Steering wheel covers have been around since the late 1970s when they were first designed to help improve the design of the handwheels of vehicles. Before then, many steering wheels were slipper and thin, making most manufacturers of accessories fabricate covers for steering wheels.
However, the question “are steering wheel covers safe?” is now gaining the attention of many, but we will provide more clarity in this article.
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Are Steering Wheel Covers Safe?
Steering wheel covers are safe
, and they pose no dangers when you use them on your vehicles. However, you must meet a few conditions to ensure that you don’t experience the risk associated with them. Ultimately, the covers aim to enhance grip and ride safety.
To enjoy maximum safety when using steering wheel covers, you need to ensure the cover you install is the correct side, installed correctly, properly fitted, and gotten from a trusted dealer or manufacturer. Most of the problems linked with these covers are usually due to too loose or too large steering wheel covers.
To fully understand the answer to these questions, you also need to know some key things about steering covers. This includes what they are and readings on why you should get them. Continue reading for more.
What’s a Steering Wheel Cover?
For those who don’t already know, you can buy aftermarket covers for your steering wheel. However, these parts come in different types and materials, but they all serve the same purpose. They help to increase driving comfort, and this is by adding a personal touch to your car.
Basically, the covers are slipped over the wheel, after which they are tightened, and with that, you will not be grabbing the steering wheel when you drive but the steering cover.
What Are the Reasons Why People Use Steering Wheel Covers?
There are many reasons why people use steering wheel covers. This includes protecting the car steering wheel from getting damaged or scratched, reducing hand fatigue, especially after driving for too long and enhancing the aesthetic appeal and overall appearance of your vehicle’s interior.
With that said, here are some of the reasons why people use steering wheel covers:
Steering Wheel Covers Keep Hands Warm During Winter
One of the reasons why people like to use these covers is because of their ability to make their hands feel warm during the winter season or when the weather condition is generally cold. This is a vital addition for people who use vehicles without heated steering wheels or seats.
Apart from keeping your hands warm, the covers will also ensure a firmer grip on the steering even when you wear gloves.
Steering Wheel Covers Reduce Hand Fatigue
Another reason why people like to use these covers is because they have the potential to minimize hand fatigue and stress even after driving for long distances. Most people who drive long distances without covers always experience hand fatigue due to gripping their steering for long periods.
With the steering covers, you will have a cushioning effect that will help you reduce the fatigue you experience on your hand. Another thing to note is that steering wheels that are made from hard materials benefit more from these covers due to the increased grip they provide.
Steering Wheel Covers Increase the Comfort of Your Car
People also buy the steering wheel covers because they want to make their vehicles feel more comfortable. This is common in people driving in regions with extreme temperatures. With the steering covers, you can protect your hands from the intense cold or heat.
Also, if your covers are made from leather or cloth material, you can be sure that they will give you the extra grip you need when driving.
Steering Wheel Covers Mask the Effects of Worn-out Steering Wheel
A worn-out steering can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. One of the signs that your steering is aging is that it will start to wear out, and if you notice this, you should get a steering wheel cover.
With these covers, you can seamlessly hide stains or cracks and make your vehicle appear newer. In addition, the covers will also protect your steering and ensure that they don’t wear or tear easily.
Steering Wheel Covers Are a Great Accessory for Vehicles
The most common reason why many use these covers is to accessorize their vehicles. Basically these covers come in different types and varieties of materials and colors, and you can be sure to find one that matches the personality of your vehicle quickly.
People who want to make their vehicle have a touch of luxury can also consider using these covers. Today, there are many options available on the market, some of which are made from suede or leather. If you are a sports enthusiast, you can also find one designed with the logo of your favorite team.
What Are the Potential Risks Associated With Steering Wheel Covers?
There are many potential risks associated with steering wheel covers. The most common of these risks is the fact that they can cause your hand to slip while driving. This is a common occurrence with covers that are made from slippery materials like leather or plastic.
These covers have many other concerns, including the fact that they can interfere with the airbag deployment of the vehicle. If the covers are not securely installed or relatively thick, it will stop the airbags from deploying even after a severe collision.
