How to Keep Your Driving Hands Warm in Frigid Weather: The Best Heated Steering Wheel Covers For 2024

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It was below 20 degrees here in New York City, so I geared up and went out to my car, brushed the snow off, started it, and cranked the heat. All was well, except that the wood-rimmed steering wheel in my old Rover was so cold it couldn't be handled without gloves. What followed was an overwhelming feeling of envy for new-car owners as I lost feeling in my fingertips.

Newer cars and trucks (and even some older luxury models) are sometimes equipped with a heated steering wheel from the factory, and they're lovely. So after quickly realizing that installing steering-wheel heating comparable to OEM equipment in my 20-year-old Land Rover was nigh impossible, I looked to the aftermarket for heated steering wheel solutions.

If you drive an older vehicle, or if your late late-model car came factory-equipped with lots of blank switches, a heated car steering wheel cover may just do the trick on a cold day. Truth be told, we share more than a little skepticism over these gadgets; many are clearly nothing more than cheap trinkets. But owning a decent one can potentially serve a good purpose, especially if you live in a colder climate and remove it once the wheel warms up. After some research and scouring the internet, we managed to put together this list of what we feel are the best heated steering wheel covers on the market.

Things To Consider

We approached this roundup of heated steering wheel covers with a bit of trepidation. Most aren't made by popular (or even recognizable) aftermarket brands, and many come with what we see as drawbacks: power cords that can become tangled while turning, or an improper fit that can impact a secure grip on the wheel. Given all of that, here are some things to consider if you're in the market for a heated steering wheel wrap.

Expectations: This is key. You should not expect a heated steering wheel cover to function the same or as well as factory heated steering. We (as well as some of these manufacturers) strongly discourage drivers from leaving these devices plugged in while on the move. Frankly, your best bet is to let the heated cover warm up the wheel, then tuck it away before driving.

Size and Compatibility: Ensure that the heated cover you buy is the right size for your steering wheel. A snug fit is essential, especially if you choose to drive while the cover is installed. You may also want to consider a style that complements your vehicle's interior and enhances its appearance, but for our list below we avoided furry and sparkly covers, since they may kill you.

Power Source: Most steering wheel covers plug into the vehicle's 12-volt power outlet (cigarette lighter), and some even offer have rechargeable batteries so they'll function while unplugged. So be sure that your vehicle's ports are available and functional. The port should also be within arm's reach of the steering wheel itself so that the wire can reach from the wheel to the port. We recommend going cordless or removing your corded cover before driving.

Safety Features: Check for safety features such as automatic shut-off or temperature control to prevent overheating. These features enhance the safety of using a heated car steering wheel cover.

Compatibility with Controls: If your vehicle has integrated steering wheel controls for functions like audio or cruise control, ensure that the heated cover doesn't obstruct or interfere with these features.

In our opinion, here are the best heated steering wheel covers you can buy.

Classic Heated Steering Wheel Cover

Like most of the other covers on this list, this one is powered by your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and fits steering wheels from 14.5 to 15.3 inches. We like the faux-wool look; it would fit right into a cabin equipped with sheepskin seat covers or something similar. It's also on the more affordable side, so if you've been wanting to take a swing at these covers this is a good low-investment option.

Ultra Heated Steering Wheel Cover

This cover from Zone Tech is one of the top-rated covers on Amazon and Walmart and has some strong reviews to back that up. (We all know what those "user" reviews are really worth, but still.) It's made from a soft plush material in a striated pattern to hold heat better. Using your vehicle's 12-volt outlet, it can heat up to 90 and 120 degrees in one to three minutes. The spiral cords make keeping your wires neat and tangle-free a bit easier.

Heated Steering Wheel Cover

This one is less of a "cover" and more like steering wheel grips. It's made from durable thermoplastic rubber and has little grippy nubs, which should feel good in your hands. It can heat up to between 109 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit in about a minute, using graphene heating sheets.

The big drawback for this one is that the grip requires adhesive tape to attach to your steering wheel, which means that they are semi-permanent and could be a pain to remove.

Heated Steering Wheel Cover

This cover is made from faux wool with a rubber liner that keeps it from slipping on your steering wheel. It can heat to between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit in about a minute, which is on par with its competitors. The 14.5- to 15.5-inch diameter means it will fit most vehicles, too. Power will come from your vehicle's 12-volt outlet through an anti-tangle cord. It also features a distinctive braided appearance, which may not be for everyone.

What's neat about this one is its magnetic cable connector, which ensures that even if you forget to unplug it, it will easily come undone with just a bit of force.

Heated Steering Wheel Cover

Technically, this cover is designed for UTVs. We think that's probably a good thing, though, as those sorts of vehicles have cabins that are much more exposed to the elements than a regular car or truck. So it's probably a little tougher than the rest. Even better, we actually recognize the brand name.

Still, it's just 14 inches in diameter, so it's really only suited for small economy or sports cars. It has a broad heating range from 86 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to keep your mitts toasty. It's powered by your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and features an on/off switch (surprisingly, not all heated steering wheel covers do) and a dimmer-style dial for adjusting the temperature.

FAQs

Are heated steering wheel covers safe to use?

Heated steering wheel covers are generally safe when used as directed. We don't recommend using corded models while driving. Instead, unplug the power to the cover before you put the car in gear and follow manufacturer guidelines.

How does a heated steering wheel cover work?

Most heated steering wheel covers feature internal heating elements powered by the vehicle's power outlet (cigarette lighter). These elements generate warmth when activated.

Are heated steering wheel covers universal or vehicle-specific?

Heated steering wheel covers come in both universal and vehicle-specific options. Universal covers fit a range of steering wheel sizes but may not work for special wheels (i.e., flat-bottom wheels and that crazy wheel in some new Teslas).

Do heated steering wheel covers interfere with steering wheel controls?

Most heated steering wheel covers are designed to accommodate steering wheel controls. However, it's advisable to check the product specifications to ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle's features.

Can I use a heated steering wheel cover with a leather-wrapped steering wheel?

Yes, heated steering wheel covers are suitable for use with leather-wrapped steering wheels. They can provide added comfort and warmth, especially during colder weather.

Why Trust Us?

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't.

We've evaluated dozens of product categories, from snow blowers to traction boards. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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