Which steering wheel grip material should I buy?

So you want a new steering wheel to freshen up your interior but with so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. Size is one thing and dish another, but for most people, the main choice is what steering wheel grip material to choose. This comes down to finding the right material but also the thickness depending on whether you need a thin or thicker steering wheel.

Here are a few things you might want to consider...

Is your car a daily?

Let's face it, most of us want to drive our cars as much as possible so we need a steering that can put up with the punishment of everyday use when covering many miles, sometimes for prolonged periods.

At Driftworks, our go-to steering wheel grip choices tend to be perforated or smooth leather. If you're driving your car daily, it doesn't react like suede may and still allows your palms to breathe slightly, preventing you from getting sweaty hands when driving your car daily and on longer drives. Leather is hard-wearing and will last for many years when used in conjunction with a reputable leather cleaner and conditioner, this will ensure it continues to look as good as it did when you first bought it.

If you're after a more old-school look, for example in a classic '71 Porsche, then maybe a MOMO Prototipo Heritage would be a fantastic option as the leather steering wheel grip on these looks aged even though it is new.

Do you want a vintage look?

For years, wooden steering wheels have been a strong choice for classic cars not only due to their aesthetic appeal but also because of their tactile feel that oozes quality. Our ranges from Italian craftsman Nardi and MOMO, give you several options when it comes to diameter, dish, and even spoke finish to suit almost any vintage car from BMW, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and many more. Nardi Steering Wheels came as standard equipment on lots of classic sports cars from MX-5s to classic Ferraris, so you know you're getting a premium quality product there. 

They're usually made from hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, or maple, which gives them that classy look. Each wood steering wheel is handcrafted with a mix of old-school woodworking techniques and modern manufacturing methods to get that perfect shape and smooth finish.

You can choose from a bunch of different finishes with most being polished wood, but some have a more natural, matte vibe. Plus, you can often find ones with cool polished or painted metal accents for an extra touch of style.

One of the best things about a wood steering wheel grip is how comfy they it is to hold. They've got this warm, natural feel that's way nicer than gripping onto something synthetic, especially when the weather gets extreme.

But, like anything nice, they need a bit of TLC to keep them looking sharp. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and some mild soap does the trick, and every so often, you'll want to give them a little conditioning with some special wood polish or oil.

A wood steering wheel grip can last a long time if you take care of them, but they're not invincible. Too much moisture, heat, or sunlight can mess them up, so it's smart to park in the shade and maybe use a sunshade to help protect them during the warmer summer months.

Is your car a track weapon?

If your car is built for track use, suede can improve grip compared to leather, wood, or a synthetic finish. When paired with gloves, a suede steering wheel will not be affected by the oils from your skin. 

A suede steering wheel grip is not generally the choice you would make for a car you use daily. Unfortunately, they can start to look worn fairly quickly due to the suede reacting to the oils and moisture from your skin. These oils from your hands essentially coat the suede fibres and your grip on the wheel flattens the fibres down leading to smooth shiny patches on the most used sections of your steering wheel. These areas can be buffed back up but is a pain and certainly not something you want to be doing regularly, hence why a suede steering wheel grip is always best used with gloves. You will find that a lot of the Suede steering wheels have a thinner diameter rim than the leather options, as they take into account the thickness of driving gloves.

Fancy something unique? Go embroidered.

Why not cruise down the road with a steering wheel that's not just functional but also a work of art? That's the beauty of an embroidered steering wheel grip.

Instead of the usual plain leather, wood, or synthetic grip, these wheels from T&E Vertex are decked out with intricate embroidery. Think JDM-inspired designs with vibrant colors, detailed stitching, and eye-catching patterns that make your car's interior pop.

But it's not just about looks. An embroidered steering wheel grip can also add a bit of extra texture and grip thanks to the stitching. So not only do they look cool, but they can also improve your driving experience.

They can be a bit pricey, but for those who want to add a personal touch to their JDM legend, German whip, or any other car, it's worth it for the added enjoyment of driving even the shortest of journeys.

So whether you're driving around town or showing off your wheels at a car meet, an embroidered steering wheel grip is sure to turn heads and make a statement. Plus, it's a fun way to inject some personality into your car's interior.

Need a no-frills, budget option?

When your steering wheel is starting to look a bit worn out, maybe it's got some cracks or the leather's peeling off, that's where a budget steering wheel from Driftworks or Personal is ideal.

It might not have all the fancy features of other high-end wheels, but it does the trick. It's functional, looks ok, and gets you where you need to go without breaking the bank.

Plus, budget steering wheels are great for those who are just looking for a simple replacement without all the frills. Maybe you're not too bothered about having a premium grip, finish, or a fancy design. You just want something that works.

Budget steering wheel options might not have the same longevity as pricier alternatives, they might wear out a bit faster or not be as durable in the long run. But based on the requirement, if you're on a tight budget or just need a quick fix, they're a solid, practical choice. It might not be the flashiest option out there, but sometimes simple is just what you need to spruce up your car's interior.

The Polyurethane options from Personal have a texture to the moulding, so they look a lot like a leather wheel but have the benefit of being waterproof. So if you're looking for a solution for an offroad vehicle where your interior may get wet and muddy, they can be a good robust choice there.

Hopefully, this guide gives you some good tips for finding your ideal steering wheel. However, if you're still undecided or would like to know more about any of our steering wheels, then click the link below.

Alternatively, please speak to our friendly customer support team at [email protected] or call 0121 792 2000.