Steering wheel braid is a fairly popular and widely purchased car accessory. There are many reasons why drivers decide to buy it: a thirst for aesthetics, comfort, a desire to update the appearance of a familiar steering wheel or to preserve the presentation of the car interior for as long as possible, since the steering wheel is perhaps the most noticeable element of the car interior.
However, there are a number of difficult aspects in choosing a braid for a steering wheel, such as the choice of size, braid material, its design, color and method of fixation. Some steering wheel covers are quite easy to put on (provided the size is correctly selected), while others require quite a long and painstaking work on braiding the steering wheel using special ropes or threads.
From this article you will learn how to choose the size of the steering wheel according to the make of the car, what material should be preferred and how to properly put on and cover the steering wheel.
Rating of the best eco-leather braids
The material, in its appearance and characteristics, is very reminiscent of genuine leather, although it is not. The cost is less than silicone analogues. A distinctive feature is an attractive design. Can be solid or interesting. It is extremely popular among both women and men.
Dermay
In this model, it is necessary to highlight the quality of the stitching, since this is the main drawback of a product made from eco-leather. The stronger the seam and threads, the longer the product will last and will not lose its original appearance. This accessory is stitched with nylon thread, which practically does not tear or fray. It is used both for sewing the outline and existing inserts.
You will have to pay 1005 rubles for the product.
Dermay braid
Advantages:
- color contrast;
- thread strength;
- durability;
- ease of use;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- none.
Dermay
The product is stylish, reliable and durable. Reasonable price for such characteristics. The stitching is high quality. The product consists of several parts. There are decorative elements that are beautifully framed with red thread, which makes the accessory even more attractive. The convex details of the braid gently massage the palms.
The average cost is 990 rubles.
Mc Driver braid
Advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- pleasant tactility;
- seam strength;
- long service life;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Mc Driver
It’s difficult to call the product budget, but you wouldn’t mind paying a significant amount for such beauty. Will embellish any interior of a car showroom. Two types of eco-leather are used in the manufacture of products. The inner part has a geometric pattern, the outer part is completely smooth. The stitching is convex and differs in color. The product looks stylish and strict. Will decorate an expensive car showroom. Easy to put on, fits securely. Doesn't slip or twist. Does not require additional firmware. Can be purchased at any specialized retail outlet or ordered online in an online store.
The average cost is 1896 rubles.
Mc Driver braid
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- beautiful design solution;
- practicality;
- versatility;
- ease of use.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Cobra
The product manufacturer is CarFashion. Production facilities are located in the Middle Kingdom. High-quality eco-leather is used in production. Color – black – brown. Available in two sizes: 37 and 39. Belongs to the universal category. Inserts reminiscent of reptile skin look stylish and rich. You can purchase it for your own needs or as a gift. The edges are well stitched. They will remain strong for a long time and will not fall apart or stretch.
Purchase price – 450 rubles.
Cobra braid
Advantages:
- positive user reviews;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of use;
- does not require serious care;
- easy to clean;
- inexpensive.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Derbi-XL
The product attracts attention with its beautiful gray color. Made from high quality eco leather. Despite the Chinese origin of the product, there are no complaints about the quality. Suitable for any salon interior. Belongs to the category of universal. The edges are stitched with strong thread. Designed for large diameter steering rims (41 – 43 cm).
The sellers are asking 450 rubles for the products.
braid Derbi-XL
Advantages:
- quality of materials used;
- seam strength;
- thread reliability;
- long service life;
- ease of care;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- none.
Rubin
Product from a Chinese manufacturer. The surface is perforated. The product itself is black. Designed for steering rims with a diameter of 37 – 39 cm. The wavy structure has a pleasant effect on the palms. Even when driving for a long time, your hands do not get tired. The pad will last a long time if you take care of it promptly.
The average cost is 580 rubles.
Rubin braid
Advantages:
- unique design solution;
- ease of use;
- practicality;
- ease of maintenance;
- durability;
- reliability;
- landing strength.
Flaws:
- not installed.
DKDFCD
If you decide to purchase an overlay up to 5,000 rubles, then you should pay attention to this model. A beautiful, stylish, high-quality product with suede inserts. The material is pleasant to the touch. The seams are made with high quality using durable thread that is almost impossible to tear. To put it on the steering wheel, you need to spend energy and free time. In addition, firmware is required. For these purposes, the manufacturer provides preformation along the entire length of the circumference, which significantly simplifies the process. There is no need to poke holes with a needle. The trim completely covers the steering rim, leaving no free space.
Specialized retail outlets offer the product at a price of 1,866 rubles.
braid DKDFCD
Advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- high quality sewing;
- durability;
- reliability;
- ease of use;
- ease of care.
Flaws:
- not identified.
How to choose the right one
You just have to visit a car store and you can get lost in the huge range of products. You can choose from heated products, with a relief for your fingers, with a non-standard design, corrugated, smooth and perforated texture, with embroidery and chrome elements, even imitation wood. The recommendations of experts are as follows. Regardless of your own selection criteria, you must pay attention to the following parameters:
- Fixation method. There are two main types: a cover and a device that requires covering and is fixed to the steering wheel using a needle and special threads. Each option has both advantages and disadvantages. Fixed devices are easy to put on, but can stretch and slip over time, interfering with vehicle control. Must be fully consistent with the existing interior. If you have to sew it on, you need to do it very carefully. If everything is done professionally, then no one will guess that this accessory is not “original”.
- Material. It all depends on personal preference. Men choose strict leather products, while women opt for cheerful velor, fur, foam rubber, suede or other soft fabric. The most durable material is genuine leather, however, its cost is high. Foam rubber products belong to the budget category, but their service life is minimal.
