Alcantara steering wheel is a synthetic material that can be found in many high-end vehicles. It is designed to mimic the feel of suede leather, but not wear down like the way suede does over time.
If you’re wondering if Alcantara is good or worth it for your vehicle, I have compiled information about 11 reasons why Alcantara steering wheel is good and a few of its downsides.
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Offer Good Grip Action
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Are Easy To Clean
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Do Not Need Conditioning
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Resist Moisture
- Alcantara Steering Wheel Have A Durable Suede Or Nap
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Adapts To Different Weather Conditions
- Alcantara Steering Wheels Are Comfortable To Use
- Alcantara Adds Style And Class To Your Vehicle
- Alcantara Is Highly Resistant To Cracking
- Alcantara Comes In Different Colors And Finishes
- Alcantara Steering Wheel Is Animal-Free
Let’s take a look at these awesome benefits in details.
1. Alcantara Steering Wheels Offer Good Grip Action
One of the benefits of Alcantara is that it provides good grip action. It is made of fine, soft fibers that are woven tightly together. This creates a smooth surface for your hand to glide over when in motion.
This makes it easy and comfortable to grip the wheel without chafing, slipping even when your hands are sweaty, or fatigued.
Usually, hand fatigue occurs when you constantly have to re-grip your steering wheel when driving. The constant need to re-grip the steering wheel is what causes fatigue during driving.
Also, people who suffer from arthritis may find steering wheels with rubber grips too uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, but Alcantara is made of soft material that gives your hands a more comfortable surface to work against during driving.
So when your hands are sweaty, you will still have a good grip on your Alcantara steering wheel which is great for driving maneuverability and safety.
2. Alcantara Steering Wheels Are Easy To Clean
Another benefit to Alcantara steering wheels is that it’s easy to clean. You can use an upholstery cleaner, gentle soap, or fabric cleaner.
Alcantara steering wheel typically does not require any special cleaning agents in order to clean or restore its original quality.
Sometimes using chemicals on your Alcantara wheel may cause discoloration, so be sure you are only using gentle soap and warm water.
Cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel is important for maintaining its original quality. All that is required when cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel is to spritz some mild soap or fabric cleaner onto a soft bristle brush and gently use it to scrub the wheel.
It is important to let your steering wheel dry completely before you drive again so that it does not stay wet and cause damage or discoloration.
The best way to ensure that your Alcantara steering wheel dries properly is by using a clean, lint-free towel on both sides of the wheel.
3. Alcantara Steering Wheels Does Not Need Conditioning
Alcantara steering wheel does not need to be conditioned like other leather materials. Conditioning is an important activity when you have a leather steering wheel and must be done every few months in order to maintain its soft feel and color.
Alcantara steering wheel does not need conditioning as other types of leathers because it is a synthetic material designed with a two-sided structure that has the appearance of suede but mimics the durability and longevity qualities of leather.
The fiber quality, tightness, density, weave, and finish of the Alcantara material give it a higher resistance to wear, making it a great choice for steering wheel coverings.
So if you’re looking for a synthetic material that does not require conditioning like leather, but offers a soft feel, the Alcantara steering wheel is a great option.
4. Alcantara Steering Wheels Resist Moisture
Alcantara steering wheel is resistant to moisture and heat which is ideal for drivers who live in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures.
When compared to suede, Alcantara has a higher resistance to moisture and is less likely to show signs of wear even with extended use.
Suede steering wheels can be very susceptible to moisture and tend to absorb liquids quickly, which may cause the material to deteriorate over time.
The fibers used to make Alcantara material are hydrophobic, meaning that they resist water absorption. This quality makes it difficult for dirt, dust, and other particles to adhere to the surface, which makes it easy to clean.
The thermal resistance of Alcantara allows it to withstand high temperatures without warping, melting, or discoloring. This is indeed an awesome material for drivers who live in areas with extreme temperatures.
Alcantara steering wheel is a great choice for drivers who want a synthetic material that resists moisture and heat.
5. Alcantara Steering Wheel Has A Durable Suede Or Nap
The surface of the Alcantara steering wheel is suede-like but is more durable than suede. Suede steering wheels are known for being delicate and can be easily stained or damaged.
Nap is a surface found on some fabrics that have a raised, fuzzy texture. Alcantara steering wheel has a durable nap which makes it resistant to wear and tear.
The surface of the Alcantara or Nap steering wheel creates a soft, suede-like feel, but is more durable than regular suede.
This material makes it an ideal cover for your steering wheel because of its durability and resistance to stains or wear that can be caused by heat.
