A Les Leston steering wheel is an investment for the future, built to last for generations. With the right care, a quality wooden or leather steering wheel can remain part of your classic car for many years to come.
Winter storage can expose a classic car interior to cold temperatures, condensation and long periods without use. A little preparation will help keep your Les Leston steering wheel in excellent condition throughout the colder months.
Whether you have a wooden or leather steering wheel, here are the key things to consider before storing your classic car for winter.
1. Clean the steering wheel before winter storage
Before putting your classic car away, give the steering wheel a quick clean to remove dirt and marks accumulated during the driving season.
Wooden steering wheels: Wipe the rim with a clean microfibre cloth. For more stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and dry the wheel afterwards.
Leather steering wheels: Use a suitable gentle leather cleaner followed, where appropriate, by a quality leather conditioner. Avoid products that leave the wheel excessively shiny, sticky or slippery.
Starting winter with a clean wheel prevents dirt from sitting on the surface for several months.
2. Keep the interior dry
Moisture and condensation are two of the main concerns when storing any classic car over winter.
A dry, well-ventilated storage environment will help protect not only the steering wheel but also the dashboard, seats, carpets and other interior components.
If your storage area suffers from high humidity, consider using suitable moisture-control products or a dehumidifier to help manage condensation.
3. Protect the wheel during storage
If your classic car is going to remain unused for several months, covering the steering wheel with a clean, soft and breathable material can help keep dust and dirt away.
Avoid wrapping the wheel tightly in plastic or another material that could trap moisture against the surface.
Where possible, keeping the car in a relatively stable environment is preferable to repeatedly exposing the interior to large changes in temperature and humidity.
4. Check the steering wheel periodically
If your classic car is stored for an extended period, check the interior occasionally rather than leaving it untouched until spring.
Look for any signs of condensation, damp or changes to the steering wheel's finish.
For a wooden Les Leston steering wheel, minor surface marks or scuffs can be gently polished using a small amount of T-Cut on a soft cloth. Always test it on an inconspicuous area first.
For leather wheels, check for signs of excessive dryness and use an appropriate leather-care product if required.
5. Take your classic car for a winter drive
Just like the car it's fitted to, your steering wheel likes to be used.
If the weather and road conditions allow, don't be afraid to take your classic car out for an occasional winter drive. Regular use keeps you connected with the car and gives you an opportunity to spot any issues that might otherwise go unnoticed during months of storage.
Choose a dry day, avoid salted roads where possible and enjoy the car. After all, a Les Leston steering wheel was made to be driven with, not simply looked at in the garage.
6. Preparing your steering wheel for spring
When it's time to bring your classic car out of winter storage, inspect the steering wheel before your first proper drive.
Give it a clean with a microfibre cloth and check the wheel, mounting bolts and boss for anything that appears loose or unusual.
For a wooden wheel, a gentle polish can help restore its appearance after several months in storage. Leather wheels can be cleaned and conditioned as required.
Winter care for a Les Leston steering wheel
Looking after a classic car steering wheel during winter doesn't require complicated maintenance.
Keep the wheel clean, store the car in a dry environment and, when conditions allow, get out and use it.
With simple maintenance and regular enjoyment, your Les Leston steering wheel can continue to look and feel right for years to come — ready to be enjoyed by this generation and the next.
If you have any questions about maintaining or caring for your Les Leston steering wheel, get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.