Is your Tesla Steering Wheel Peeling? That must be frustrating as a proud Tesla owner. But do you know what causes Steering Wheel peeling issues on Tesla electric vehicles?
The peeling issues on your Tesla’s steering wheels may occur due to various reasons, such as:
- Exposure to different substances (hand sanitizer, lotion, or body oil),
- Prolonged exposure to extreme temperature (excessive heat or cold),
- Low-quality materials or Manufacturing Defects,
- Inadequate maintenance (using harsh or inappropriate cleaning products).
So, can you fix it? Continue reading to find out that!
Why Is Your Tesla Steering Wheel Peeling?
Several factors can contribute to the peeling of your Tesla steering wheel. The following are the most obvious reasons why that may occur, so check them out:
1. Unfavorable Environmental Factors:
Constant and prolonged exposure to heat, direct sunlight, or more precisely UV rays can accelerate the peeling process by fading the surface and deteriorating the materials of your Steering Wheels.
So, if you frequently park your car outdoors without proper protection, where it is mostly exposed to harsh environmental conditions like extreme humidity or intense cold temperatures for extended periods, it can eventually lead to peeling.
The leather on these “Steering Wheels” becomes too dry due to extreme heat or cold conditions and causes the initial bubbling issue that ultimately ends with peeling their outer layer off.
2. Frequent Handling and Contact with Substances:
As Tesla owners spend so much time behind the wheel, regular gripping and palm contact may hasten the wear and tear process.
Even when you frequently grip your steering wheel during drives, it also comes into contact with different substances through your palm, which can potentially damage the outer layer of your steering wheel.
If you use hand sanitizer, sun cream, or body lotion on your hand, they can degrade the material of your steering wheel over time. Even sweat or natural body oil can also influence this issue.
3. Low-Quality Materials or Manufacturing Defects:
Despite Tesla’s focus on quality assurance, some Tesla Models may come with subpar leather on their Steering Wheels that will peel or crack over time.
The leather will degrade sooner than usual, especially in everyday driving situations, where the steering wheel is in constant touch or contact.
4. Harsh Cleaning Agents and Improper Cleaning Techniques:
Improper cleaning methods and using harsh cleaning agents can exacerbate the steering wheel peeling issue.
Using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scrubbing roughly on the outer surface can strip away essential oils and moisture from the leather. This may leave the steering wheel’s external surface more vulnerable to cracking, fading, or peeling.
That is why Tesla recommends only using mild and non-abrasive cleaners to clean the steering wheel on your Tesla.
5. Neglected Maintenance Routine:
Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential to preserve the suppleness of the steering wheel’s leather and protect it from damage.
Thus, if you neglect to implement a proper steering wheel maintenance routine, this can hasten the peeling process when combined with other underlying factors.
Can You Fix Tesla Steering Wheel Peeling?
The best way to deal with the peeling issue is to contact the Tesla Support Center and have professionals take care of your car’s steering wheel. In that case, the Tesla Mobile Technician will replace the entire steering wheel.
But if you don’t want to change the steering wheel and prefer to take matters into your own hands, follow these steps to fix minor peeling on your Tesla steering wheel:
Step_1: Gather the necessary materials
Before beginning the repair process, ensure you have all the required materials ready. These may include:
- A microfiber cloth,
- 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol,
- Automotive-grade sandpaper (600-1200 grit),
- A spray bottle filled with water,
- A vinyl repair kit,
- A heat gun.
Instead of gathering the above-mentioned items, you can opt for the Tesla Complete DIY Leather Repair Kit, which includes all the required tools for repairing.
Step_2: Clean the surface of your steering wheel
Thoroughly clean the steering wheel using a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, grease, or residues. Especially, gently rub on the affected area to have a clean surface for better adhesion during the repair process.
Step_3: Repairing tiny scratches or dents with Sandpaper and Super Glue
First, gently sand the peeling area on your steering wheel in a circular motion with automotive-grade sandpaper. It will smoothen the peeled surface and remove any loose fragments but do not use excessive force during sanding as it might further damage the steering wheel.
Use a needle or toothpick and take a thin bead of plain super glue (do not use the gel) with it to put on the affected torn areas. Wipe the excess glue off and use the grit-wet and dry sandpaper to sand the areas, while the super glue is still wet on the surface. This will help to make a void filler by curing the glue.
Step_4: Repairing the deeper cracks with an epoxy, Rinse and dry the steering wheel
You will need a few more coatings with glue to repair deeper scratches. Also, put some baking soda over the glue to catalyze it like an epoxy. Then, smooth them out with paper just like before.
After that, spray water onto the steering wheel to wash off any sanding residue and dry it thoroughly with another clean microfiber cloth. Or you can polish with a P 500 Grit sandpaper or the polishing cloth. Wipe off the dust before proceeding to the next step.
Step_5: Apply the vinyl repair compound on the Peeling surface
If you have deeper peeling on the steering and it is still visible, use a soft brush to apply the vinyl repair compound evenly onto the damaged surface. Then, let the repair compound dry out properly.
After that, bring a heat gun and set it at a low temperature to gently heat the repaired area. It will promote the adhesion and flexibility of the vinyl.
Begin by heating from a distance and gradually move closer until the vinyl becomes pliable. Now use your clean hands or a smooth tape-free tool to stretch and smooth out the vinyl.
Then, let the repair settle for the recommended time stated in the repair kit’s instructions. Confirm that the vinyl is in the desired shape to ensure a long-lasting repair.
How To Prevent Tesla Steering Wheel from Peeling?
Prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences. Here are some effective prevention measures that you should keep in mind:
- Use a Protective Cover for your steering wheel. This cover will act as a barrier against direct sunlight or UV rays and minimize the chances of peeling issues.
- Clean your steering wheel regularly with either mild soap and high-quality car shampoo or a dedicated leather cleaner.
- Do not let harsh chemicals make contact with the outer layer of your steering wheel.
- Whenever possible, park your Tesla in shaded areas or use a windshield sunshade to minimize direct sunlight exposure.
- If you own a Model S or Model Y, use the glass roof protectors provided by Tesla.
- Apply a high-quality leather conditioner specifically designed for automotive use to keep the leather moisturized. This will reduce the appearance of peeling on your Tesla steering.
Read Also: Tesla Heated Steering Wheel: A Comprehensive Guide
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]:
Is Tesla Steering Wheel Peeling Covered by Warranty?
Yes, it falls under Tesla’s Paint Repair Limited Warranty coverage. Tesla will provide or perform free-of-charge repair service under this limited warranty for peeling and cracking of paint or top-coat, and loss of gloss caused by hazing.
However, this warranty will not cover the peeling or cracking issue of your steering wheel if any outside influence (lotion, hand sanitizer, body oil, or sweat) causes the issue.
Has Tesla Recalled any Model due to a peeling steering wheel?
No, since Tesla does not consider steering wheel peeling, particularly on its Yoke Models, to be a safety risk.
Is peeling on the Tesla steering wheel a common issue?
Yes, peeling seems to be a common issue with Tesla Models, especially with Models that come with steering Yoke.
Consultations:
Tesla has been including “Yoke Butterfly” as a mandatory steering wheel for Model S and Model X since 2021.
However, statistics show that Tesla owners have been struggling to get used to this particular style of steering wheel. One of the most common concerns was leather peeling on steering wheels.
The good news is that if the peeling is minor, you can fix it with DIY techniques. Even Tesla will repair the steering wheel free if you’re eligible for the limited warranty coverage.
Read Also: Tesla Steering Wheel Weight: A Threat or Blessing?
