The steering wheel is typically made of magnesium, aluminum, or steel. Also, the rim is lined with rugged molded plastic. So, the steering wheel becomes very slippery while driving. Moreover, in the long run, it gets damaged by the elements. Putting a steering wheel cover makes it more durable and user-friendly.
However, having a more oversized or loose steering wheel cover can create problems. So, it is necessary to shrink it and make it a perfect fit for your steering wheel. But the burning question is how to shrink a steering wheel cover.
To know the answer, keep reading this article. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
How to get a tight steering wheel cover on
You need a big water bowl according to your wheel cover size. Pour hot water into the bowl. Submerge the cover into the water for at least five minutes. It will make the cover material stretchier. Take out the cover, shake off extra water, and put the cover on the steering wheel. To have a more precise idea, watch a youtube tutorial.
How to shrink a steering wheel cover?
The shrinking of a steering wheel cover depends on the material of the cover. Plastic steering wheel covers are exceptional. They are not suitable for shrinking. Other than that, most steering wheel covers are shrinkable. Especially the leather and vinyl ones are easier to shrink. There are several methods to shrink the cover and make it a perfect fit for your steering wheel.
You need a hook, needle, and thread as tools in major cases. Also, if you’re trying for stuffing, along with foam and thread, you need foam to stuff the steering wheel cover. So, keep skimming, as it is getting interesting.
Apply the following methods to shrink your steering wheel cover.
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Sewing
Sewing is a complicated method of shrinking compared to other methods. But sewing will be the most effective shrinking method if you somehow pull it off. But keep in mind that a bit of cutting and reshaping is needed for the sewing process.
For sewing, people use nylon thread. The hard the yarn is, the more sustainable it is. Moreover, a complex thread will prevent breaking. Now, follow the steps to perform a successful cover sewing.
- Pre-soak your steering wheel cover for a few minutes in the warm water. The soaking process will make your leather cover softer. It will be easily stretchable while sewing. After that, take it out of the warm water and wipe off any extra water.
- If your steer wheel cover doesn’t have holes, punch holes in it before sewing.
- Now, put the cover on the top of the steering wheel. This placement will make the covering process easier. Ensure the alignment of the steering wheel cover with the spokes of the wheel. If you have clinging tape, use it to secure the placement.
- Take your hook needle and put the lacing string into the eye of the needle. Using a hook needle makes the sewing process more straightforward. Before putting the lacing string through the eye, cut your string according to your cover size. Generally, 4 to 5 feet of string will do the job.
- Now, push the needle into the holes. Ensure to start sewing from inside the cover near the top of the wheel. Push the needle through until it stops by the knot.
- Take the needle over the wheel. Put it through the side that is closer to you. Then, pull the needle and sting to put both sides together. Pull it harder to tighten things up.
- There must be threaded into the cover. Put your needle thread under the cover thread.
- Run the threading process until you reach a spoke. Then tie a knot at the end to finish off the job.
- Stich the entire cover-up following the same process repeatedly.
Though the sewing process needs skill, it is a very efficient way to shrink the steering wheel cover. Watch how to stitch the steering wheel cover easily for better finishing.
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Wrapping a lace around the cover
Most drivers wrap lace around the steering wheel to have a better grip. But, if you are facing a problem with a loose cover, you can shrink the cover using the same technique. As a result, you will have a perfectly fitted steering wheel cover with a better grip. Also, you can find lace on steering wheel cover in the market.
To wrap a lace perfectly around the steering wheel, follow the steps.
- Clean your steering wheel properly. Using an alcohol solution will serve you a better solution.
- Center the wheel after cleaning. Centering is essential for wrapping. It will help to have a perfect wrap.
- Measure the diameter and the thickness of the wheel. It will give you an idea about the length of the lace.
- Use a PARACORD as the lace. PARACORD is thicker and more durable. Moreover, it provides you with more grip.
