[d_himan]

I got a bit spoilt by the Ikon 1.6 SXi's meaty leather steering wheel.

Now, I'm absolutely bored of my Swift's regular steering wheel.


And since this is the ONE part of the car where I'm always in contact, I want it to be a pleasanter experience.

What're my options?

1. steering wheel 'covers'. Are they any good? They were hideous when I tried them years ago in the Maruti 800. But they're cheap and come in a variety of materials. I saw one in 'Nappa Leather'.

2.Replace my entire steering wheel with those smaller imported ones. Is it worth it? Would the experience change dramatically?

3. Hand-stitching of the Steering Wheel in leather. Expensive, but would it be worth the money? Did anyone get this done?

Suggestions welcome!

[Parm]

if your swift is without an airbag, you can replace the current steering wheel with the steering wheel of your choice.

or you can put a good quality leather cover over the current steering wheel.

[viper_711]

You can go after market leather covers that needs to be fastened by leather/nylon laces. Stanley markets them (I think it's called pro-grip) The average price is about 500/-
I've used one and am quite happy.

[dr_know]

I have used steering covers very rarely, as not when I was not driving in my own car. If you are a person like me who sweats a lot in the palms then this not thing for you. Since you are looking for plush feel of real leather then the best thing would be to get it stitched on.

[harry2223]

go for steering covering than aftermarkets. because these aftermarkets are pain for long drives

[HappyWheels]

A good steering cover will do the job.

After market steering are better avoided, if possible, unless you are sure of what your are doing.

[adityamunshi]

Are the laces just tied around the steering wheel or are they stitched together ?

Originally Posted by viper_711

You can go after market leather covers that needs to be fastened by leather/nylon laces. Stanley markets them (I think it's called pro-grip) The average price is about 500/-
I've used one and am quite happy.

[SRK]

Originally Posted by d_himan

3. Hand-stitching of the Steering Wheel in leather. Expensive, but would it be worth the money? Did anyone get this done?

Suggestions welcome!

I would recommend getting a new cover made.
You can also go for art-leather. Its a cheaper option.

Originally Posted by adityamunshi

Are the laces just tied around the steering wheel or are they stitched together ?

The aftermarket cover is not stitched.
But you do get complete leather wrapped steering wheels on high-end cars.
We had a similar on our Accent GTX, but the leather starting peeling off.

[viper_711]

I found this link:
How to make (and install) your own leather steering wheel covers | eHow.com

Aditya, it answers your question too. The method used to wrap this is exactly how pro-grip is fixed.

This pic also shows the lace/nylon. Pic courtesy: Product Image



[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Admin/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

[lancer_rit]

If you want factoy 'fit and finish', go for machine stitched steering wheel leather covers. You'll have to remove your steering wheel and get it stitched at the factory. Pensee leathers in Bangalore is one such place which does it. You can look up their website photos.

[greenhorn]

I've noticed that when covers are used, the original wheel becomes kinda moldy, just like when you use seat covers.

[mail4ajo]

I have been using Gsport steering covers for some time. Feels very plush and give that strong grip especially around tight corners. For the upmarket feel, go for real leather like Stanley where its stitched tight.

I noticed the feel on the Gsport has started to erode. Become more smooth. Pain when giving for service. They tend to soil the steering.

[nitrous]

These 500 rupee steering wheel covers are real good.
Don't get anything else.

[live2drive]

Go for the leather steering covers.
Make sure that the guy has a good hand in stitching whoever installs it.
They'l cost you anywhere near 350/- to 400/-.

[gpa]

I suggest you go for the Progrip brand of leather steering covers. They take about 45 minutes to fit if the process is done properly and provide a nice plush feel! The steering feels great to twirl with it! Would cost you about 500 to 600 bucks max.

Cheers,

gpa