Golf R/GTI Steering Wheel Wear??

[MrModo]

Hi

I've been looking for a Golf GTI or R

Seat bolster wear seems usual on anything over a year old, but also I've been noticing alot with bad wear on the steering wheel leather, the worst was a 2 year old R with 40k miles, the leather has virtually all worn off, it looked like one of our work Transit steering wheels after 10 years!

Is this just a weak point, can they be recovered?

Thx

[Fermit and Sexy Sarah]

MrModo said:

Hi

I've been looking for a Golf GTI or R

Seat bolster wear seems usual on anything over a year old, but also I've been noticing alot with bad wear on the steering wheel leather, the worst was a 2 year old R with 40k miles, the leather has virtually all worn off, it looked like one of our work Transit steering wheels after 10 years!

Is this just a weak point, can they be recovered?

Thx

I can't comment if they're a weak point, but as my company is leather refinishing I can say they can be restored. I'm not local to you though. Just make sure if you go down this route that who you use is aware of potential grease (hand sweat) contamination, requiring degreasing. If there is resultant grease in the leather (as it's missing its pigment so the leather is exposed) it would mix with the curing pigment, leaving you with a sticky mess.

[Novexx]

Got a 4 year old Mk7 GTI with around 30k on it - bolsters are perfect, a while the wheel doesn't look like new, it's not scabby or noticeably worn.

[Dr G]

...and experience dictates that a lot of people 'renting' the car simply don't care.

My GTI is just over 3 years old; beyond a single, isolated scratch on the steering wheel (61k miles now) the leather looks great. Lower seat bolster only just starting to feel anything other than brand new (and that's being fussy).

[MOBB]

Royal steering wheels will re cover for about £150

[Jamesgt]

We have a 2.5 year old gti. At 33k miles it’s lost it’s matt look. A quick wipe with a magic eraser sponge made it look pretty good. It would be nice if it was better quality but it’s not fair to compare it to my previous bmw/merc/land rover.

[Fermit and Sexy Sarah]

Jamesgt said:

We have a 2.5 year old gti. At 33k miles it’s lost it’s matt look. A quick wipe with a magic eraser sponge made it look pretty good. It would be nice if it was better quality but it’s not fair to compare it to my previous bmw/merc/land rover.

I really wouldn't suggest Magic Erasers on leather finish. They're abrasive, and bit by bit will eradicate the pigment.

[rottenegg]

Steering wheel wear - First world problem no.257, of 1,312,004.

Not a weak point. Nervous or thuggy drivers gripping the steering wheel too hard, and/or track day abuse with driving gloves. Doesn't take a genius.....

[Dr G]

Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:

Jamesgt said:

We have a 2.5 year old gti. At 33k miles it’s lost it’s matt look. A quick wipe with a magic eraser sponge made it look pretty good. It would be nice if it was better quality but it’s not fair to compare it to my previous bmw/merc/land rover.

I really wouldn't suggest Magic Erasers on leather finish. They're abrasive, and bit by bit will eradicate the pigment.

Yes, reall ynot advisable! Autoglym do a nice leather cleaner that's readily available; Gliptone's leather cleaner and care products are really good too. The latter I've found really good at bringing life back to shiny leather.