Buzz
You hop into your car, adjust the AC, drop your wallet into that annoying gap between the seat and center console, curse, fish it out, and get ready to drive. But as you grip the steering wheel, it feels oddly sticky—almost like flypaper. You’re sure you didn’t spill any soda. So, what’s the deal?
There are several factors. Steering wheels are often covered with faux leather or vinyl, materials that can trap surface residue like sweat, oils from your hands, lotions, or food grease. Even if your hands don’t feel dirty when you first notice the stickiness, it could be the result of build-up from previous drive-thru meals.
Genuine leather is more breathable, which means it doesn’t absorb as much surface oil as synthetic materials. However, that doesn’t make it immune to the sticky sensation. When exposed to UV rays, the oils in the leather can rise to the surface, giving it a slippery feel. (The adhesives used to bond the leather might also seep through.) Over time, it may even crack, which could improve your grip but isn’t exactly visually appealing.
As you might imagine, a simple fix is to clean the steering wheel. You can use a cloth designed for the specific material of the wheel, or even a damp washcloth. If it’s leather, applying a conditioner that is suitable for the wheel can help. (Your car's manual may offer suggestions for approved cleaning products.)
Alternatively, you can take a more traditional route and wear a pair of driving gloves, which not only enhance your grip on the wheel but also help prevent oils and other contaminants from transferring from your hands.
