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just quick question for those who have a suede steering wheel .
I am super clean person ,I keep all my cars pristine .
How does your suede steering wheel holds up ?
Anything that you would suggest I would clean it with. ?
I read some people wear gloves .
I can't imagine wearing gloves in summer that's crazy .
Thanks Guys for any inputs
Last edited by Victory2024@; Jan 21, 2024 at 09:29 AM.
I have had the suede steering wheel in 3 cars. A Camaro 1LE, A Camaro ZL1 and a C7. Never had any issues with the deteriorating or crumbling or coming apart. Ive read that using some specific type of sandpaper or gritty substance helps maintain them. Should be posts on here.
Imo, it holds up and wears better than leather. Leather gets that slick, greasy feeling over time, alcantara/suede/microfiber (whatever GM calls theirs) doesn't in my experience. I have a custom all Alcantara steering wheel in my Carbon Z06 & I love it. I ordered a custom Alcantara wheel for my new M2. I use Sonax suede/Alcantara cleaner on my wheel & interior.
just quick question for those who have a suede steering wheel .
I am super clean person ,I keep all my cars pristine .
How does your suede steering wheel holds up ?
Anything that you would suggest I would clean it with. ?
I ready some people wear gloves .
I can't imagine wearing gloves in summer that's crazy .
Thanks Guys for any inputs
No worries about maintenance. Just buy what appeals to your eyes and hands.
I really didn't want the suede steering wheel initially but it was a package with the seats I did want. However, I have to admit I do like it now. I use Gyeon leather cleaner once a month and then brush it with a leather brush.
I know there are owners with way more miles than me, but after 5k miles my sueded steering wheel and seat inserts still look new and I haven't even cleaned them yet, but I do have a can of Sonnax alcantara cleaner when the time comes.
I’m on my third car with a suede steering wheel (2013 Camaro Zl1, 2017 Camaro Zl1, and 2021 C8). I love the suede steering wheel. Doesn't get as hot in the summer or as cold in the winter as the leather wheels.
To clean it, I wipe the steering wheel with a water-damp microfiber towel and then use a horse hair interior detailing brush (
My 2023 2LT Coupe came with this suede steering wheel and I have never driven a car with one before.
I took delivery in Bowling Green NCM on September 20 2023 and I drove it all the way to Wa. State.(2800 miles)
It feels great, grip is very comfortable and the steering heat also works very well. I really do like this steering wheel.
I love driving gloves in cooler climates and I have had nothing but leather wrapped steering wheels for decades, the suede steering wheel feels great without gloves.
I have tried a couple different pairs of gloves with the suede steering wheel but I find driving without any gloves is fine (so far)
I have not cleaned Mine and I don't plan on it unless I have to.
I think GM has done a good job on this one, the steering wheel alone is a very impressive part of this car.
I would not change a thing.
Had one on my 2014 C7 and never had an issue in almost 10 years. I have to admit I always had clean hands when driving the car. It certainly gets everyone’s attention.
"Suede" is a material made from a hide and is a total disaster regardless of where or how it is used and has been thankfully replaced with synthetics.
The product currently used is Alcantara or other brand name of a synthetic which has a nearly identical appearance to "Suede".
These Alcantara products are extremely durable and clean easily with a damp rag or a slight amount of soap if needed.
Alcantara found its early automotive uses in the ultra high end markets, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and really caought on from there. It is really great stuff.
My Alcantera wheel looks brand new after 5500 miles.
The Alcantera seats in my 1994 RX7 look brand new after 28k miles and nearly 30 years.
As was noted - all high end cars come with it. If you look at all the new boats being made by high-end boat builders like Cigarette, Nortech, Outerlimits, Skater, MTI they all use Alcantara for their upholstery. OUTSIDE, IN THE SUN, exposed to constant saltwater, sunscreen, liquor spills, etc…..
I’m not sure why everyone thinks it’s made of tissue paper. If you don’t like the look or feel, get the leather, but don’t shy away due to durability concerns.
P.S. - the red stitched alcantera on the inside of my coupe roof is absolutely beautiful. I mean truly gorgeous. I wish I had a picture to share. I had no idea that was going to be there and when I looked up at the museum I was shocked.
Thought the same thing when my hellcat in 16' showed up with one, thought it would be a problem keeping it clean, it never was, had 7 cars with them ever since, had them from the factory, and a few from John Caravaggio Corvette's as well
Holds up fine. Just clean it with Sonax Alcantara cleaner every 2 or 3 months. I think in the long run it will wear better than leather. Some of my older cars with leather wheels the leather has gotten all shiny where my hands touch it all the time.
Suede Steering wheel
