Questions to Think About When Choosing a Custom Steering Wheel by Aiden Brooks
When you have spent time and money on choosing your dream motor the next logical step is to begin the process of fine tuning it to make it completely yours. As the owner of a high end car, something you will interact with every time you drive is the steering wheel, but for many people this can be a part of the car that it’s easy to overlook.
In fact, many people who are new to performance cars might not even be aware that the factory issue steering wheel is something that can be replaced with a custom model. This really is a shame, because a custom steering wheel can add so much to your driving experience, giving you a look and feel that suits your preferences perfectly.
The vast majority of performance cars will be compatible with certain kinds of bespoke steering wheels but you need to be aware of the specifics to ensure a good fit for your car. You may have a really clear idea of what you want out of a steering wheel but you’ll also need to be able to communicate your ideas with the manufacturer.
Furthermore, you will want to make sure that your chosen steering wheel works with the interior of your car to give it more personality and a refined style. With all that said, here are a couple of the most important questions you will have to ask yourself when you’re in the market for a customised steering wheel.
Which materials are best for a steering wheel?
Everyone knows that leather is a classic choice for high end steering wheels, but it’s by no means the only option. There is a huge range of stunning steering wheels crafted from alternative materials including wood, suede and synthetics and each kind has its benefits. We’ll start by looking at the classic leather choice.
Leather steering wheels are extremely durable and easy to keep looking their best. You can use specialist cleaning and polishing formulas to deep clean the surface and stitching and give the leather a healthy gleam. Leather can also have a matte finish, depending on your preferences.
Suede custom steering wheels can be the perfect fit for your performance car though because it has a finely textured surface you’ll need to know how to properly care for it by using suede-safe cleaners. Suede offers a supremely comfortable grip and adds a classic yet modern look to your interior.
Wood steering wheels are an iconic choice that fits perfectly with the look and feel of vintage cars, though they can also shine in modern interiors. They are designed to give you a light, tactile feel in the hands that connects you to the road and gives you a more direct driving experience. Most people agree that wooden steering wheels look best when highly polished, but if you prefer a matte look this can also be achieved.
Which is the best steering wheel thickness and diameter?
There are a few factors that go into determining which steering wheel thickness and diameter will be best for you, such as your hand size, the amount of space in your car, and how close you sit to the steering wheel. Steering wheel thickness refers to the part of the wheel that you grip, and the diameter is usually measured across the entire steering wheel from outer edge to outer edge.
Most people who are looking for a comfortable driving experience will naturally gravitate towards a thicker steering wheel because they provide a reassuringly firm area to grip while manoeuvring the car. People who prefer a thinner steering wheel tend to be performance and racing drivers who wear gloves while driving because they provide extra grip on a more agile wheel.
Your steering wheel diameter preferences will depend on how wide you like your grip to be. A steering wheel with a smaller diameter will tend to be more agile and responsive so is ideal for most sporting applications, especially when you need to make tight turns on a track. For everyday driving, most people will tend to prefer a moderate diameter for their steering wheel so they can more comfortably make wide turns. The best way to discover your preference is to try a few out.
