Maintaining a classic car steering wheel can help preserve the integrity and appearance of the vehicle. Here are a few tips on how to properly care for a classic car steering wheel: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the steering wheel's finish.

UV rays can cause the steering wheel to crack or fade over time. If the car is going to be parked in the sun, consider covering the steering wheel with a steering wheel cover.

Leather steering wheels can be treated with a leather conditioner, while plastic steering wheels can be treated with a plastic protectant.

This can cause wear and tear on the steering components. Some of the luxury level   saloon cars of the Fifties could weigh over a ton and were rarely fitted with power steering.

If the vehicle being maintained falls into this category and is being driven on the open road, turning the steering wheel can be a challenging task, and can even cause damage to the steering wheel. That is the reason most restorers are happy to tweak their budget to fit power steering- preferring comfort over authenticity.

Cleaning the steering wheel on a regular basis is crucial for both hygienic and aesthetic reasons, especially if it is being driven regularly. Since it is the area of any classic that is most frequently touched, the steering wheels will inevitably begin to develop dirt and grime from contact with the driver’s hands over time. A breeding ground for dangerous bacteria, this accumulation of filth and film can even become "sticky" to the touch.

Cleaning on a regular basis can prevent all of this.

Leather steering wheels are exposed to a lot of moisture, skin fats and cosmetic creams and sunlight. Body sweat is especially aggressive against leather. The colour softens and rubs off or the leather cracks.

Cleaning a leather steering wheel frequently with a moderate leather cleaner and covering the surface with a leather guard might help avoid such damage. Additionally, a leather cleaning spirit should be used to clean sticky or greasy steering wheels.

Elephant leather preserver should be used to clean and maintain leather steering wheels which have dried up, as the leather is kept smooth by the preserver.

Using a leather freshener, colour coating damage can be rectified. Prior to use, the leather must be carefully cleaned and decreased. Use the leather sanding pad to smooth off any rough edges, while this can be effective., not all scratches vanish entirely.

If the outcome is less than satisfactory , it must be handled expertly by a leather repair service. Leather that is incredibly fragile and broken needs to be retrimmed.

Other materials used to produce steering wheels during the Fifties and Sixties were predominantly rigid plastic, real wood, and synthetic resin.

Cleaning and maintaining each of these materials involves a completely different procedure.

Rigid plastic was used to produce steering wheels in the mid-price range bracket, particularly during the Sixties.

These steering wheels, designed and produced to meet the demands of the mass market, very rarely get damaged and are remarkably simple to maintain. All that is required is soap, water, and clean cloth.

A lot of sports tourers produced during the Fifties and Sixties were fitted with wooden steering wheels. Wooden steering wheels are less robust than plastic and require more in the way of maintenance.

As a rule, always keep an eye out for wear, cracks or any other visible damage to a wooden steering wheel and address it as soon as possible, as maintaining it can be the difference between keeping your car showroom ready or otherwise.

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