Steering wheel wear?

[Myfirstrubicon]

There is nothing you can put on it to fix it, the damage is already done. All you can do is try and prevent it from getting worse or replace it.

That sucks. I should have known but I thought it was worth asking. Thanks!

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[dragoneggs]

Not that it will help in this case and maybe even a little off topic... but some chemicals/cleaners can often hurt plastic materials and faux leathers. Best just to use mild soapy water for cleaning both the car and your hands for the health of both your car and you!

I remember when I first deployed the vinyl clear bimini top on my new boat, my teenage daughter and friend decided to spray bug repellent on themselves while inside. A few hours later my beautiful clear windows hazed over and I was mad as a hornet. A couple thousand dollar lesson. I'm more cautious now.

And as others have mentioned, there is no bringing that back to new.

Side note... I wish I would not have been so cavalier about handling chemicals without protection for all those years working around cars and such. I might be much better off now.... who knows? ?

 

[Strommen95]

It's almost certainly something from your hands.

 

[angrynewyorker]

It's almost certainly something from your hands.

I’m thinking so too. I had a 19 Rubicon when Covid hit hard in early 20 and no one knew much about it, so I was using tons of hand sanitizer and noticed my steering wheel was starting to feel rough where my hands were usually. So every Jeep since then I have been careful about it and have had no issues.

 

[Myfirstrubicon]

I'm almost wondering if maybe the salt that is flung up under the door handles from the roads has something to do with it? I'm not sure how much that effects that material but it did just start happening this winter. The timing might also just be a coincidence, but I definitely get more on my hands with the Jeep over the previous car. I'll definitely be more conscious from now on. The mild soap and water will be my goto if it gets replaced.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

You could try to saddle soap it, then follow with a good leather conditioner to see if it will last a little longer.

 

[Ron93YJ]

Has anybody used chemical guys leather conditioner on their steering wheel? I’ve had this on my Amazon wish list for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. This isn’t the first time I’ve read about the steering wheels wearing out.


Chemical Guys SPI_109_16 Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit for Use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Car Interiors, Shoes, Boots, Bags & More (2 - 16 Oz Bottles) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ3HUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_A55WRJDTRVX03C9KA98Z

 

[angrynewyorker]

Has anybody used chemical guys leather conditioner on their steering wheel? I’ve had this on my Amazon wish list for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. This isn’t the first time I’ve read about the steering wheels wearing out.


Chemical Guys SPI_109_16 Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit for Use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Car Interiors, Shoes, Boots, Bags & More (2 - 16 Oz Bottles) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ3HUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_A55WRJDTRVX03C9KA98Z

I have and it’s decent, but kinda cheap/lower quality. I now use Polish Angel Bella Clean and Charisma conditioner. A bit pricey, but top notch.

 

[jessedacri]

Meh, I don't buy that one shouldn't eat, drink, sanitize, or exist other than for the sole purpose of going from point A to point B in order to never see something like this in a vehicle as rugged and expensive as a Wrangler. I wouldn't feel like you messed up by *eating* in your own vehicle. You also may have just gotten a bad part - my airbag piece's chrome finish wore away but the new one doesn't exhibit any of the same symptoms when subjected to the same cleaning supplies as the last one, nor did any other chrome pieces in the interior. Sometimes it just happens. FWIW, I sanitized the entire wheel numerous times through covid with the full 70% strength stuff and have no wear on the leather other than some scratches and marks that I made myself while out wheeling.

I'd be willing to bet if the rig is new enough that they'll take care of you under warranty. Just tell them you think it's way too early for this type of wear to be showing up in a new vehicle and that your past experiences with other vehicles have never shown wear like this, especially in the first year. That's essentially what I told them for the airbag cover and they replaced it with no fuss.

If not, $300 gets you a new wheel later on down the line when you get sick of looking at it.

 

[Jay Gatsby]

I've been using this for the past two years. I use it at least once a month. Expensive, but IMO worth it. They also have a spray that is cheaper. My steering wheel still looks new even though COVID.

 

[Myfirstrubicon]

Meh, I don't buy that one shouldn't eat, drink, sanitize, or exist other than for the sole purpose of going from point A to point B in order to never see something like this in a vehicle as rugged and expensive as a Wrangler. I wouldn't feel like you messed up by *eating* in your own vehicle. You also may have just gotten a bad part - my airbag piece's chrome finish wore away but the new one doesn't exhibit any of the same symptoms when subjected to the same cleaning supplies as the last one, nor did any other chrome pieces in the interior. Sometimes it just happens. FWIW, I sanitized the entire wheel numerous times through covid with the full 70% strength stuff and have no wear on the leather other than some scratches and marks that I made myself while out wheeling.

I'd be willing to bet if the rig is new enough that they'll take care of you under warranty. Just tell them you think it's way too early for this type of wear to be showing up in a new vehicle and that your past experiences with other vehicles have never shown wear like this, especially in the first year. That's essentially what I told them for the airbag cover and they replaced it with no fuss.

If not, $300 gets you a new wheel later on down the line when you get sick of looking at it.

That's what I'm leaning towards doing. If they decide to put up a fight, I don't feel like its worth fighting back over a steering wheel. I'll just pay for a new one a few years down the road. I'm happy it isn't anything effecting performance, still a little bummed though. Could be a lot worse!

 

[HungryHound]

What type of beer do you drink while driving? I've heard that IPAs can be tough on leather surfaces.

 

[double J]

Has anybody used chemical guys leather conditioner on their steering wheel? I’ve had this on my Amazon wish list for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. This isn’t the first time I’ve read about the steering wheels wearing out.


Chemical Guys SPI_109_16 Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit for Use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Car Interiors, Shoes, Boots, Bags & More (2 - 16 Oz Bottles) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ3HUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_A55WRJDTRVX03C9KA98Z

I use the chemical guys leather cleaning spray. Apply with a horse hair brush, wipe off excess with microfiber cloth. Then I use the conditioner, by hand, and wipe off excess with microfiber cloth.

 

[double J]

I use the chemical guys leather cleaning spray. Apply with a horse hair brush, wipe off excess with microfiber cloth. Then I use the conditioner, by hand, and wipe off excess with microfiber cloth.

Hard to tell from picture could be build up from stuff on hands.

 

[mwilk012]

Probably caused by the oil and gunk from your hand.
I have a no-food policy in my Jeep and my steering wheel on my 2018 with 53,000 km is literally brand new also because I wipe it down with leather conditioner every few month.

I have the exact opposite policy, my steering wheel is perfectly seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices.

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