As you grip your steering wheel you notice the peeling or cracked leather on which how it feels disturbingly unpleasant. The leather on the steering wheel has been having the appearance of a cracked floor. How to fix scratched steering wheel? Well, you are in luck because this guide aims to tackle your steering wheel restoration.
Before we get to your steering wheel restoration though let’s talk about how this can happen. If you already know and want to skip to the how-to-fix Step by Step part.
Table of Contents
Should You Put A Steering Wheel Cover On?
They may look incongruous and dated, especially in modern car interiors today, but they serve many purposes. For one, steering wheel covers help improve your grip on the wheel and also prevent the material on your steering wheel from wearing out. This could be important, especially in case you want to, say, maintain the finish of the leather on your wheel.
They are also cheap, easy to fit, and can be removed if you so desire. The benefits of fitting one are not apparent at first, but the more you use one, the more you’ll appreciate its plus points. For one, some covers come with rubber nubs, which help you to grip the steering wheel better. This is important for those who have poor grip strength or sweaty palms.
Having those rubber bits there creates more friction between your palms and the wheel, helping you keep more control over the car. Some others are suede-covered, increasing purchase on the wheel while still looking cool.
They are also important for those drivers who feel their current steering wheel is a tad too skinny and would like more girth to it. While not exactly an advantage, steering wheel covers can also be easily fitted or removed if you don’t wish to use them at that particular point in time.
Things You Will Need During Fixing?
Below are things that are needed for fixing the car in case you want to do it yourself. Before starting the process collect all the necessary things
1. Towel
This will be to cover your car’s interior and protect it while doing your steering wheel restoration.
2. Masking Tape
Use tape to cover up anything that is not leather on your steering wheel to protect it
3. 600-1200 Grit Sandpaper
Using this range of grit sandpaper will remove any bumps and scruffs to return your steering wheel to a nice smooth feel just like when it was
4. Leather Filler
Any missing chucks will need this stuff to help get your steering wheel back to feeling new as well
5. Dye
The dye will help turn your steering wheel back to a new looking color
6. Sponges
They probably don’t need an explanation but this will be what you use to wipe the dye onto the steering wheel new
How To Fix Scratched Steering Wheel?
There is a method to repair steering wheel scratches and return the vehicle’s steering wheel to a like-new appearance. It also helps protect the steering wheel from receiving future scratches.
1. Rubbing The Steering Wheel
Rub the surface of the steering wheel with a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar. This will swell the cracks and make them nearly indistinguishable. Allow the vinegar to soak into the leather for several minutes.
2. Inspect The Scratches
Then inspect the scratches on the steering wheel. In case they are still visible, place a small amount of leather filler inside each crack with a Popsicle stick. Allow the leather filler to dry for one hour. Sand the filled area carefully with fine-grit sandpaper to even the level of the filler to that of the rest of the steering wheel. Take care not to scratch the original leather.
3. Apply The Leather Dye
Apply some leather dye to the scratches or leather filler with your fingers. This will blend the scratches into the leather and make them invisible to the naked eye. Work the dye into the leather until the filler or scratch blends in with the original leather. Allow the dye to dry for one or two hours.
4. Blend The Repaired Area
Buff the steering wheel leather with a soft cloth dipped in colorless shoe polish. You also can use a leather conditioner to cover the leather and protect it from future scratch damage, oil, or moisture. Blend the repair areas into the main leather and create a shiny luster over the surface of the steering wheel.
Allow the steering wheel to absorb the dye and conditioner for 24 hours before using the vehicle, if possible. In case you cannot wait an entire day before using the car, wait overnight for the best results. These are the following ways of how to fix scratched steering wheel.
Replacing A Steering Wheel
The act of replacing a steering wheel is not a job to be taken lightly as it does involve disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wires, as well as avoiding the airbag that lies in your steering column. However, if you feel you are capable, this task can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
- Buy the wheel
- Remove your existing wheel
- Remove the cover and disassemble
- Disconnect the wires
- Center and tighten the lug nut
- Lubricate
What Will The Total Cost To Fix The Scratch Steering Wheel?
Having a steering wheel refurbished by an expert can be very expensive regardless of if you have the wheel removed and sent out or have someone detail it while it is still attached to your vehicle. The price for this service can range anywhere from 200$ to 750$. For this reason, it is generally cheaper just to buy a new steering wheel if you don’t have some form of vintage car. Or you can follow the above steps by yourself of how to fix scratched steering wheel
Conclusion
With periodic treatment and maintenance, we are confident that the leather will begin to return to its original condition and those crease lines will begin to fade.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to restore your steering wheel or interior upholstery. With proper maintenance, you can prevent the dreaded time when they deteriorate beyond repair, which forces you to live with the damage or purchase new items.