching pattern that gives it a unique, sporty look that exudes class, without being too gaudy about it. Great for those who prefer a bit of subtlety to their style.
Cost and Value
This is probably the second cheapest entry on the list so far, which makes sense when you consider how much cheaper synthetic leather tends to be to produce compared to the real deal.
Synthetic leather construction
Sporty and classy look
Cheap
Sizing can be inconsistent
9. Lemonbest Universal
You may think being comfortable to hold and being durable are two opposing concepts, but this steering wheel cover proves you very wrong on that front. Made from PU leather material, this cover provides both a soft texture that keeps you comfortable when driving, as well as the durability you expect from high quality leather.
Breathable
Ask anyone who loves fine leather goods, and they’ll tell you that the best leather breathes, which means that it allows air to naturally move through its pores, and thus not build up the heat, making you uncomfortable. And on top of that, it’s almost impossible to slip your hand on this cover, no matter how sweaty they are, thanks to its anti-slip sweatband.
Cost and Value
This is, without question, the cheapest entry on the entire list. So, if you know how to thread a needle and you’d rather make your own steering wheel cover, then look no further.
Soft and durable
Breathable
Cheapest on the list
Like before, requires knowing how to thread and needle in order to work
10. Car Pass Delray
Unlike the other entries on this list, this steering wheel cover is made with beautiful, not to mention comfortable, sequins and lace along its surface. Add onto that a wonderfully breathable spacer mesh, and you get a steering wheel cover that both looks and feels incredible. So, if style and comfort are your top priorities, then this might just be what you’re looking for.
Anti-slip inner ring
One problem a lot of people who use steering wheel covers share is that the cover tends to swivel around on the wheel a lot. Not the case with this one, however, which is made with an anti-slip inner ring to keep the steering wheel cover nice and stable on the wheel.
Cost and Value
While not the cheapest on the list, this entry is nowhere near pricey, so if you need a steering wheel cover that takes those extra steps to make your ride as comfy as possible, then you’ve come to the right place.
Looks and feels amazing
Anti-slip inner ring
Cheap
Runs small
Make no mistake, steering wheel covers are a luxury. You don’t really need one of these covers for your steering wheel if you don’t want one. However, just because you don’t need something, does not mean it won’t make things easier for you if you do get it. And steering wheel covers, especially the ten listed here, will most certainly make your driving a lot easier. This is especially true if you’re going on one of those super long drives where driving fatigue is bound to set in eventually. A steering wheel cover will take the fatigue off of you, at least slightly, by improving your grip and cushioning your hand on the wheel when it can otherwise wear you down. So, no, you don’t really need a steering wheel cover in order to drive properly. But you can still use it to make driving a lot more comfortable than it otherwise is. And for that purpose, we found these ten entries to excel. So, if you need a new steering wheel cover for your car, then pick one out from this list and enjoy the ride.
Criteria Used in Choosing the Best Steering Wheel Covers
Coming up with a list of criteria for this article was tough, mostly because at first glance, we didn’t have a lot to actually work with. They’re all leather rings meant to wrap around steering wheels. However, upon close inspection, we found a lot more than we initially bargained for. Which is what we’re showing here, as we go over the most vital criteria, we used to determine who got on the list and where.
Material
The main thing you’re looking for when you buy a steering wheel cover is a comfort. The material that’s already there is meant to cover up the machinery underneath, with comfort for the driver being strictly secondary. Which is why so many people flock to get a steering wheel cover; it’s essentially a second layer of skin for the steering wheel. One that provides a lot more padding and comfort when using. Which is why you want to make sure that you’re using a well made material. The most commonly used material, as you’ve seen, is leather, either genuine or synthetic. And it isn’t hard to see why that is, leather is tough, durable, long lasting, but comfortable enough to wear and hold onto for long periods of time. People sometimes prefer the synthetic variety, though, for its lack of stickiness when exposed to heat over long periods of time.
Stability
One of the key selling points you’ll see being used to sell pretty much any steering wheel cover out there is the fact that it will “improve your grip on your steering wheel.” But do you know what tends to get in the way of that? The cover is sliding around back and forth on the wheel because the inside has no grip of its own. This, of course, significantly worsens your control of the wheel, because now you have to turn twice as hard to get half the distance. You should always double check the box the steering wheel cover comes in to make sure that it has a good grip on the steering wheel it’s covering. There are a few ways it can do this, but the most common trick is to be equipped with an internal rubber ring that keeps the cover in place when you put it on the wheel. This tends to work just fine, so most manufacturers just go with that. Always make sure that your steering wheel cover is nice and stable, because if otherwise, that fact will bite you in the behind when you least need it to.
