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.
How to select
Don't know how to determine sizes? The surest way is to measure the diameter of the steering wheel or find this parameter in the operating instructions for the car of the desired model.
However, there are cases when this is difficult or impossible to do, for example, if the braid is bought as a gift.
In this case, you can focus on the make of the car.
For cars such as Tavria, Oka, cars with a sports steering wheel, size S is suitable - the smallest. Diameter – 35-37 cm.
The most common size is M. Nowadays, most cars have a standard steering wheel with a diameter of 37-39 cm.
These are almost any foreign passenger cars, as well as Lada Kalina, Lada Priora, Lada Granta, etc.
If the braid is chosen for a VAZ 2101-2107, 21011, 21013, Niva, Volga or Moskvich, then the car has a steering wheel diameter of 39-40 cm, which corresponds to L.
XL – GAZELLE, UAZ, etc. (42-43 cm).
But there are also larger braids, for example for imported trucks, KAMAZ.
In any case, it is better to check this parameter with the seller.
But, of course, the braid is selected not only by size, but also by color (this depends only on personal preferences and the interior design).
It is best to select the color of the braid according to the color of the seats, then the interior design will be even more unique and interesting.
The material of this accessory is also important.
What are the dimensions of the Granta inside?
As already noted, the internal dimensions of our LADA Granta are no less important. It is these indicators that have a genuine impact on ensuring comfort on long-distance cruises.
An irreplaceable advantage of the cabin is the ability of the seats to be amenable to many adjustments. The interior space is thought out with sufficient meticulousness, thanks to which long trips turn into fun and comfortable events.
If we set the value of the height from the junction of the seat cushion with the backrest to the nearest dimension, then it will be 910 millimeters for the front passengers, and passengers in the stern will have 80 millimeters more at their disposal, that is, 990 mm. The width of the seats is respectively 490 mm and 510 mm. The free legroom behind seated riders can reach a maximum of 335 mm. The height of the seats relative to the bottom for the front row is 285 mm, and for the second row – 340 mm. This parameter may vary due to the ability of the seats to be adjusted (front).
For those who are interested in the distance between the pedal assembly and the front end of the driver's seat, it can also be adjusted, thanks to regulation, from 335 mm to 560 mm.
Some future owners of practical LADA Granta will probably be interested in the steering dimensions. The steering wheel diameter is 375 mm. The remaining indicators are not particularly important here and note that they are not capable of having the slightest negative impact on ride comfort.
What are there
Typically, steering wheel covers are made from leather, leather substitute, or foam rubber (sponge).
A win-win option is leather. Despite the fact that this is the most expensive material, it has many advantages.
The advantages also include elasticity, strength, and ease of maintenance of the material.
Such braids look expensive and stylish.
If you still don’t like the price, you can choose covers made from leather substitute or sponge.
Leatherette braids are similar to leather braids, so if you are on a budget, you can choose this option.
Sponge steering wheel covers make driving especially comfortable, as the foam rubber prevents your hands from slipping.
There are interesting models that take the shape of the driver’s hands and seem to “remember” it.
There are also models with special pads that massage your palms while driving, which prevents your hands from getting tired.
The advantages are also the low price compared to leather and a variety of colors, which allows you to take into account the tastes of any consumer.
Gel braids are distinguished by their characteristic angularity.
The voluminous protrusions inside are filled with a special gel composition.
The rest of the braid is high quality eco-leather.
The advantage is the rich appearance, the material is pleasant to the touch, and the protrusions contribute to comfortable driving.
The new product is the “St. John’s wort” material. These braids are very pleasant to the touch and are made of wear-resistant neopropene.
However, materials can be more than just that.
For example, women's steering wheel braids can be made of fur, plush, or suede in a variety of colors.
They are usually ordered on special websites on the Internet.
Sometimes they are made to order.
Choosing the best option is not so easy, because it all depends on the tastes and preferences of car enthusiasts.
However, braids made of genuine leather are in great demand due to their durability and stylish appearance.
Review of steering wheel covers for some manufacturers
Currently, the car accessories market offers a wide selection of products from various manufacturers.
Let's look at the braids of some of them.
The most widely used braids are from AUTOPROFI.
The manufacturer pleases customers with a wide range, constant new products, and low prices.
In addition, AUTOPROFI has a series of prestigious Luxury braids, which have a distinctive feature - inserts of remnants of Ferrari automobile production.
The advantage is the use of natural and fairly high-quality leather.
This manufacturer is known for producing its products from materials used by BMW, Audi, and Mercedes factories.
As a minus, buyers note the pungent odor of the products, which lasts for a long time.
AUTOLUXE attracts with its wide selection and low price.
However, the disadvantages include the characteristic smell of rubber, rapid wear of sponge products, and loss of color.
My Car features materials that are pleasant to the touch.
The inside of the case has a ribbed structure that prevents slipping.
The colors and materials are so varied that they are ideal for women.
For example, in the online store you can find leopard-print velor braid.
Sparco products boast highly durable eco-leather material.
In places of girth, the braids have a relief structure.
