You’ve probably seen those cars with leather-wrapped steering wheels. It’s a popular modification that many people choose to do. But is it possible to leather wrap your steering wheel? And if so, what are the pros and cons of doing so? In this article, we will explore those questions and more. We’ll take a look at what leather wrapping is, how it’s done, and what benefits and drawbacks it has. So if you’re curious about whether or not you should leather wrap your steering wheel, read on!
To answer if you can leather wrap your steering wheel, the response is yes you can leather wrap your steering wheel. For a new look and/or to hide a deteriorating steering wheel, you can have it wrapped, and using leather is an option. You will need a professional to help you do this. This, of course, will cost you some money but may last you a while if taken care of properly.
The steering wheel of a car is undeniably one of the most touching components. Therefore, the steering wheel is easily susceptible to wear. Aside from this, the exposure of the steering wheel to the mercy of the weather can also contribute to its deterioration.
I do not know about you but a cracking or peeling steering weather is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Thus, if the above description fits your steering wheel, then it needs to be reupholstered.
One option may be to buy a cover for your steering wheel. You can find these covers in a variety of colors and materials so you will certainly be spoilt for choice. However, some people do not enjoy the look and feel of a steering wheel cover and that is where wrapping your steering wheel is another option.
Though re-wrapping your steering wheel can be on the expensive side, you can have a professional do that for you.
What is leather wrapping?
Leather wrapping is the process of covering your steering wheel with leather. Doing so will give your car a luxurious feel and look. Not to mention, it can also help protect your steering wheel from the elements and wear and tear.
There are a few things you should keep in mind before you decide to leather wrap your steering wheel. First, wrapping your steering wheel will cost you more money than buying a steering wheel cover. Second, leather is not as durable as other materials so it will require more care and maintenance.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Can you leather wrap your steering wheel?” let’s take a look at the pros and cons of doing so.
Pros of leather wrapping your steering wheel:
1. Leather looks luxurious and can give your car a high-end feel.
The first advantage of leather wrapping your steering wheel is to give your steering wheel a luxurious feel.
If you are someone who takes pride in their car, then this may be the route for you. Leather is also a high-end material that can make your car stand out from the rest.
2. Leather can help protect your steering wheel from wear and tear.
Another advantage of leather wrapping your steering wheel is that it can help protect your steering wheel. As we mentioned earlier, the steering wheel is susceptible to wear and tear.
By wrapping it in leather, you can help extend its lifespan. Additionally, leather can also help protect your steering wheel from the elements like sun damage and rain.
3. Covers up a wearing steering wheel
Like any other wrap or cover, a leather wrap certainly does a great job at covering up a deteriorating steering wheel. Because steering wheels are frequently touched, they wear easily and sometimes, need to be reupholstered and a leather wrap is certainly a great way to give it a new look.
4. Comfortable to grip than other steering wheel materials.
Again, covering your steering wheel with leather makes the steering wheel more comfortable to grip. This is because leather is a relatively soft material. As a result, it can be more comfortable to hold onto for long periods.
Cons of leather wrapping your steering wheel:
1. Require more care and maintenance.
The first downside of leather wrapping your steering wheel is that it requires more care and maintenance than other materials. Leather is not as durable as other materials, so you will need to be extra careful with it. Additionally, leather can also suffer from water damage, so you will need to be sure to protect it from the elements.
2. It May not be the best choice for rainy climates.
Another downside of leather is that it can be slippery when wet. This means that it may not be the best choice for steering wheels in rainy climates. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you may want to consider another material.
3. Susceptible to mold and mildew.
Leather is also a natural material, which means that it can be susceptible to mold and mildew. If you live in a humid climate or don’t take good care of your leather steering wheel, it could start to grow mold or mildew.
4. Expensive
Another downside of leather wrapping your steering wheel is that it can be on the expensive side. If you want to have a professional wrap your steering wheel, it will cost you more money than buying a steering wheel cover. However, if you are someone who takes pride in your car, then the extra cost may be worth it for you.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to leather wrapping your steering wheel. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages to decide if this is the right choice for you.
If you do decide to leather wrap your steering wheel, be sure to take good care of it! Keep reading to find out how to leather wrap your steering wheel.
How to leather wrap your steering wheel (DIY)
If you are feeling creative and want to wrap the steering wheel yourself, these are some steps you can follow:
1. Clean your steering wheel
Depending on the type of material your steering wheel is made of, you can spray a microfiber cloth with an appropriate cleaning product and wipe the steering wheel. Rub the cloth around the wheel to remove all dirt and debris.
2. Cut pieces of leather to fit your wheel
If the leather has not been cut already for you, lay it over the steering wheel and mark where you need to make cuts. Note that to have a “snuggled” fitted wrap, you will need to cut slightly smaller than the actual wheel to account for stretch.
3. Use a sewing machine to pierce holes
Fold the leather in half and starting approximately 1/16th of an inch away from the end of the leather, run the folded piece of leather under the sewing needle without any thread.
4. Measure the thread
To measure the thread, lay it on the circumference of the steering wheel to determine the appropriate length. Next, with the measured length, add 3 more inches and double it before cutting.
5. Thread two needles
Run the thread through one needle, then on the opposite end of the thread, thread the second needle.
6. Cross stitch the leather to the wheel
To cross stitch, starting with the first pre-pierced hole, run needle 1 through from left to right then follow with needle 2 from right to left through the same series of holes.
Follow this pattern, alternating which needle goes from left to right versus the right to left, until you have reached the end of the leather section.
7. Close the stitch
When you reach the last hole, proceed with the normal pattern but in addition, run each needle through the last hole one more time, this time, running the needle under the existing stitch.
To secure the thread, remove the needles from the thread and pull the thread tight. Then, tie the two ends of the thread together, securing the stitches in place. After, cut any excess thread away.
If you are using a store-bought wrap, simply clean the steering wheel and follow the instructions on the wrapping packaging.
Also, to make it easier to sew your wrap, you can remove the steering wheel from the column. However, you must first disconnect your battery and follow all manufacturer recommendations regarding disconnecting the airbag.
Now, let us take a pause! Do you not feel exhausted reading these steps? The process could take anywhere between 1 to 2 full days. Goodness! Let a professional do this for you at a cost, please.
Final thoughts
Can you leather wrap your steering wheel? Yes, you can but we do not recommend it as it is time-consuming and could be expensive if you choose to go the professional route. Not to mention, if done incorrectly, you could cause irreparable damage to your car.
We hope this article has helped answer your question and provide some clarity on the pros and cons of leather wrapping your steering wheel.
Thank you for reading! As always, drive safely!