Fit
Pretty much all steering wheel covers will say right there on the box what size wheel they can actually work with. And this is paramount to consider, because if you want the steering wheel cover to actually have a good grip and remain stable, then you’d better find the right size. It won’t take you long to determine the size of your steering wheel, fortunately, as it’s just a matter of taking a bit of measuring tape to its width and height and then writing down what you find. Steering wheel covers are pretty hard to actually stretch, so it’s going to be hard to fit a steering wheel cover onto a wheel that’s too big for it, so always be sure to check the size of the cover as it compares to the wheel.
Grip
Stability is the steering wheel cover’s grip on the steering wheel, whereas grip is your grip on the steering wheel cover. It’s not enough to have a steering wheel cover that’s comfortable, you also need to have one that makes it easier to drive. This is another reason why most manufacturers go with leather or at least some form of leather. Not only is it versatile and comfortable when made right, but it also provides a ton of traction when you hold onto it. It’s very hard to lose your grip on something made of leather, which makes it the ideal material for this product. But the steering wheel cover also needs to be stable and be the right size for the steering wheel so that there’s no slipping or sliding. And on top of that, the grip needs to make it easier on you when you drive and reduce your driving fatigue. Our first entry did this by lining the outer rim of the cover with rhinestones, which were specifically crafted to massage your palms and make it more soothing to drive over long periods of time, rather than wear you down.
Aesthetic quality
As long as you’re putting this thing on your steering wheel, it may as well look good, right? This is especially important to those with steering wheels that have been worn down over time and want to not only make it look like new again but make it look even better. Whether you want an out and proud design for your cover, or a subtle stitching pattern that’s noticeable enough to make the style clear, there’s an option for everyone with a steering wheel cover.
Price
The last criteria we looked at for this article was the price of each entry. We didn’t really expect the prices of these entries to be anything too high, but we were still shocked at how cheap they all were. Even the most expensive thing on the list barely got above $20. So, our method of judging the price of each entry shifted to how well they could justify having the prices they did. If something costs relatively low, and yet is also the best performing on the list, we were more likely to consider it for the top spot. Meanwhile, even if an entry is very inexpensive if it doesn’t have enough features when compared to a slightly more expensive entry, which one are you more likely to roll the dice on?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the last segment of this article, we’ll be taking a look at some frequently asked questions surrounding steering wheel covers. While having every little question answered before making a purchase isn’t required, it certainly makes the act of purchasing one imbued with more confidence. Which is what we’re here to go over today. So, with that said, here are the most frequently asked questions and commonly voiced concerns surrounding steering wheel covers, and the answers thereof.
Q: Installing a wheelskin steering wheel cover has always been a struggle for me. Do you have any installation tips for me?
A: The reason steering wheel covers are so hard to put on is because you want a steering wheel cover to fit as tightly and as stable as possible. As such, manufacturers leave just enough room to get the thing on, but not a whole lot else. So, our main tips is this: read the buying guide. Read it, know it, love it. That thing is there for a reason; to help you find the right size for your steering wheel cover. Our second tip is to use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of your steering wheel so that your choice of steering wheel cover is more specific and confident. Finally, lay your new steering wheel cover out in the sun or under a hair dryer for a few minutes (do not put it against an open flame or in a microwave). This will give you just enough stretch to get it around your steering wheel easily, with it tightening back to its original form in no time.
Q: Do you have any tips for installing a wrap style steering wheel cover?
A: First off is obvious, take a class on threading and needling. Just trust us, the money spent will be worth it, because you will save yourself so much frustration and money on finger bandages. Next up, follow the thread holes, they are there to help you. Thread the laces through the pre-punctured eyelets in the material. If the item doesn’t provide you with a needle, remember that you’re threading leather, and thus need a leather needle. Other needles won’t be able to put up with leather’s rough nature. Another trick you can implement is adding a little bit of wax to the lacing. This will make the thread and needle slide right on through with ease.
The last tip is this: take your time. If you’ve chosen a wrap style steering wheel cover, then you’ve intentionally chosen the long and patient path, so don’t be afraid to take it. Threading and needling takes time and patience, as well as a deft, calm hand to work properly. So, set aside a good hour and a half to do this. Not saying it’ll take that long but having a lot of free time will take most of the pressure off and allow you to focus on doing a good job.
