Buying a new steering braid often turns into a lottery if you donβt know the exact parameters of your steering wheel. The market is full of universal models, but even they are divided into several standard sizes, and an error in choice can lead to the case either hanging around or it will have to be pulled with the risk of tearing the material. To avoid such troubles, you need to arm yourself in advance with a simple roulette or ruler and make measurements.
Accuracy is crucial in this regard, as a difference of even a few millimeters can significantly affect driving comfort. Incorrectly selected braid is able to slide in the hands at the most inopportune moment or, conversely, clasp your palms, causing fatigue. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of taking measurements, types of steering wheels and methods of installing the accessory.
Necessary tools for accurate measurements
Before you start measuring, it is worth preparing the right tools. A typical school lineup may not be flexible enough to measure a circle, so a tailor centimeter tape would be the best choice. If there is no such at hand, you can use construction roulette, but you will have to act more carefully so as not to scratch the plastic steering wheel.
To measure the thickness of the rim will require a barbell, although in most cases, a conventional ruler with millimeter divisions is enough. It is important that the divisions are clear and readable, as the cost of error is minimal. Also at hand is to have a notebook to record the data received, so as not to get confused in the numbers when ordering goods.
- π Flexible centimeter tape (Portnovsk meter) is ideal for measuring the length of a circle.
- π Hard ruler or construction roulette β to check the diameter.
- βοΈ The caliper allows you to measure the thickness of the rim as accurately as possible.
- π Notepad and pen - to record the measurement results.
Donβt rely on an eyeglass or an approximate data from the Internet that says βall the steering wheels are the same.β This misconception can cost you money and time. Every car manufacturer, whether Lada, Toyota or BMWIt can use different standards depending on the model and year of release.
β οΈ Warning: Never use sharp objects or hard metal corners without protection to measure the steering wheel, as it is easy to damage the leather trim or steering wheel plastic.
Methods of measuring the outer diameter of the steering wheel
The most common parameter by which braids are classified is the outer diameter. To recognize it, you need to apply the ruler to the extreme points of the steering wheel, passing through the center. Measurement is carried out from the inner edge of one side to the inner edge of the opposite side, ignoring spokes and decorative elements.
If the steering wheel has a non-standard shape, for example, flattened from the bottom or top, you need to make two measurements: horizontal and vertical. As the final value, the arithmetic average or maximum value is taken so that the braid is exactly settled in size. For round rudders, one passage of the ruler through the center is enough.
If you have a steering wheel with "ears" or protrusions for thumbs, measure the diameter along the main arc, without taking into account these protrusions, otherwise the braid may deform in places of tension.
The resulting value in centimeters must be translated into inches, since many manufacturers of covers use this number system. The standard passenger diameter is usually about 37-38 cm, which corresponds to 15 inches. For SUVs and minibuses, this figure often increases to 40-42 cm.
- π Passenger sedans and hatchbacks are standard diameters of 37-38 cm (15 inches).
- π SUVs and crossovers - an increased diameter of 39-42 cm (15.5-16.5 inches).
- π Trucks and minibuses are 43-47 cm (17-18 inches) in diameter.
- ποΈ Sports models - a reduced diameter of 34-36 cm (13.5-14 inches).
If you buy a braid that is pulled on the finished steering wheel, this parameter is critical. If you choose a case that you need to sew or glue, the circumference will be more important, but the diameter still serves as a good guide for the initial screening of inappropriate models.
Measurement of circumference and rim thickness
The circumference is perhaps the most reliable parameter for the selection of braids. To get it, it is enough to wrap a centimeter tape around the outer part of the steering wheel. The tape should be strictly in the center of the thickness of the rim, without slipping on the spokes or control buttons.
Rim thickness (cross section) is a parameter that is often ignored, but in vain. The steering wheel can be thin as a spoke, or thick as a log. The braid, designed for a thin rim, on a thick one simply will not fasten or will look like a pulled sausage. Measure the thickness in the place where you normally hold the steering wheel, covering it with your fingers or attaching a ruler to the side.
βοΈ Measurement checklist
For non-standard steering wheels, such as oval or square (found in older models or tuned cars), the circumference becomes the main criterion. In such cases, the diameter can be misleading, as the averaged value does not reflect the actual geometry. Use the formula L = Ο Γ D Only if you can't measure a circle directly, but the direct measurement is always more accurate.
β οΈ Note: When measuring the circumference, do not stretch the tape too much, especially if the steering wheel is sheathed with soft leather or alcantara, so as not to deform the material and not underestimate the real readings.
Table of braid size conformity
So that you do not have to translate centimeters into inches and guess what size to choose, we have prepared a summary table. It covers most common classes of cars. Find your type of car and compare the obtained measurements with the data in the table.
| Size (inches) | Diameter (cm) | Circle (cm) | Type of vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" (S) | 35-36 | 110-113 | Small cars, sports cars. |
| 15" (M) | 37-38 | 116-119 | Sedans, hatchbacks (Lada, Kia, VW) |
| 15.5" (L) | 39-40 | 122-125 | Crossovers, minivans. |
| 16.5" (XL) | 41-42 | 128-131 | Off-roaders, minibuses |
| 17.5" (XXL) | 43-44 | 135-138 | Trucks, tractors. |
Note that the sizes may vary slightly depending on the braid manufacturer. Some brands lay a reserve for stretching the material, others sew βstretchingβ. Therefore, if your measurements are on the border of two sizes, it is better to choose one that is slightly larger, or consult with the seller of a particular brand.
