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.
Varieties of materials for steering wheel braids
Today, the Russian markets offer a huge number of steering wheel braids of the most varied designs and quality. There are even handmade braids, so to speak, designer options that do not fall under the general classification. One of the main points in the question of how to choose a braid for the steering wheel is the selection of a suitable material from which the braid is made. Let's look at the most common materials:
- Leather. It is considered the most expensive and durable material. Indeed, leather braiding will last a relatively long time without losing its qualities. However, this material also has disadvantages: the skin becomes quite cold in winter. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to drive a car comfortably without preheating the interior or using gloves.
- Leatherette, leatherette or other inexpensive material. Here, a lot depends on the quality of the braid, the reliability of the firmware and gluing, as well as additional reinforcing and decorative inserts. Often leatherette braids last no more than two years of active use of the car. After this period, their appearance and structure are irretrievably lost.
- Fabric or plush. This material plays more of a decorative role than a practical one. The main advantage is a comfortable ride in cold weather. Fabric-based materials keep your hands warm in winter. The main disadvantage is rapid contamination and loss of attractive appearance. Not suitable for aggressive or sporty riding.
- Rubber material with foam or leather inserts. An interesting layout that many drivers love. It is distinguished by the pliability of foam rubber, which takes the shape of hands, and elasticity. This is noted by many drivers as a very convenient feature.
Each of these materials is created for its target audience and has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is impossible to say unequivocally that some material is better and another worse. It all depends on the properties and durability required by the end user.
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.
Engine
The variety of trim levels is a special step to diversify the Russian automobile market.
Under the hood of a stock Lada Granta in Standard configuration (engine 11183)
After the official presentation of this “people’s” car took place, the engine characteristics also became available.
- Under the hood in the “standard version” is an eight-valve petrol engine from Kalina.
- Volume -1.6 l.
- The engine has a power of 82 hp. With.
- It takes only 12 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h.
- If we talk about fuel consumption here, it is equal to 7.3 liters per 100 km.
- As for urban conditions, fuel consumption increases to 9 liters.
- The engine complies with Euro 4 environmental standards.
Equipment Standard with installed HBO
The well-known Kalina became the Lada Granta platform. Therefore, the very first versions were equipped with an engine with index 11183. It was used in the assembly of the Kalina car. If we talk in more detail about the 8-valve engine, then AvtoVAZ developers were involved in its modernization. A feature of this engine is:
- Optimized cylinder head cooling system.
- There is an improved shaft drive with automatic tensioner.
- The cylinder head gasket is made of durable metal.
- When manufacturing the cylinder head, a special strengthening heat treatment is used.
- The Lada Grant, like all vehicles, has front-wheel drive and has an electric throttle.
- After the modernization was carried out, the power increased to 64 kW.
- Torque increased to 140 Nm.
- The noise and vibration levels have been significantly reduced.
- When the timing belt breaks, the valve “does not bend.”
At the same time, the service life of the motor has increased, and now it is 200 thousand kilometers.
You can be pleased with the specific consumption of fuel and lubricants - it has decreased, and the environmental friendliness of the engine has increased.
The “Norma” package is already equipped with an 8-valve engine with a power of 87 hp. And if you look at the more “advanced” LUX package, this car will be equipped with an automatic transmission. This unit is a sixteen-valve unit with a power of 98 horsepower.
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.
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:
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.
This is interesting: Is it possible to refuel Solaris 92
Interior and exterior
It is based on the Kalina platform
If we consider it together with Kalina, then the only similarities are the doors. As for the panels, they are original. The head optics are made according to traffic rules and are equipped with daytime running lights. They only start working when the ignition is turned on.
Bumpers “not in body color” and the absence of fog lights, why does the ordinary Russian citizen need extra comfort?
There are no fog lights here. The taillights are large. Installed at the corners of the body. They are made according to a symmetrical design: there is an anti-fog pair on the left, and a 3X pair on the right.
As for the bumpers, they are not painted. In addition, the front bumper is integral with the radiator grille. You can immediately see the savings, but you need to remember that here the developers tried to create the cheapest possible car with a minimum of losses on quality and driving characteristics.
The side mirrors are black, as in the more expensive “Norma” configuration
The side mirrors are also unpainted. They are not heated, but with mechanical adjustment from the passenger compartment.
Small A-pillars provide good visibility.
Trunk
Compared to its classmates, the trunk has increased height clearance
Now you can go to the trunk of the car. It opens with a button and a key. The loading height is greater than the Kalinovka, and the Grant has more advantages in terms of lifting the trunk. As for the negative aspects, this is the lack of lid padding. There is also no closing handle, meaning you'll have to get your hands dirty in inclement weather.
Close view of the rear (dimensions, trunk, bumper and large emblem) Close view of the rear (dimensions and trunk)
If we talk about one more difference, then in Kalina you can find gas stops. In the Standard configuration we again came to a scheme with hinges and torsion bars. Here, part of the space is lost, and as a result, it is impossible to install speakers (rear shelf). The way out is to purchase a rear acoustic shelf or install speakers in the rear doors.
There are no mats or additional nets. All this will have to be purchased separately. We have already talked about which net is better to choose for the trunk.
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).
