Caring for the Leather Steering Wheel

[souprmage]

Well, seems I derailed the 'demographic' thread. Hard to control myself some times. So, let me start the conversation here.

I love the styling of the new Mustang Steering Wheel, but am afraid I'm going to bugger up the rim like I have with my plastic/rubber/whatever rim in my Jetta by wearing a spot where I hold the wheel (one handed for what it's worth, don't shoot me).

So, how do people protect a leather rim from wear? I've never had a leather rim before. The Subaru I had prior to my Jetta had an indestructible rim, so I didn't have to deal with this issue then. But my jetta wore through the textured coating into the softer material inside.

Do driving gloves help? Does regular conditioning and cleaning help?

:help:

Sponsored

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

I have a leather rim on my 2011 -- 40,000 miles in and no wear on it.

 

[valentinoamoro]

Look into whether a ring (Ex: wedding band) is causing chaffing. Sometimes nails can dig in. Other than that, I would just wipe the wheel down every 5-6 months with a cleaner/conditioner combo! Ex: Chamberlain's Leather milk (i use this brand - all natural, important if you are touching with bare hands like you would).

 

[fionic]

Look into whether a ring (Ex: wedding band) is causing chaffing. Sometimes nails can dig in. Other than that, I would just wipe the wheel down every 5-6 months with a cleaner/conditioner combo! Ex: Chamberlain's Leather milk (i use this brand - all natural, important if you are touching with bare hands like you would).

I use that on my wallet! (saddleback)

 

[Wildcat]

Connolly hide food or Sno seal both work great for leather and prevent sun and chemical damage.

 

[Grimace427]

No wear on my 2011 leather wheel and I never use any kind of product or cleaner.

 

[Ericc B]

No wear on my 2011 leather wheel and I never use any kind of product or cleaner.

+1. Or on any other previous leather wheel for that matter.

 

[MUSThavaSTANG]

Or you just let it wear naturally and not worry about it. Like wrinkles on a face giving it character.

 

[Five.Point.Oh]

Use Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. Cleaning it at least every 3-6 months will keep it getting shiny from the dirt caused by your hands. Then apply the conditioner right after. Leather should have a creamy matte look to it. The conditioner will soften and preserve the leather. Do the same for anything leather in the car. Using both will keep the interior looking like it just came off the showroom.

(I don't have anything leather besides Alcantara in my Boss 302, but the leather interior in my 2012 CR-V is still flawless after 2 years.)

 

[NVPony]

I have 2006 with a leather wheel and have not done anything to it. It still looks and feels great. I live in a high UV area as well.

 

[souprmage]

Use Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. Cleaning it at least every 3-6 months will keep it getting shiny from the dirt caused by your hands. Then apply the conditioner right after. Leather should have a creamy matte look to it. The conditioner will soften and preserve the leather. Do the same for anything leather in the car. Using both will keep the interior looking like it just came off the showroom.

(I don't have anything leather besides Alcantara in my Boss 302, but the leather interior in my 2012 CR-V is still flawless after 2 years.)

I did purchase the Lexol Cleaner and Conditioner in my 'car care kit'. So, I'm glad to hear that is at least someone's recommendation. My wife also uses that for all of our horse equipment.

I stopped wearing my wedding band a number of years ago, so at least that's not going to be causing any issues.

But overall, I'm happy to hear it's holding up well in general and I'll not worry too much about it other than making sure it's part of the routine clean/condition along with the rest of the interior.

 

[EXP Jawa]

The leather on the wheel of my '99 GT is nice shape. The leather on the steering wheel of my '98 Mountaineer, OTOH, is a bit abraded near the stitching where the leather has high spots. It's also loosing its color in a few places. To be fair, though, the truck has 322K miles on it, so the steering wheel has seen a lot of hand-holding.

 

[souprmage]

The leather on the wheel of my '99 GT is nice shape. The leather on the steering wheel of my '98 Mountaineer, OTOH, is a bit abraded near the stitching where the leather has high spots. It's also loosing its color in a few places. To be fair, though, the truck has 322K miles on it, so the steering wheel has seen a lot of hand-holding.

Lol, after 300k miles, I'm guessing it would be asking a little much for 'like-new' condition, so that's good to hear.

 

[EXP Jawa]

I guess that's the point - leather is actually a very durable material, as long as its protected from drying out. I've got a tin of Brooks Profide that I use on my bicycle saddles (leather also makes an excellent material for that, I have 5 or 6 leather saddles on various bikes). That would a good conditioner and protector for steering wheel wrap as well. Just don't ever Armor-all your steering wheel (or your bike seat!)...

 

[HalfMoon]

The only thing I worry about with my leather and alcantara steering wheels is the pocket clip from my knife. I wear it in my right front pocket with the clip exposed and if I'm not careful it can scratch the wheel when getting in/out of the car in a hurry.

I put a pretty good scrape into the wheel of one of my past cars and learned my lesson.

Otherwise, a good cleaner and conditioner like Lexol (as mentioned above) or another and you should be fine.

Sponsored