Upgrading your steering wheel is one of the most rewarding ways to enhance your driving experience and interior aesthetics. But getting it wrong can lead to discomfort, poor handling, or a mismatched look that takes away from your car’s character.
Here are the most common steering wheel mistakes and how to avoid them so you get the perfect fit, function, and finish for your car.
1. Buying the wrong size or dish depth
Your steering wheel size affects handling, driving comfort, and interior proportions. Picking the wrong size can ruin the feel of your car—either making it harder to steer or throwing off its style.
How to choose the right size:
✔️ Smaller wheels (13”-14”) – Ideal for sports cars, track builds, and tight handling. Too small, and it can feel twitchy, especially without power steering.
✔️ Medium wheels (14”-15”) – A great balance for most classic and performance cars.
✔️ Larger wheels (15”-16”) – Best for vintage grand tourers and non-power-assisted classics for better leverage and smoother turns.
Dish Depth matters too:
✔️ Flat Wheels – Better for cars with shorter steering columns or when space is tight.
✔️ Dished Wheels – Brings the wheel closer to the driver, improving comfort and control, especially for track or rally cars.
Mistake to Avoid: Picking a wheel that’s too small without considering steering effort or too large without checking cabin space.
Pro Tip: If your current wheel feels uncomfortable, measure it before buying a new one to find the perfect upgrade.
2. Not installing the Boss Kit properly
The boss kit (or hub adapter) is what connects your Moto-Lita steering wheel to your car’s steering column. A bad installation can lead to loose steering, misalignment, or even safety issues.
How to get it right:
✔️ Choose the correct boss kit – Different makes and models require specific boss kits. Check Moto-Lita’s guide to ensure compatibility.
✔️ Tighten bolts correctly – Over-tightening can damage the wheel, while under-tightening can cause it to come loose.
✔️ Check alignment – Make sure the wheel is perfectly straight before tightening everything down.
Mistake to Avoid: Buying a generic or incorrect boss kit—steering alignment and safety depend on getting the right fit.
Pro Tip: Always test drive after installation to ensure everything feels solid and responsive.
3. Using the wrong cleaning products on wood & leather
Your Moto-Lita steering wheel is built to last a lifetime, but using the wrong cleaning products can damage the finish and wear it down too quickly.
How to clean it properly:
✔️ Wooden Wheels – Wipe with a dry microfibre cloth for daily care. Use mild soap and water sparingly. Avoid harsh cleaners or too much moisture, as it can affect the varnish.
✔️ Leather Wheels – Use a non-detergent leather cleaner, followed by a high-quality leather conditioner (avoid waxes or silicones that make the wheel sticky).
✔️ Anodised Wheels – Clean with a gentle, non-abrasive cloth to maintain the finish.
Mistake to Avoid: Using household cleaners, harsh chemicals, or soaking the wheel. These can strip varnish, dry out leather, or damage anodised finishes.
Pro Tip: If your wheel picks up scuffs, use T-cut (sparingly!) to restore minor marks on metal spokes and varnished wood.
4. Choosing a Wheel that doesn’t match your car’s character
A steering wheel upgrade should complement your car’s era, style, and personality. The wrong choice can make even the most stunning restoration feel out of place.
Match the Wheel to your car’s aesthetic:
✔️ Classic Grand Tourers (Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin DB5) – A Moto-Lita wooden wheel with polished spokes enhances the vintage luxury feel.
✔️ Track & Performance Builds (Caterham, Mustang, Porsche) – A leather-wrapped wheel with anodised spokes gives a race-ready edge.
✔️ Off-Road & Utility Vehicles (Land Rover Defender) – A black leather wheel with rugged styling or wood rim with 6mm frame suits the go-anywhere toughness of 4x4s
✔️ Vintage Race Cars (AC Cobra, Mini Cooper S) – A dished wheel with drilled spokes or Cobra slots nails the motorsport heritage look.
Mistake to avoid: Choosing a steering wheel just because it looks good on its own without thinking about the overall design of your interior.
Pro Tip: If your dashboard has wood trim, choose a matching wooden wheel. If your interior is minimalist and performance-focused, a black leather or anodised wheel ties it all together.
Final Thoughts: Avoid the pitfalls & get it right
A Moto-Lita steering wheel is one of the best upgrades you can make to improve control, comfort, and interior aesthetics. But choosing the right size, installing it correctly, using proper care, and matching it to your car’s design are all essential to getting the best results.
Find Your Perfect Steering Wheel here