Always round the measurements up if the value is in the middle between the two standard sizes, as stretching the braid is easier than wearing too small.
Features of steering wheels with heating and non-standard shape
Owners of vehicles with a function steering-heat You should be especially careful when choosing a sleeve. Too thick or dense a material can block heat, reducing the function to zero, or even cause the wiring to overheat if the heat is not removed. For such steering wheels, thin leather covers or special heat-resistant materials are recommended.
Non-standard steering wheel shape, for example, "sports" with thickenings in grip areas (9 and 3 hours), requires an individual approach. Universal round braids here will not work β they will either gather in folds in straight areas, or break in thickening. In such cases, it is better to look for models marked "Sport" or order individual tailoring.
Influence of material on landing
Leather braids stretch over time and take the shape of a steering wheel, while synthetic materials (ecoleather, silicone) keep the size tighter. If you choose natural leather, it may sit tighter after a couple of weeks of use.
It is also worth considering the presence of projections, media buttons or gear shift petals located close to the rim. The braid should not block access to functionality or create inconvenience when switching. Sometimes it is necessary to trim the inner part of the braid in the places of spokes, but this is already a task for experienced craftsmen.
Instructions for installing a new braid
Once you have successfully measured the diameter and selected the right model, the installation stage begins. This process requires care and physical effort, especially if the braid sits tight. First try on the case, applying it to the steering wheel without tension to make sure the holes for spokes match.
Start putting on the braid from the top of the steering wheel (12 hours), gradually straightening the material in a circle. If a model is used that requires lacing, do not tighten the cord immediately to the end - first evenly distribute the case. For stretch models without lacing, you may need the help of a second person or the use of suction cups to fix the edges.
- π§ Degrease the steering surface before installation if glue is used or if the old steering wheel is slippery.
- π‘οΈ For better elasticity, you can warm up the braiding with a hairdryer a little (without overheating!).
- 𧀠Work in thin gloves to avoid leaving any traces of sweat on the new surface.
- π If the braid is sewn, use a strong capron thread and start from the inside of the spokes.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use sharp objects (knives, scissors) to straighten the folds on an already strained braid - one wrong engine can cut through the material, and the work will go to waste.
After installation, allow the material to "lie down" for several hours. The skin and some types of eco-skin should straighten out and take the shape of your steering wheel. If after a day there were severe distortions or bloating, perhaps the size was chosen incorrectly or the installation was carried out with violations of technology.
Frequent errors in selection and installation
One of the most common mistakes is to buy a braid βby eyeβ or in the hope that it will stretch. Universal sizes It doesn't exist, and just because it says "37 to 40 cm" on a package doesn't mean it's perfect for a 40 cm steering wheel. Most likely, it will be stretched to the limit and quickly become unusable.
Another mistake is ignoring the thickness of the old layer. If you put a new braid on top of an old, cracked one, the final diameter will increase, and the new cover may not fit. Always remove the old accessory before installing the new one to ensure proper fit and safety.
You should not save on the quality of the material. Cheap "ecoskin" can start peeling off in a month, get your hands dirty and smell unpleasant in the sun. It is better to spend one time on a high-quality model that will last for years and will please with tactile sensations. Remember that the steering wheel is the driverβs main contact with the car, and his condition directly affects the emotions of driving.
Can you use a larger braid if you put a foam?
Technically possible, but not recommended for everyday use. The lining will change the diameter and can make the steering wheel too thick, which will impair handling. In addition, the foam will doubt over time, and the braid will begin to dangle, which is dangerous with sharp maneuvers.
How to take measurements if the steering wheel is square or oval?
For non-standard shapes, it is useless to measure the diameter. Use only the method of measuring the circumference length with flexible tape. It is also important to measure the maximum width and height of the steering wheel to see if the round braid will fit into the corners or if a specific model is needed.
Will the braid affect the operation of the steering angle sensors?
The well-chosen and installed braid does not affect the operation of the electronic systems of the car, including ESP and angle of rotation sensors. Problems can only arise if the braid slips relative to the rim, but modern models have a reliable internal coating for fixation.
Do I need to remove the steering wheel to install the braid?
In most cases, the steering wheel is not required. However, if you install a braid that requires string stitching (a wiring), removing the steering wheel can make the task much easier and provide a more neat seam. For stretch models, removal is not necessary.
What to do if the sleeves start to slide?
If the braid is selected in size, it should not slide. If this happens, check if the cover is on top of the old layer. If the steering wheel is smooth, you can use a special glue for the skin or bilateral tape for fixing in inconspicuous places (on the spokes).