Durability Alcantara steering wheel cover

[gerri]

Hello everyone, certainly some of you mount the alcantara steering wheel. I would like to know if it deteriorates a lot with use or as much as the leather steering wheel. I would like to ride it too but I'm afraid it's "delicate" and this is holding me back.

[RugbyBro]

Don't feel bad about it getting worn in otherwise you'll never enjoy having it. Just clean it every couple of months with Sonax or something similar. Alcantara is like suede in that it's going to get worn, and that's just part of the deal just avoid touching it with obviously dirty hands.

[65fastback]

I had one in my E92 & corvette and when they are brand new they are great but no matter how OCD you are about cleaning it ( like I was ) and changing hand positions & having clean hands all the time...they eventually wear, the less you care the sooner they wear.

If its your daily driver id pass and go with leather or leather/carbon type.

If its a weekend car id go for it... you likely can get years out of one if your carful.

[NickyC]

I use no products. Wipe it down once a week with a microfiber cloth drenched in warm water. After two years, my Nexon wheel with alcantara looks brand new.

I learned this trick from a guy with several McLarens where the whole interior looks brand new. Asked him the trick and he told me the above. It just works.

[swagon]

1. Don't eat cheeseburgers in car
2. Wash your hands
3. Clean regularly with damp microfibre towel, (optionally) sonax/bmw cleaner, and dry microfibre towel

That way, depending on the annual mileage, you'll be cleaning it once a month. Takes 20 minutes if you're thorough. In that period, leather steering wheel would be dirty as well anyway.

I wear gloves because I get sweaty palms anytime I drive, which means I clean the steering wheel maybe three times a year.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I use no products. Wipe it down once a week with a microfiber cloth drenched in warm water. After two years, my Nexon wheel with alcantara looks brand new.

I learned this trick from a guy with several McLarens where the whole interior looks brand new. Asked him the trick and he told me the above. It just works.

Ooo I'll have to try this... I've misplaced my Sonax and really don't feel like ordering another lol

[swagon]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I use no products. Wipe it down once a week with a microfiber cloth drenched in warm water. After two years, my Nexon wheel with alcantara looks brand new.

I learned this trick from a guy with several McLarens where the whole interior looks brand new. Asked him the trick and he told me the above. It just works.

I can confirm.

Alcantara, the company and supplier, even states that the recommended way to clean the material is just with water. No products needed.

[spool twice]

18k miles on mine, looks brand new.

Just don't be a slob driving with oily hands and you're fine.

I wash mine with warm water and a microfiber cloth as well.

[JagR2611]

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Don't feel bad about it getting worn in otherwise you'll never enjoy having it. Just clean it every couple of months with Sonax or something similar. Alcantara is like suede in that it's going to get worn, and that's just part of the deal just avoid touching it with obviously dirty hands.

Agree - Sonax product works well.

I also used Dr. Beasley's protection and think it helps.

[kumkeet]

I use a microfiber cloth with water to gently soak and suck out the dirt with very little rubbing.

When it's dry, I use a toothbrush to brush out all the dust when I'm at a red-light and bored.

Wheel becomes cleaner than the lungs. Hahaha

[Niart906]

Both of my previous cars had Alcantara wheels. I ran them for 4+yrs without issue. Just keep your hands clean and wash them once every month or so. I used warm water with some Tide mixed in and a detail brush/microfiber. It really helped to lift the oils left behind from your hands.

[65fastback]

I think this thread so far is a very small and slightly biased sample of the real world.

Every single used car over a couple years old I ve ever looked at that had a Alcantara wheel was toast nothing left... matted down & gross. mostly AMG cars a couple cts-v's and many others.

Alcantara wheels are more delicate than leather and do require a bit of maintenance. They are not for everyone.

I guess its easy for some people to keep up on one but i found after about a year of regular cleaning just like other's have said ( I used just water & microfiber and gentle brush ).
They always started to wear in places.
Apparently my Alcantara steering wheel maintenance skills are weak :-(

[Imperial328i]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I use no products. Wipe it down once a week with a microfiber cloth drenched in warm water. After two years, my Nexon wheel with alcantara looks brand new.

I learned this trick from a guy with several McLarens where the whole interior looks brand new. Asked him the trick and he told me the above. It just works.

I found water just works really well for cleaning leather too. No residue or oily sheen because it's just water.

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by Imperial328i

I found water just works really well for cleaning leather too. No residue or oily sheen because it's just water.

Right!