Steering Wheel

INAMESS

Hi got a bit of a strange question for you folks. I have a car which has a hard sporty style steering wheel and gear knob. Virtually no padding on either. Trouble is my hands are getting more arthritic so I was wondering what the best option is, can I replace the steering wheel and gear knob? Or can you buy better padding for them? Or is there another option to make them more gentler and comfortable on the hands? Obviously as a last resort I could sell the car but I’d rather not if I can help it. Any help would be appreciated thanks 

MovingForwards

Yes, sometimes the gear knobs unscrew to replace them. Depends on what your car is as to whether an aftermarket steering wheel would be any use as they don't generally come with airbags (based on my old knowledge). Problem is you'll need to declare them as modifications to your car.

There are steering wheel covers, halford etc sell them.

motorguy

INAMESS said:

Hi got a bit of a strange question for you folks. I have a car which has a hard sporty style steering wheel and gear knob. Virtually no padding on either. Trouble is my hands are getting more arthritic so I was wondering what the best option is, can I replace the steering wheel and gear knob? Or can you buy better padding for them? Or is there another option to make them more gentler and comfortable on the hands? Obviously as a last resort I could sell the car but I’d rather not if I can help it. Any help would be appreciated thanks 

you might want to try Royal Steering Wheels.  They could possibly recover the rim of your wheel with something thats softer and easier on your hands.

I'd give them a ring and explain your requirement. 

https://royalsteeringwheels.com/

You can also get replacement gear knobs so you could go for a bigger / softer style.

INAMESS

The car is a vw polo, the gear knob seems to be one complete unit where the top doesn’t screw off. As for steering wheel covers I think they are more for cosmetic purposes, don’t think they would offer padding for a more comfortable feel?

facade

INAMESS said:

The car is a vw polo, the gear knob seems to be one complete unit where the top doesn’t screw off. As for steering wheel covers I think they are more for cosmetic purposes, don’t think they would offer padding for a more comfortable feel?

Try that company Motorguy suggested. The only problem is you'd have to send your steering wheel to them, which would take ages, maybe you have a local vehicle trimmer that could do it?

My car has a "go faster" leather steering wheel. What it actually is, is a leather cover wrapped over a poverty spec. wheel and sewn on. (and it added about 10 times what it is worth to the price of the car)  It should be possible to get a nicely padded cover sewn on, that will make the wheel a lot fatter and easier to grip.

Otherwise, in The Olden Days steering wheel covers that you laced on yourself were quite popular, I remember fitting a sponge backed rubber one to the thin shiny rim of a mini, and having to wind a long lace tightly round the rim about 500 times to fit it. Someone must sell something similar, have a look at eBay.

INAMESS

It hurts my hands quite a lot when gripping the steering wheel and changing gears especially on long journeys so any help would be good otherwise the car will have to go

Emmia

You could try a sheepskin steering wheel cover, it will keep your hands warmer 

Lambland Genuine Sheepskin Universal Fitting Steering Wheel Cover https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0029W9WGU/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_5JJTC0JP5YQZ8CZGENCB

Grumpy_chap

INAMESS said:

It hurts my hands quite a lot when gripping the steering wheel and changing gears especially on long journeys so any help would be good otherwise the car will have to go

You may benefit from adaptions.
I did a search for "disabled steering wheel aids" and "disabled gear lever" and there seemed to be some ideas that may assist.

INAMESS

Some interesting ideas there, just had a look. Not sure whether they are mainly for people with restricted arm movement though rather than just discomfort when gripping a hard wheel or gear knob

Alanp

How about driving gloves? If you can still get them of course although, might be a bit uncomfortable in summer

INAMESS

Have considered gloves but the leather would be quite thin on them so won’t produce much padding plus like you said they would be uncomfortable in the warmer weather. Really need something with a decent amount of padding for both the steering wheel and gear stick