Custom Steering Wheel Materials and Finishes: Pros and Cons of Each Option

If you’re a car enthusiast, you know just how important interior modifications are. These upgrades make the car more appealing and boost your driving experience. One such modification is installing custom steering wheels. But with the many different materials and finishes available, which is the best? Let’s examine the pros and cons of each option.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber steering wheels have become very popular in the automotive industry, and with good reason. The material is strong yet lighter than aluminum or steel. Are you thinking of getting an M5 carbon fiber steering wheel? Here are some of the pros and cons of this material.

Pros

• It’s durable because it’s made of strong materials
• Have a firm grip making it easy to control the vehicle
• It doesn’t wear out easily
• Easy care and maintenance
• Looks stylish

Cons

• Scratches easily, especially when cleaning
• Not as comfortable as other materials like leather

Leather

A leather steering wheel is a great way to boost your car’s interior, especially if you own leather car seats. This material feels nice and looks elegant. Some of the pros and cons of this material include the following.

Pros

• Leather lasts a long time, especially with proper care and maintenance
• It’s aesthetically pleasing
• It comes in a variety of colors giving you options
• Comfortable with the touch boosting your driving experience

Cons

• Difficult to clean and maintain
• It can be costly in comparison to other materials

Polyurethane/Faux-leather

Polyurethane, also called fake leather, is among the most common materials used in steering wheels. It resembles leather in looks but not in quality. If you’re thinking of a BMW x6 e71 steering wheel upgrade, you may consider leather instead of faux leather. With that said, take a look at some of the pros and cons of this material.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Affordable compared to leather
• Doesn’t need special materials to clean

Cons

• Not breathable
• It can feel stiff and plastic-like

Plastics

You will often find plastic steering wheels in entry-level cars. Most high-end cars use other materials which are more elegant and aesthetically pleasing. Some of the pros and cons of plastic include the following.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Available in different colors

Cons

• Outdated
• Doesn’t have a great grip because of sweating

Wood

Wooden steering wheels are more common in classic cars. They look elegant and seem to fit with the whole vibe of vintage cars. The advantages and disadvantages of this material are as discussed.

Pros

• Looks sophisticated
• Has a great grip making it easy to control the vehicle
• It can be customized using different types of wood

Cons

• Not very durable compared to other materials
• Scratches easily
• Can be costly

Alcantara

Alcantara is a suede-like fabric that is composed of polyurethane and polyester. Some of its pros and cons are as follows.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable
• Has great grip

Cons

• Not breathable
• Not widely available
• Limited color choices 
• Not very durable

These are some of the common steering wheel materials and finishes in the market. Find the latest materials and finishes at Exclusive Steering. We have a variety of custom wheels to help complement your car.