The colors are usually bright and dynamic, great for young drivers.
They note that they are pleasant to the touch and do not slip.
The disadvantages are that after long trips there may be a smell on your hands, and some models are slightly smaller than stated on the packaging.
President are famous for their high quality and durability.
Some noted a situation where the sizes were larger than necessary (unlike Sparco).
And although the prices are slightly higher than those of the previously listed companies, the quality is justified and there are no serious complaints.
The most expensive and high-quality products are FRENZO braids.
Thanks to laser technology, they fit perfectly, genuine leather is very elastic, impregnated with a water-repellent composition.
No unpleasant pungent odors are observed during operation.
Thus, it is impossible to recommend any one manufacturer, since each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
When choosing, the buyer will rely on the ratio of price and quality.
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How to properly put the braid on the steering wheel?
If the braid size is selected correctly, there should be no problems during installation.
You can properly put the cover on your steering wheel by following a series of steps.
1) If it’s a cold season outside, you need to keep the braid warm for some time so that it is softer, easier to put on and does not break.
2) Apply the braid to the steering wheel to determine its position.
In this case, you need to pay attention to the buttons and levers on the steering wheel - the product should under no circumstances cover them.
3) Start pulling the cover from the top, gradually moving to the bottom.
It is better to use help, since it is difficult to put on and hold the braid tightly at the same time.
If there is no assistant, use tape to secure it.
4) If the braid is difficult to put on, you can use two flat screwdrivers, carefully prying the edges.
The leather steering wheel gives the car's interior its own style, it is pleasant to hold in your hands, it becomes thicker and more comfortable. To cover the steering wheel with leather, it is not necessary to seek the service of a workshop. Even an unprepared person can handle such modifications to a car. Let's consider the features of such tuning.
The steering wheel reupholstery process is similar for all LADA cars (XRAY, Vesta, Largus, Granta, Priora, Kalina, Niva 4x4) and has no fundamental differences. In the article we will focus on two specific examples; the rest of the photo reports will be published in the comments.
- buy a leather braid (cover) for the steering wheel (the accessory is sold for a specific LADA model, the price is about 1,700 rubles). See AliExpress catalog.
- remove the steering wheel (Vesta/XRAY, Granta/Kalina/Priora).
For reference
: the required diameter of the steering wheel braid for all LADA models (Kalina, Lada Priora, Lada Granta, Largus, Vesta, XRAY) is 37-39 cm. Size “M”.
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).
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.
In the trunk of a Lada Granta car
Another important advantage is the overall dimensions in the luggage compartment. The width of the compartment reaches 1350 mm, and in the opening this parameter is 950 mm. The compartment depth reaches 1025 mm, and the internal height is 600 mm. Such dimensions will allow you to transport even medium-sized household appliances.
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Granta sedan steering wheel size Link to main publication
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Do you need a steering wheel braid?
The first and most frequently asked question is: “Why do you need a braid on the steering wheel, if at all?”
It’s good for owners of expensive cars with leather interior trim, where everything is harmonious, the overall style is consistent, and the leather steering wheel, pleasant to the touch, goes well with the car’s interior. But what should owners of the budget segment do, where everything in the car’s interior is so minimalist that there’s nowhere for the eye to fall? A steering wheel braid is also needed if you buy a used car, if the steering wheel is well-worn, with numerous scratches and abrasions.
The steering wheel braid also serves as a kind of cover, and like covers on mobile phones, it allows you to preserve the presentation of the steering wheel in case of selling the car.
The braid on the steering wheel prevents your hand from slipping and turning the steering wheel, which makes driving safer. It increases the thickness of the steering wheel, making the steering wheel more comfortable for drivers with a wider hand.
Which steering wheel braid should I choose?
But let's start choosing the braid for the steering wheel. We will select it according to parameters.
Material. Today on the market you can find steering wheel braids made of various materials. Most often, girls buy “fun” soft steering wheel covers made of velor, fabric, suede, plush, foam rubber, while men prefer classic options made of genuine leather or leatherette. The most durable and advantageous option is the one made of genuine leather, but such popular cases made of foam rubber very quickly become crushed and lose their shape.
Color and design. You should not buy a steering wheel cover that does not match the color scheme of your car's interior. So, if your interior is black, it is better to take the same dark steering wheel cover and leave beige models to the corresponding cars. Of course, everyone chooses a cover in accordance with their taste preferences, but sometimes this choice looks simply monstrous, especially if a colorful velor cover with butterflies is placed in an incredibly stylish and beautiful car.
Fixation method. There are two main types of steering wheel braids: covers that do not require covering, and the steering wheel braids themselves, which are fixed to it using special threads. Each variety has its own pros and cons. Fixed covers are quite easy to put on, however, during use, such covers can twist and slide if the cover does not fit tightly enough. The steering wheel braids can be completely integrated into the interior, so that an uninformed person will not even know that it is not native to this car, however, there are difficulties in covering the steering wheel with such a braid. You need to have a certain skill, free time and patience to cover the steering wheel yourself. You will learn how this is done further down in this article.