The good thing is that these risks can be reduced by choosing the correct size and material. You can also reduce the risks by ensuring they are installed correctly and secured tightly. To help you understand the potential risks associated with steering wheel covers, here’s a quick overview of some cases when these covers are dangerous:
The Cover the Section of the Wheel for Horn
When installing the covers, you need to ensure that they are not placed over the center portion of the steering. The airbag is located within this region and the presence of the cover can impede the deployment of the airbag.
If there is an accident, you will only risk your life if you have the steering wheel covers placed over the center portion of the wheel. Another thing worth noting is that accessorizing your steering covers with plaques or gemstones is risky for the airbags.
The Cover Increases the Wheel’s Thickness
Another instance where the covers might be dangerous is if they increase the size of your steering.
You might not think this is a big deal, but what’s certain is that it can cause your wheel to be difficult to manage, especially if you have small hands.
The Cover Is Made from Low-Quality Material
Failures in steering wheel covers are real and have caused accidents in different parts of the world. With that, it’s vital that you know the potential things that can cause these failures. One reason for failure is if the covers are made from low-quality materials.
You wouldn’t want your covers to fall off or tear while driving because this can cause an accident. Therefore, when buying these covers, you need to ensure they are made from high-quality materials.
The Covers Are Made from Slippery Materials
As mentioned earlier, covers that are made from slippery materials are dangerous. The good thing is that most manufacturers don’t use these materials for the covers, but you are likely to still find some on the market.
For example, materials like faux leather might seem appealing, but you will find driving with covers made from this material challenging if you have a sweaty palm.
Basically, you need to ensure that there is enough friction so that you can handle the steering easily. Therefore, always ensure that your covers are not made from slippery materials.
The Covers Were Installed Incorrectly
Another instance where the covers might be dangerous is if you don’t install them correctly. One of the main reasons most covers are installed incorrectly is that the wrong size was used. Always ensure that you get the correct size for your steering and that it is installed correctly.
What Are the Tips to Consider When Buying a Steering Wheel Cover?
There are a few tips to consider when buying a steering wheel cover, and it’s important that you consider these factors to ensure that the cover is safe and you only enjoy its benefits. With everything above, the need to get the right cover cannot be overemphasized.
Here are some of the key things you should consider when buying these covers:
- The first thing you want to look at is the size of the covers. As mentioned earlier these covers come in different designs and you can find some with cartoon characters, team logos and more on them.
- You also have different options to choose from when it comes to the color of the cover. However, you need to ensure that the colors you choose is a perfect match for the interior parts of your vehicle. Colors are also a great way to express your personality which is why you should choose them correctly.
- The material the covers are made from is also a vital feature to consider. You wouldn’t want to choose a material that will cause your hand to slip off while driving. Some of the common options available include plastic, wood, suede, cloth, and leather. When choosing the right one, always ensure it provides the best grip for your hand.
- In addition to the tips above, you also need to ensure that you choose the right size for your vehicle. This is to ensure that it fits perfectly on the steering. You might want to consider taking measurements beforehand to enhance your decision.
- When installing the covers, you must ensure that it doesn’t block any of the sensors on the steering wheel. This is to ensure that it doesn’t affect the operation of your vehicle.
Conclusion
In general, steering wheel covers are safe, and you can rest assured that they will improve your driving experience. Despite that, they can become dangerous if you choose the wrong size or don’t install them correctly. Here’s a quick recap of key things you should know:
- People use steering wheel covers for many reasons, among which include keeping hands warm, reducing long-ride fatigue, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle’s interior and as an accessory.
- The main things to consider when buying a cover include the design, color, material it is made of, and size.
- When installing the covers, always ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the airbag or other sensors on the steering.
Ultimately, your preference is a primary factor in the type of steering wheel cover you use. However, if you are satisfied with your current steering wheel, you won’t need to add covers.
References
- https://motorhills.com/are-steering-wheel-covers-dangerous-to-use/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42979-022-01636-6
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