What you need before you start
A steering wheel cover slides over your existing wheel — it does not replace it. You will need the cover itself (leather, fabric, or rubber), your steering wheel, and about 15 minutes. Most covers come with no tools required, though you may want a plastic shoehorn or credit card to help feed the material over the wheel's rim, especially if the cover is tight.
Before you buy, measure your steering wheel's diameter. Most cars have a 14.5-inch or 15-inch wheel; trucks often run 16 inches. The cover package will list what size it fits. A cover that is too small will not stretch over the rim without tearing. A cover that is too large will bunch and slip while you drive.
Park your car and make sure the steering wheel is straight and level — this makes the job easier because you have a flat surface to work with. You do not need to remove the wheel from the car.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your steering wheel diameter before buying a cover, because a wrong size will either tear or slip during driving.
- Most covers slide on by feeding the material over the rim a few inches at a time, working your way around the wheel.
- The seam or opening of the cover should end up at the bottom of the wheel, hidden behind the steering column.
- Leather and fabric covers take 10 to 15 minutes; neoprene or rubber covers may take longer because they grip tighter.
Feed the cover over the rim one section at a time
Start at the top of the steering wheel. Locate the seam or opening of the cover — this is where the two ends meet. Position this seam so it will end up at the bottom of the wheel when you are done, hidden behind the steering column where you cannot see it while driving.
Stretch the cover opening over the top of the rim. Use your hands to pull the material tight, or use a plastic shoehorn or old credit card to help the fabric slide over the hard edge of the wheel. Feed about 2 to 3 inches of the cover onto the rim, then move to the next section. Work your way around the wheel clockwise (or counterclockwise — either direction works), pulling the cover a few inches at a time.
The material will resist at first, especially with leather or neoprene covers. This is normal. Pull steadily rather than yanking, because sudden force can tear the seams. If you feel the cover is about to tear, stop, take a breath, and try working from a different angle or using your shoehorn to ease the material over the rim edge.
Smooth out wrinkles as you go around
As you feed the cover over the rim, smooth out any bunching or wrinkles behind where you are working. If you leave wrinkles, they will be harder to remove once the cover is fully on. Use the heel of your hand to press the material flat against the wheel.
Pay special attention to the grip areas — the spots where your hands rest when you drive. These sections should sit flat and even, with no folds or lumps. If a wrinkle forms in a grip area, back up a few inches, smooth it out, and then continue forward.
Complete the final section and hide the seam
When you reach the point where you started, you will have a gap where the two ends of the cover meet. Stretch both ends toward each other and feed them over the rim until they overlap slightly or meet edge-to-edge. The seam should now be at the bottom of the wheel, behind the steering column.
If the seam is visible from the front or sides, the cover is not positioned correctly. Remove it and start over, making sure the opening ends up at the 6 o'clock position (the bottom). This takes practice — do not be frustrated if your first attempt leaves the seam in the wrong spot.
Once the seam is hidden, press the entire cover firmly against the wheel with both hands, working your way around to make sure it is seated evenly and there are no loose spots.
Check that the cover sits evenly and does not slip
Grip the cover at the 12 o'clock position (top) and try to twist it. It should not rotate or slide around the wheel. If it does, the cover is too large or not seated properly. Remove it, check the size against your wheel diameter, and reinstall it, pulling more firmly as you feed it over the rim.
Look at the cover from the front of the car. The material should lie flat and smooth, with no bunches, gaps, or wrinkles. The grip areas should feel firm and comfortable when you hold the wheel. If any section feels loose or looks uneven, remove the cover and try again — a poorly fitted cover can slip while you drive and distract you.
Leather and fabric covers versus neoprene and rubber
Leather and fabric covers are easier to install because they stretch and slide more readily. They typically take 10 to 15 minutes. Neoprene and rubber covers grip the wheel tightly, which makes them less likely to slip, but they are harder to feed over the rim and may take 20 to 30 minutes. If you are using a neoprene or rubber cover, take your time and use a shoehorn or credit card to help the material slide over the rim edge.
Microfiber covers fall between the two — they stretch a little and grip moderately, so they usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Whichever material you choose, the process is the same: feed the cover over the rim a few inches at a time, smooth out wrinkles, and hide the seam at the bottom.
What to do if the cover tears or does not fit
If the cover tears during installation, stop when ready. Small tears at the seam can sometimes be sewn closed or glued with fabric adhesive, but large tears usually mean the cover is not salvageable. If the cover tears, it was likely too small for your wheel — check the diameter measurement and order a larger size.
If the cover is too large and keeps slipping no matter how firmly you pull it on, it will not stay in place while you drive. Remove it and order a smaller size. A cover that is even half an inch too large will rotate and bunch over time, which is distracting and unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a steering wheel cover without removing the wheel from the car?
Yes. You do not need to remove the wheel at all. Park the car, make sure the wheel is straight, and slide the cover on while the wheel is attached to the steering column. This is the standard way to install a cover.
What if the cover seam ends up in the wrong place?
Remove the cover and reinstall it, positioning the seam opening at the bottom of the wheel before you start feeding it over the rim. The seam should end up hidden behind the steering column, at the 6 o'clock position. This may take a second or third try if you are new to the process.
How tight should the cover be?
The cover should fit snugly enough that it does not rotate or slide when you grip the wheel and twist. It should not be so tight that it is painful to install or that it distorts the shape of the wheel. If it is too loose, it is too large. If it is painful to install, it is too small.
Do I need to remove the airbag or horn pad first?
No. The cover slides over the outside of the wheel. You do not need to disassemble anything. If your wheel has a horn pad or emblem in the center, the cover will fit around it.
How long does a steering wheel cover last?
Leather and fabric covers typically last two to five years depending on sun exposure and how often you drive. Neoprene and rubber covers last longer, often five to ten years. Covers fade and wear where your hands grip them most. When the material becomes thin or cracked, it is time to replace it.