6. Alcantara Steering Wheels Adapts To Different Weather Conditions
Alcantara steering wheel has the ability to adapt and change with different weather conditions. This means that Alcantara does not get too cold or too hot and will stay comfortable to the touch in any environment.
Leather steering wheels can become very cold in winter weather and very hot in summer weather, which makes them uncomfortable to grip.
The adaptability of Alcantara helps keep it cool in summer weather and warm in winter weather, making it a great choice for you who live in areas with extreme temperatures.
Alcantara steering wheel is a great choice for you if want a synthetic material that can adapt to different weather conditions.
7. Alcantara Steering Wheels Are Comfortable To Use
Alcantara steering wheel is not only resistant to moisture and heat but is also very comfortable to use. This synthetic material is designed with drivers in mind and offers a soft feel while you’re driving.
Synthetic leather steering wheels can be stiff and uncomfortable, which makes it difficult to grip the wheel for an extended period of time.
The softness of the Alcantara material makes it a great choice for drivers who want a comfortable steering wheel to use.
8. Alcantara Adds Style And Class To Your Vehicle
Alcantara steering wheel is not only functional but also adds style and class to your vehicle. This synthetic material is often used in luxury vehicles because of its sleek look and feel.
Leather steering wheels are often considered a standard for luxury cars, but Alcantara offers a more luxurious appearance that can be seen in high-end vehicles.
Alcantara steering wheel is a great choice for you if want something that adds style and class to your vehicle.
9. Alcantara Is Highly Resistant To Cracking
Alcantara steering wheel is not only resistant to moisture and heat but is also very resistant to cracking. This synthetic material does not expand or contract with different weather conditions, which means it will never crack.
Leather steering wheels can become brittle in cold weather and can easily crack when they are exposed to heat or if they are not properly cared for.
The high resistance to cracking of the Alcantara steering wheel makes it a great choice for you if want something that does not crack with time.
Alcantara steering wheel is highly resistant to cracks and is a great choice for you if want something long-lasting.
10. Alcantara Comes In Different Colors And Finishes
Alcantara steering wheel is not only functional but comes in different colors and finishes to match your style.
This synthetic material offers a wide range of color choices so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Color options for Alcantara include tan, black, white, red, yellow, and more! You can also find Alcantara with suede or napped finish.
Natural leather steering wheels will usually come in a limited array of color options, which can be boring for some people.
Alcantara steering wheel is a great choice for you if want something that comes in different colors and finishes.
11. Alcantara Steering Wheel Is Animal-Free
Last but not least is Alcantara steering wheels are animal-free. It is what is popularly considered now as VEGAN.
Alcantara steering wheel does not contain any animal-based components, which means that your purchase will never support companies who use animals for their products.
Natural leather steering wheels usually come from cowhide and are often obtained by killing animals or as a by-product from the meat industry.
This makes Alcantara a more sustainable choice for you if want a steering wheel that is animal-free.
Downsides Of The Alcantara Steering Wheel
There are a few things not to like about Alcantara steering wheel. As with the case of any product, there is always a downside to them and you should know what they are so that you can make an educated decision when choosing between Alcantara, leather, or any other steering wheel material.
Alcantara Steering Wheel Is More Expensive Than Leather
The first one is that Alcantara is more expensive than leather. If you are on a tight budget, then a leather or synthetic leather steering wheel might be the better option for you.
Leather steering wheels are often less expensive than Alcantara because they are more common and there is a larger demand for them.
Alcantara on the other hand is a more luxurious material and is often used in high-end vehicles.
If you are looking for a luxurious steering wheel that is more expensive than leather, then Alcantara might be the right choice for you.
Alcantara Cannot Be Repaired If Damaged
The second downside to Alcantara steering wheel is that it cannot be repaired if damaged. If you happen to damage your Alcantara steering wheel, then you will have to replace the entire thing.
Leather steering wheels can often be repaired if they are scratched or torn, which can save you some money if the damage is not too extensive.
If you are someone who is hard on their belongings or tends to damage things easily, then Alcantara might not be the best choice for you.
Final Thoughts
Alcantara steering wheel has all the benefits of suede – the soft feel, luxurious look, and easy care – but without the wear and tear.
Unlike suede, Alcantara is easy to clean without signs of discoloration or fraying that you typically see with other types of leather and synthetic materials.
The tightness and density of its woven fibers plus the finish on both sides provide a superior durability quality compared to most synthetic materials used in steering wheel manufacturing.
All in all, Alcantara steering wheels are a great choice of material if you want something that is soft, luxurious, and animal-free.
