Repair Scuffed, Scratched and Ring Damaged Leather Steering Wheels

Fixing a damaged steering wheel on a vehicle can vary depending on the type and extent of the damage. Steering wheels go through a lot of wear and tear being constantly held with warmth, grease and sweat. Rings and other types of jewellery cause all types of damage and scratches.

Using the wrong type of cleaning products like APC, scrubber pads and magic erasers cause all types of damage to leather steering wheels, removing the colour and causing surface wear, which causes drying out and in time splits and cracking will appear.

Here are some general steps you can follow:

Assess the Damage:

Identify the type and severity of the damage. Is it a small scratch or crack, or is it more significant damage like a broken or warped steering wheel?

Safety First:

Before attempting any repairs, ensure your vehicle is parked in a safe location, and the engine is turned off. Disconnect the battery to avoid accidental airbag deployment (if your vehicle has an airbag in the steering wheel).

Clean the Steering Wheel:

Use the LRC1 leather cleaner and a soft bamboo pad and cloth to clean the steering wheel's surface. This will help you better see the extent of the damage and avoid any debris interfering with the repair process.

Spray on the cleaner onto the bamboo fibre pad and scrub over the steering wheel to remove all grease, grime and dirt, as you wipe over the wheel, wipe away all dirt and grime with the bamboo fibre towel to leave a perfectly clean surface behind.

Minor Scratches and Scuffs:

For small scratches or scuffs, the LRC leather steering wheel repair kit includes all that you need, leather cleaner, prep products, alcohol cleaner, colours, tints and sealers colour-matching materials, and full instructions on how to apply properly.

Cracks and Tears:

If the steering wheel has cracks or tears, you might need more advanced repair techniques. You will need some form of filler either heavy leather filler or flexi leather filler it depends how bad the cracks are or how deep they are and possible some leather glue to repair any tears in the surface.

Seek Professional Help:

If the damage is extensive or if you're unsure about how to proceed, it's best to consult a professional automotive repair shop or a specialist who can assess the steering wheel and recommend the appropriate repairs. Some issues may require a full replacement of the steering wheel, especially if safety is a concern. You can look through our Leather Steering Wheel video on YouTube.

Protective Measures:

Once you've repaired the steering wheel, consider using protective treatment, there are several ways you can protect the steering wheel, leather protection cream, leather protection spray or leather guard®. As a top tip, you can apply leather guard to the steering wheel and then apply protection cream over the top, this then provides double protection, but in different ways or you apply leather protection spray, then protection cream.  Protection will help prevent future damage and it will extend the lifespan of the steering wheel.

Remember, the steering wheel is a critical component of your vehicle, and any repairs you undertake should be done with care to ensure your safety while driving. If you're not confident in your abilities, always seek professional help.