What external dimensions can Grant please?
For clarity, we present the characteristics of the body in comparison with its relative, the Lada Kalina.
- So, in length the Lada Granta defeats its rival with a difference of 220 mm, because this parameter reaches 4260 mm.
- The width is 1700 mm, similar to that of Kalina. The differences are not big if you take the sedan version.
- Parity is maintained in height, since this figure for both “Russians” is 1500 mm.
- A similar picture is observed when comparing bases - 2476 mm for each.
Steering wheel braid - dimensions
Deciding on the size of the steering wheel cover is quite simple if you are purchasing it for yourself and not taking it as a gift. To do this, you just need to measure the diameter of your steering wheel and select the size of the cover according to it.
How to choose the steering wheel braid size?
But what if you are purchasing the case as a gift? Today on sale you can find covers of various sizes: S (35-37 cm), M (37-38 cm), L (39-40 cm), XL (42-43 cm), XXL (47 cm), XXXL (49 cm).
Size S (35-37 cm). This size is perfect for small cars: Oka, Tavria or for cars with a sports steering wheel. This size will also fit the Kia Picanto; it has a steering wheel diameter of 37 centimeters (the cover will fit with difficulty, but will fit clearly).
Size M (37-38 cm) . The most common size that fits most foreign-made passenger cars. Size M can be confidently called standard, it is suitable for cars: Kia (Rio, Venga, Ceed, Soul, Sorento, Optima, Sportage, etc.), Nissan (Murano, Almera, Terrano, Sentra, Juke, Teana, etc.), Ford (Focus, Mondeo, Kuga, Ranger, etc.), Toyota (Corolla, Auris), Volvo (V40, S60, S80, etc.), Chevrolet (Cruze, Aveo, Spark, etc.), VAZ (2108-2109, 21010 - 2115, Granta, Kalina, Priora), and many, many other foreign cars. In general, you understand, if you have a foreign passenger car or a domestic car from the list above, then you can take size M with 95% confidence.
Size L (39-40 cm). NIVA, VOLGA, MOSKVICH, VAZ-2101, 2107, 21011, 21013.
Size XL (42-43 cm). UAZ, GAZelle, etc.
Size XXL(47 cm). Imported trucks.
Size XXXL(49 cm). KAMAZ.
What is the diameter of the steering wheel on the grant
The steering wheel braid is an accessory that has not only an aesthetic function in the car interior (although this is also important, because style emphasizes individuality). Don't know how to determine sizes? The surest way is to measure the diameter of the steering wheel or find this parameter in the operating instructions for the car of the desired model. Each brand has a corresponding size – S, M, L, XL.
For cars such as Tavria, Oka, cars with a sports steering wheel, size S is suitable - the smallest. Diameter – 35-37 cm.
The most common size is M. Nowadays, most cars have a standard steering wheel with a diameter of 37-39 cm.
These are almost any foreign passenger cars, as well as Lada Kalina, Lada Priora, Lada Granta, etc.
If the braid is chosen for a VAZ 2101-2107, 21011, 21013, Niva, Volga or Moskvich, then the car has a steering wheel diameter of 39-40 cm, which corresponds to L.
XL – GAZELLE, UAZ, etc. (42-43 cm).
PS: I bought it in China, since I sewed it myself, it took me about 3 hours, but I’m very pleased with the result!
A steering wheel braid is a good gift for a car enthusiast, especially for drivers of the fair half of humanity. Such a gift can highlight not only the aesthetic part of the car interior, but also increase the convenience, comfort and pleasure of driving a car. For example, in the cold season, the steering wheel will not seem so cold, and for drivers with large palms, the steering wheel braid is not just an accessory, but an assistant in driving, since the braid increases the thickness of the steering wheel. Such drivers will be more comfortable holding the steering wheel and driving the car. This accessory is able to protect the steering wheel itself from mechanical damage and abrasions during use of the car, because the braid on the steering wheel is like a case for a mobile phone. Based on this, a steering wheel braid can be not only a beautiful and elegant gift, but also a useful one. But the braid for the steering wheel will be useful only if it is chosen correctly, because if the braid is small, it will not fit on the steering wheel, and if it is large, it will slip along the steering wheel, which can in turn lead to an emergency situation on the road.
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.
How to cover a steering wheel with braid?
The process of tightening the cover may seem like a small thing to you compared to the complexity of covering the steering wheel with a thread and a needle. There are many methods, each of which depends on the individual characteristics of a particular braid model. I will suggest one method.
First, we put our cover on the steering wheel. In the case itself, holes for threads are already made in advance, because... the leather is quite thick, and it will be very difficult to pierce it on the steering wheel (all the work will “go away” and don’t expect a good effect.). In one place our thread with a knot is pierced, and the process of covering the steering wheel has begun.
This cladding method is the simplest, fastest and does not require special skills.
However, this cross method looks much more attractive. This stitch completely replicates the cross stitch method.
There is also this method.
This article was about how to choose a steering wheel braid. Ride in comfort!