- Start to wrap the cover from the bottom of the steering wheel. Keep the back edge the under the front edge. This process will ensure excellent wrapping and shrinking.
- Keep wrapping until your wrap the entire wheel and reach the starting point.
- Make a tight knot and keep it down the side of the steering wheel.
Have a translucent idea by watching how to wrap your steering wheel.
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Stuffing with foam
Stuffing foam might not shrink your steering wheel cover. But, it somehow fulfills the purpose of shrinking. Tell me why you want to shrink your steering wheel cover. To have a perfect fit, right? Stuffing foam into the cover will make it inflate.
As a result, you will have a perfect steering wheel cover. Moreover, the foam stuffing process is less complicated than other methods like sewing and wrapping.
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Drying the cover
There is a risk in the drying method. Too much heat can easily damage your steering wheel cover. So, it is the least recommended method. Well, drying is also the most straightforward way to perform shrinking.
All you have to do is throw the cover into a dryer. The cover will eventually heat up and shrink. Do not use a regular blow dryer. It will not heat the cover-up evenly. In the end, you will have a damaged steering wheel cover.
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Waiting game
It might sound funny, but the last but not least method to shrink is waiting. But this technique requires a lot of time. If you do not want the struggle of sewing, stuffing, or wrapping, you can wait to shrink the cover on its own.
Eventually, the cover size will reduce, and you will have a well-fit steering cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1. How long does it take to shrink a steering wheel cover?
A) There is no specific time limit to shrink a steering wheel cover. Shrinking time depends on which methods you are using. You can put your steering wheel cover in the dryer for the easiest and quickest way. Heat makes the leather shrink. But, you need to be very careful while heating the cover. Overheating can easily hamper the cover. Conversely, sewing is a time-consuming process. But it is the most effective one.
Q2. Is it difficult to shrink a steering wheel cover?
A) The difficulty level depends on the method you choose. Among all the processes of cover shrinking, sewing is the most complicated one. You must follow several steps to perform successful sewing. On the other hand, drying and waiting are the simplest ways to shrink a steering wheel cover.
Q3. What is the best way to ensure a tight fit when shrinking a steering wheel cover?
A) You can sew the cover or wrap lace around the steering wheel cover to ensure the best tight fit. Both sewing and wrapping are effective. Though sewing is a more time-consuming process, it is the most feasible one.
Q4. Can I use an iron or hair dryer to shrink a steering wheel cover?
A) An iron or hair dryer can help to shrink a steering wheel cover. As both of them generates heat, heat makes the leather shrink. But, it is an arduous process. There is a chance of uneven and overheating. Uneven heat or overheating destroys the cover.
Q5. Are there any special techniques for shrinking a steering wheel cover?
A) There is no magic or unique technique for shrinking a steering wheel cover. DIY processes like sewing, wrapping PARACORD, stuffing, and drying will do the job.
Q6. How can I tell if my steering wheel cover has been properly shrunk?
A) The shrinking process is successful if your steering wheel cover is not moving around and is placed perfectly. Now, you have an adequately shrunk cover.
Q7. Are there any safety precautions I should take when shrinking a steering wheel cover?
A) There are several safety precautions while shrinking a steering wheel cover. For example, ensure to have a dry body after pre-soaking. Also, don't overheat the leather cover while performing the drying method.
Q8. Can I shrink any type of material for my steering wheel cover?
A) You can curtail almost every steering wheel cover except the plastic ones. Plastic is not a good material to shrink. Moreover, the shrinking process can easily mess up the plastic cover.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for today. Our article has enlightened you about how to shrink a steering wheel cover.
Having a well-fit steering wheel cover provides you with a comfortable driving experience. In addition, it protects your steering material from direct heat, sunlight, and harsh conditions. So, ensure to have a steering wheel cover. Moreover, if you deal with some pertinent issue, follow the guidelines or methods mentioned above to shrink it. Hopefully, one of the methods will fulfill your requirements.
