Is the steering wheel cover you have a little bit too big? Or maybe it’s starting to stretch out, and the fit has become awkward to handle? No matter what the culprit is, you may want to learn how to shrink a steering wheel cover so that it fits perfectly. Let’s dive into the different materials used for covers as well as advice on how to make sure you’ve got the right type for your steering wheel.
There are a few methods for shrinking the cover of your steering wheel, and most of them are not about shrinking itself but making it a better fit. So, you could try sewing it back together a little bit tighter or stuffing it with foam lining. Additionally, you could try to literally shrink it by throwing the cover in the dryer. If you follow these instructions, you will certainly end up with a snugly fit steering wheel cover.
A Steering Wheel Cover Is a Great Way to Protect This Part of the Car’s Interior and Give It a Little More Style
While for some it may seem a thing of the past, the truth is a lot of people like to put a cover on their steering wheel as it is an effective way to protect it. These accessories can be safe if properly installed. And, if you match it well with your car’s interior, it can add a bit of style to your four-wheeler while you’re cruising on the most famous roads in the US.
You May Have a Cover That Is a Size Too Big or a Stretched-Out One
If you’ve ever gone with your intuition and got a cover that you thought would be the right size, you probably know it’s very easy to end up with the wrong size, no matter how sure you are. Did you know that the usual steering wheel is 14–15 inches (36–44 centimeters)?
But, even if you end up with the perfect fit for your steering wheel, over time, the cover will get stretched out due to general wear and tear. Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem. Here are the main reasons why it would be a good idea to try shrinking your steering wheel cover:
- No matter how much you look, you can’t find the right size – if you’ve had no luck for a while and can’t find the right fit, it’s a good idea to take a larger steering wheel cover and shrink it,
- The cover has become stretched and loose over time – if you notice that the cover fits less tightly around the steering wheel or the lining starts to get loose, there are methods you could try in order to take it back a size,
- You want to have it fit more neatly – for that stylish, polished look, it’s important to keep your cover tight and neat, so shrinking it from time to time is a good idea.
How to Shrink a Steering Wheel Cover – Three Most Common Methods
First things first, the methods that will be discussed can be successful depending on the material of the steering wheel cover. I’ll talk about the pros and cons of each material in more detail later, but for now, you can probably figure out that it would not be a good idea to put your leather steering wheel in a dryer. Also, while a plastic cover is prone to stretching over time, it can’t be sized down with any of these methods.
So, here are the best methods you should try out to ensure your steering wheel cover fits snugly and offers the most comfortable grip for handling:
Tightening the Sewing of the Steering Wheel Cover
If you have a stitch-required steering wheel, the lacing can get stretched over time, and the cover will become loose and start to move. If this is what you’re dealing with, with a little bit of skill and care, you can redo the stitching to have it fit more tightly around the steering wheel. For this job, all you’ll need is 3-5 feet of lacing string and a hook needle. If you’re not that skilled at sewing, it could be a bit difficult, but nowadays, everything can be done by watching a tutorial.
Thread the needle and start sewing close to the top of one of the spokes on your steering wheel. Most covers have existing sewing holes, so you should use them instead of creating new ones. While you’re wrapping both sides around the needle 3-4 times, make sure you are pulling it tight so that the cover is more secure. Sew it in a criss-cross pattern until you reach the end, and then pull the string taut and make a knot. The last thing you should do is cut the excess string. If you’ve done it carefully, the stitching should look tight and neat.
Try Stuffing It With Foam Lining
Another method entails not actually shrinking the cover per se but getting that snug fit for perfect handling either way. For this, you should preferably use foam lining and stuff it between the cover and the steering wheel. Put as much as you need to get it to fit tightly around, and you’ve got a comfortable steering wheel that has just the right grip.
Put Your Steering Wheel Cover in the Dryer
If you wish to learn how to make a steering wheel cover shrink, the last method is to, well, literally shrink it. If it’s not made from plastic or leather, you can throw your steering wheel cover into the dryer and end up with a size that is just that much smaller so that it fits perfectly.
This is the quickest and easiest way to do it, but you should know how your dryer works and consult the user’s manual to figure out what settings you should put it on. By doing so, you will ensure that the cover doesn’t get overheated and damaged in the process.
Try Waiting It Out, and Maybe It Will Fit More Snugly on Its Own
It might sound funny because this method basically means you should do nothing and just wait. There’s actually a chance that your cover will shrink on its own, especially if it’s made from leather. So, if it’s not too much of a bother when handling the wheel, whether it’s a flour-wheeler or a truck, try waiting it out and see if it becomes a better fit in a few weeks.
