Leather steering wheels and hand gel

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
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Not sure if any of youz know, but after seeing the odd post on the US forum concerning hand gel use and its impact on leather steering wheels, I thought I’d research deeper.
It seems the judicious use of hand gels containing alcohol in the ‘current climate’ can have a hazardous effect on car leather steering wheels (and other leather items I suppose, like gear knobs).
So maybe worth researching, having a look at your own steering wheels and maybe making an informed decision going forward?

It’s all about getting priorities right. I am not using hand gel anymore when out and about: Avoiding catching Corona is important, but avoiding the destruction of the ND’s steering wheel is importanter.

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i had wondered this very point - but thought if my hands can survive, then a cows bottom surely must! Maybe i should throw some nivea at it!

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If it destroys the godawful standard wheel it will have the added benefit of making you replace with something decent .

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I give my Royal steering wheel, gear knob & leather gear gaiter a liberal treat of
Gliptone leather conditioner hand gel or no hand gel.

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I’d rather have a crappy steering wheel than be dead! :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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I’ve never thought about it and TBH don’t really care, still squirt the gel on my hands but we also use wipes when we get back to the car.
Incidentally that stuff M&S give you to use is potent stuff, the smell is horrid and lasts all day on your hands despite repeated washes.:open_mouth:

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I made an informed decision and consider/ed protecting the ND steering wheel at all costs is a worthy price to pay. It’s about getting priorities right.

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“Avoiding catching Corona is important, but avoiding the destruction of the ND’s steering wheel is importanter”.

“I made an informed decision and consider/ed protecting the ND steering wheel at all costs is a worthy price to pay. I’s about getting priorities right”.

:thinking: :astonished: :roll_eyes: Yeah, right! (Sarcasm!)

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I trust this is a light hearted comment.
Not only would you risk your own life (which is irreplacable) for a bit of leather (which is replacable), but the lives of people that come into contact with you.
Covid precautions are about protecting others as well as yourself.
Having almost lost one of my best friends and knowing the families of at least three Covid victims, I’m finding it difficult to see an amusing side to this.

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Remembering in life that each and every person is intituled to an opinion and a viewpoint and an outlook.

Having to use hand gel isn’t law, unlike the likes of social distancing and face coverings in public spaces and other various ‘Corona laws’. Hand gel use isn’t one of them. Hence it is a person’s decision whether to use it or not.

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But not to harm others. I’m done

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It should have all evaporated unless you’re using it just before you enter the car.

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Same here!

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Not even a problem unless you can’t wait a minute or so. At 70% or more alcohol, it evaporates quickly when it has done its job and then there is no risk of harm.

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I wondered that myself. I researched that very idea a few days ago and came up with zip.

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Just a thought, wear gloves?

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Yes, another idea. i drive with the top down literally every time though, and I’d feel daft driving around with gloves on.

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I’m wondering why someone is using hand gel just before touching the wheel, I might have used some after coming put of a shop, but by the time I’ve got to the car it has all gone.

Also, recent research seems to suggest that the chance of catching covid after touching a surface are extremely low.

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I always wear driving gloves anyway as the sweat from your hands causes deteriorating of the the leather. Last Mx did over 100k and wheel was as good as new. But still wear a mask and sanitize all the time. Better safe than sorry

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You wear a mask all the time , even when driving ? Gosh.