- Design solution and colors. The product is available in different colors, so choosing one to match the design will not be difficult. If you have a strict black car interior, you should not covet pink or blue products with birds or butterflies. They will look meaningless and alien there.
Which company is better to purchase a product, everyone chooses independently, based on personal preferences. It is advisable to visit branded stores and purchase a suitable model there. If any difficulties arise, a professional sales manager will be happy to help you, introduce you to the latest arrivals, tell you about all the advantages and disadvantages of the product, and help you make a choice.
You can order a product online in an online store, having previously read customer reviews, reviewed the products offered, and made sure of the integrity of the supplier. No one is safe from receiving a cheap Chinese counterfeit.
Basic malfunctions: in what cases should the steering wheel be changed?
The steering wheel itself on a Priora is rarely changed - unless something is wrong with the wiring (that is, it cannot be fixed by any repairs) or the horn does not work immediately after purchase. No matter how frivolous this misunderstanding may seem, it is impossible to operate a vehicle without a horn. Most often, repairs concern the pillow and train. If the airbag “shot”, then the steering wheel, of course, needs to be changed.
The cable is purchased separately for the steering wheel, and in any case it can be replaced. But the steering wheel of the restyled Priora with an airbag fits another cable with catalog number 2170-3709315-00: without it you won’t be able to connect the airbag. If the housing of the steering column switches becomes unusable, then the steering column, of course, will have to be disassembled, but changing it is far from necessary.
Which steering wheel braid should I choose?
Material of execution - The modern market is saturated with a huge number of different braids for the steering wheel, differing in materials of execution. Most often the material used is natural or ECO (leather substitute) leather, velor, rubber and foam rubber. Each user will be able to choose a model to their taste. For a young girl, a brightly colored foam or fur braid is suitable. Men will opt for timeless classics made of leather with a minimum of decorations and details.
Regarding quality, the undoubted leader among materials is leather (with proper care it can last the entire life of the car). then there are the braids of their ECO leather - exposure to sunlight and temperature changes are very destructive for them (service life is three to four years). The most fragile and short-lived are fabric braids with foam inserts; in addition to temperature conditions, the fabric is very sensitive to physical impact, like foam rubber in pads.
Steering wheel of Lada Granta, Priora, Kalina
Instructions
for Lada Granta/Priora/Kalina steering wheel wrapping with leather:
Expect the entire process to take you about 3-4 hours. The work is painstaking, requiring patience and diligence. Intermediate stages of reupholstering the steering wheel with leather in the photo:
Lada Granta steering wheel reupholstery process on video
:
Steering wheel condition after 2 years of operation. The skin did not rub, but only changed from matte to shiny:
Size chart
What to look for when choosing products? Of course, based on her size. Even if you like the product, but it was manufactured by KAMAZ, then it simply will not suit your VAZ: it will not fit tightly on the steering rim, it will constantly move out, twist, and even fall off. Driving a car in this situation is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. At the most inopportune moment you can lose control. Which product is better to buy? One that not only appealed visually, but also fits the size of the car. Products are manufactured to suit different steering wheel diameters. The size chart is as follows:
| Size | Parameters (cm) | Who is it suitable for? |
| S | 35-37 | Oka, Tavria. |
| M | 37-38 | VAZ from 08 to 15 models, crossovers, foreign cars. |
| L | 39-40 | Niva, Volga, VAZ. |
| XL | 42-43 | UAZ, Gazelle. |
| XXL | 47 | Almost all trucks are of foreign origin. |
| XXXL | 49 | BELAZ, KAMAZ, MAZ. |
Steering wheel of Lada Vesta and XRAY
Instructions
for reupholstering the Lada XRAY/Vesta steering wheel with leather:
The process is also shown in the video:
Have you ever had to install a leather steering wheel on a LADA yourself? What difficulties have you encountered? Let us remind you that we previously looked at other modifications to LADA cars. For example, installing a leather gear knob or eco-leather covers (for Vesta or XRAY).
How to remove the steering wheel on a Priora
When you are going to start such an operation with your car, make sure that it is firmly in place and will not roll away; to remove the steering wheel on a Priora, you need to calculate the force so as not to knock off the threads of the fasteners, and not to deploy the airbag, trying to do everything quickly.
To remove the steering wheel on a Priora you need to find:
- Flat screwdriver;
- Head number 24;
- Hex key number 5.
According to the instructions with additions from experienced drivers, we perform the following actions:
- Using a hexagon, unscrew the two bolts securing the airbag in the steering wheel (do not remove them);
- The cushion (insert in the steering wheel) will move slightly away from the steering wheel. Do not make sudden movements and do not try to remove it faster! Turn it smoothly and slowly so that the wiring is visible to you and you can work with it;
- Use a flat screwdriver to pry off the light green clamp of the wire block and pull the connector out of the fastening groove;
- Remove the pillow and set it aside;
- Remove the horn wire connector and disconnect it using a screwdriver;
- Using a wrench and a socket number 24, turn it smoothly counterclockwise several times and loosen the nut in the center - this is the steering shaft mount. Use your hands to knock down the steering wheel itself, simultaneously turning and releasing the nut;
- Remove the steering wheel. It is advisable to make a notch with a marker indicating the position of the steering wheel relative to the shaft.
How to trim a steering wheel correctly?
It's time to move directly to covering our steering wheel with the purchased braid, or to putting on a cover. As mentioned above, this activity is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. To simplify the whole process, I have prepared special photo instructions.
How to put the cover on the steering wheel?
The cover is pulled over the steering wheel from top to bottom. It is better when two people participate in this process: one fixes the cover at one point, preventing it from slipping and warping, and the second carefully tightens it. Sometimes the cover is put on quite tightly, and it is impossible to do without male strength.
