A cover and a custom steering wheel start from the same wish: to change what you feel and what you see on every drive. The two solutions work in different places, though. The cover goes over the existing rim. The custom steering wheel replaces the rim and all of its trim. Here is what sets them apart, and how to choose for your project.
What separates a steering wheel cover from a custom steering wheel
| Criterion | Steering wheel cover | Custom steering wheel |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | a sleeve pulled or laced over the current rim | a steering wheel built to order for your vehicle |
| Areas involved | the rim | the rim, the top and bottom, the structure, the stitching, the 12 o'clock marker and, as an option, the airbag cover |
| Under your hands | the sleeve, sitting on the thickness of the current steering wheel | the material you chose, directly on the rim |
| Materials | depends on the cover model | Alcantara, smooth or perforated nappa leather, woven or forged carbon |
| Original steering wheel | stays in place under the cover | kept, and can be refitted at any time |
The difference comes down to one idea: a cover changes the surface of the steering wheel you have, while a custom steering wheel gives you the one you designed. The guide to changing your car's steering wheel covers every step of the change, from compatibility to fitting.
The steering wheel cover: what it offers, and for whom
The cover goes onto the existing steering wheel, with no removal needed. It covers the rim and leaves the spokes, the centre and the controls as they are. It holds in place by tightening or lacing, and its thickness adds to that of the original rim.
It answers a temporary need: protecting the wheel of a car you will soon hand back or sell, or covering a worn rim while you wait for a lasting solution.
The custom steering wheel: what it offers, and for whom
The steering wheel is built to order for your vehicle. In the configurator, you choose the material of the grip areas, of the top and bottom of the rim, the finish of the structure, the colour of the stitching and that of the 12 o'clock marker. The photorealistic render updates with every choice, before you even order.
You keep your original airbag, which is refitted to the new steering wheel. Your original buttons are transferred, or you receive new OEM buttons with your order. Your original steering wheel stays with you: you can refit it before selling the car.
Production takes about 4 weeks in leather or Alcantara, 4 to 6 weeks with woven or forged carbon. You keep driving with your current steering wheel in the meantime. Once it arrives, fitting takes 30 to 45 minutes with basic tools, and the tutorial for your model comes with every order: the article on how long it takes to fit a steering wheel details these steps.
The materials, the stitching and the fixings are covered by a 3-year warranty from the date of delivery. The custom steering wheel is for those who want a car that feels like their own, for years to come.
Our verdict for your project
- A car you keep for a short time: the cover protects the rim for as long as needed, and comes off when you hand back or sell the car.
- A car you keep and want to make your own: the custom steering wheel changes both the feel and the look, for as long as you keep it.
- A used car with a worn steering wheel: a new steering wheel, built to your taste, gives the cabin the look of a well-kept car. The article on the steering wheel of a used car helps you decide.
To build your own, start with the material of the grip areas: the guide to choosing your steering wheel material compares Alcantara, leather and carbon area by area.
