Best Steering Wheel Covers: Leather, Microfiber and Cooling Grip Picks

For most drivers the Ouzorp is the best all round pick here, because its listing names a microfiber leather wrap and a universal 14.5 to 15 inch fit with an anti-slip lining, which is the size band most cars and SUVs fall into. The Elantrip is the budget padded-grip alternative with the same 14.5 to 15 inch range, and the LKWLIKEI is the step up to a softer Nappa leather in a 15 inch size. If you want a cooling surface the KAFEEK names an ice silk leather, and the Skechers names an air-cooled leather. Measure your wheel diameter first, then match the material and size to how you drive.

Most of the covers here are built for a wheel in the 14.5 to 15 inch diameter range, which is the most common size on passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks. The Ouzorp, Elantrip, Skechers and CAR PASS all name a 14.5 to 15 inch fit, while the KAFEEK and LKWLIKEI name a single 15 inch size, and the GIANT PANDA is sized to specific Honda models instead. To be sure, measure the outside diameter of your wheel across the center with a tape measure, then match that number to the size the listing states. If your reading sits at the edge of a range, size notes on the product page matter more than the brand.

It depends on climate and feel. Several picks here, including the Skechers, CAR PASS and LKWLIKEI, name a leather surface, with the LKWLIKEI calling out softer Nappa leather. The Ouzorp and GIANT PANDA name microfiber leather, a synthetic wrap that is usually easier to clean than real leather. The KAFEEK names a cooling ice silk leather aimed at hot weather. This particular lineup does not include a silicone or a sheepskin cover, so if you specifically want silicone grip or a plush sheepskin feel you would need to look beyond these picks. For year round use, a leather or microfiber leather wrap is the most common choice.

None of these listings states that it is made for or safe to use over a heated steering wheel, so we do not claim that for them. A thick cover can insulate the rim and reduce how much warmth you feel from a heated wheel, and some owners prefer to leave a heated wheel bare for that reason. If you have a heated wheel and still want a cover, look for one that specifically says it works with heated wheels before buying. For the covers here, treat them as standard covers rather than heated-wheel covers.

The KAFEEK is the clearest fit for heat, since its listing names a cooling ice silk leather surface that is meant to feel cooler to the touch after the car has sat in the sun. The Skechers also names an air-cooled leather design, which is aimed at the same problem. A breathable cover like the Elantrip, which the listing calls breathable for daily driving, can also help with grip when your hands get sweaty. Any cover still heats up in direct sun, so park in shade when you can and give a dark cover a moment to cool before gripping it hard.

Most universal covers, including the stretch-fit Elantrip, go on by hooking the cover over the top of the wheel and working it down and around the rim with both thumbs until it seats evenly. A snug cover is meant to be tight at first, so a new one can take some firm pushing to get the last section over the rim, and warming it slightly can make the material more pliable. Once it is on, run your hands around the whole rim to check it sits flat with no bunching near the spokes. If a cover slips or spins after fitting, it is likely too large for your wheel, so recheck the diameter against the stated size.

A correctly sized cover is designed to protect the original rim from wear, sun fade and sweat rather than damage it, and several picks here name an anti-slip or non-slip lining, including the Ouzorp, Elantrip and LKWLIKEI, which helps the cover grip the rim without constant movement. A cover that is too loose can rotate on the wheel, which is both annoying and a safety issue, so fit matters more than anything. None of these listings mentions airbag or control interference, and a standard rim cover does not touch wheel-mounted buttons, but you should keep any cover clear of spoke controls when you fit it.

For the leather and microfiber leather covers here, such as the Ouzorp, Skechers, CAR PASS, LKWLIKEI and GIANT PANDA, a wipe with a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaner is the usual approach, followed by a dry cloth so moisture does not sit on the material. The padded Elantrip and the ice silk KAFEEK can be wiped the same way. Avoid harsh solvents that can dry out or discolor a leather-look surface, and let the cover dry fully before gripping it. Because none of these listings gives a specific wash instruction, treat them gently and check the product page for any care note before using water.