How to Find the Right Steering Wheel Cover That Fits Perfectly
Steering wheel covers are an easy and fun way to customize the interior of your vehicle. They come in different sizes, colors, and materials. While the material and the color scheme depend solely on your personal taste, the size needs to be the same as the size of your vehicle. That’s why the first step in finding the right cover is to measure your steering wheel in order to know the exact measurements you’re looking for.
Take Note of the Two Main Measurements You Will Need in Order to Find the Right Size
There are two most important measurements you have to check before you start looking for a steering wheel cover. First, you need to measure the diameter of your steering wheel by stretching the tape measure across the front of it. Most steering wheels are about 14-17.5 inches.
The second measurement you have to take is the thickness of the steering wheel’s grip. This is done by wrapping the tape measure around the steering wheel and measuring its thickness. Most steering wheels have a grip that is around 2-4.5 inches. When you start searching for covers, all of them should have the diameter and the grip thickness listed in the product details, so it’s good to know the exact measurements before you start looking at different options.
There Are Three Main Types of Steering Wheel Covers – Which One Is the Best Option for You?
When it comes to the materials of steering wheel covers, there are three most common types – you can get a plastic, leather, or fleece cover. Leather and plastic covers are usually stretch-style, while others can be required to sew them together. When you know the measurements and the material you want, it’s time to start looking at the different designs and find something that matches the aesthetic of your vehicle’s interior.
A Steering Wheel Cover Made From Durable Plastic Is One of the Most Common Types of Covers
There are covers made from hard, durable plastic material, and they work great in protecting your steering wheel from any scuffs or scratches. Plastic covers are relatively inexpensive, and they come in a variety of designs and colors. They’re also very easy to maintain and clean, but once the cover gets stretched out, it cannot be shrunk to its original size.
If You’re Looking For Something a Bit More Luxurious, the Leather Steering Wheel Cover Is a Great Choice
A leather steering wheel cover is definitely the most luxurious option there is. Made from real leather and usually adorned with a design or logo, this type of cover is obviously more expensive than a plastic one. But you get what you paid for because the leather steering wheel cover is not only more durable, but it adds some style and class to the interior, no matter if you’re driving a used vehicle or a brand-new one.
Leather steering wheel covers can also be more comfortable to grip, and they generally provide better traction even during wet or icy weather conditions. It works great during the hot summer months as well because it can absorb sweat and is generally the most comfortable option for handling your steering wheel.
A Fleece Steering Wheel Cover Is the Best Eco-Friendly Option Out There
There are steering wheel covers that are made from soft fleece that is ideal for keeping your hands warm even during those cold winter days. This type of cover is eco-friendly and easy to care for, and you can shrink it with all of the methods I’ve already mentioned. Fleece steering wheel covers are available in a variety of designs and colors, and they are a relatively inexpensive option that will surely add some additional warmth and comfort to your four-wheeler.
The Main Pros and Cons of Plastic, Leather, and Fleece Steering Wheel Covers
Just to make it a bit easier for you to decide on the material, here is an overview of the main pros and cons of each of them:
| Material of Cover | Pros | Cons |
| Plastic | Easy fitting, inexpensive | There’s no way to shrink it |
| Leather | Stylish and durable | Expensive |
| Fleece | Eco-friendly and comfortable | Usually requires stitching |
What Is the Best Way to Fit the Steering Wheel Cover You Picked Out?
As mentioned, some covers can be simply stretched over the steering wheel, while others might require some sewing in order to fit snugly. No matter what you’ve gone for, the best way to start is by cleaning your steering wheel with a rag and some isopropyl alcohol. This will make sure no dirt or dust gets caught once you fit the steering wheel cover.
Methods That Could Make the Fitting Process Easier
If you’ve got a stretch-style steering wheel cover, it’s a good idea to blow dry it before because this will make it more pliable and, therefore, easier to install. On the other hand, if you’re preparing for sewing, you should pre-soak the cover and punch the holes in it because it will make everything much easier once you get to it.
Once You Have a Correctly Fitted Steering Wheel Cover, Driving Will Be Much More Comfortable
Now that you know all there is about different types of steering wheel covers, as well as about methods to shrink them, you can use what you have learned to your advantage. With a little bit of care and skill, the cover will surely fit like a glove, and you can look forward to a comfortable time on the road. Good luck!
