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What Is Alcantara
There is a common misconception that leather and Alcantara are the same things, but there is a difference. Many people see an Alcantara steering wheel installed in their friend’s car and assume it’s leather, but the truth of the matter is that they’re not even related.
Japanese scientist Miyoshi Okamoto created Alcantara in 1970. Alcantara has become more popular recently as it is being used more frequently in the auto industry. Its commonly seen in leather upholstery, steering wheels, and gear shifts.
In contrast to leather, Alcantara is a synthetic suede that shares many characteristics similar to natural suede. Its constructed from polyurethane and a blend of polyester and synthetic fabrics.
It’s often used for steering wheels and interior trim pieces because of its durability, grip resistance, and ability to remain cool under extreme temperatures.
Alcantara vs. Leather Steering Wheel (Which Lasts Longer?)
| Material | Durability |
| Alcantara | Average durability
3,000 – 10, 000 miles |
| Leather | High durability Lasts over 40,000 miles |
Alcantara steering wheels last anywhere from 3000 – 6,000 miles. Factors such as driving with gloves and monthly maintenance increase the steering wheel life to 6,000 – 10,000 miles. In contrast, Leather steering wheels last over 40,000 miles.
I have compared the durability of Alcantara wheels to real leather wheels for some time.
Many Alcantara wheel owners are more than pleased with its performance, even after several years of use, but others express rage and frustration over its durability and longevity.
Why is there such a massive gap in the life of Alcantara wheels vs. leather?
It’s simple…drive time and gloves.
I bet you’re thinking…where is he getting this info? I bet he’s pulling it out of his 🤫.
Here how I arrived at this fantastic conclusion
Drive Time
After analyzing multiple factors, milage seems to be one of the deciding factors.
I mean, you have to have your hand on the steering wheel while your driving…right?
Don’t answer that question.
But seriously, the more you drive, the more your hands will be on a steering wheel. And after getting feedback from multiple drivers with Alcantara wheels, most suggested that wear and tear were visible after 6,000 – 10,000 miles.
Gloves vs. No Gloves
Using an Alcantara wheel without gloves is a “no-no” in the driving community.
Sweaty or oily hands produce a humid environment around a steering wheel.
Don’t think that because Alcantara is a synthetic material, it will not be affected by the humidity. Gripping the wheel produces friction, leading to heat, and heat leads to chemical and moisture exuding pores from the hands.
The chemicals from the hand cause Alcantara steering wheels to wear much faster than a leather steering wheel.
This moisture then creates pitting in the wheel’s surface, which will require a little maintenance and cleaning.
Maintenance
Maintenance plays a role in the durability of Alcantara vs. Leather wheels, but I will address that in the upcoming section.
Alcantara vs. Leather Steering Wheel (Which is Easier to Maintain?)
| Material | Maintenance Levels |
| Alcantara | Average maintenance
Moderate cleaning process (Sonax Solution) Frequent cleaning (once a month minimum)
|
| Leather | Low maintenance Easily cleaning process Occasional Cleaning and conditioning as needed |
Leather steering wheels are easier to maintain compared to Alcantara steering wheels. Leather steering wheels require infrequent cleanings with water or a mild soap solution every few months. In contrast, Alcantara steering wheels require cleanings every month with a brush and Sonax solution for optimal results.
Alcantara wheels are trash…
My Alcantara steering wheel is dirty
Blah, Blah, Blah.
I’m sorry, was that rude? 😈
I don’t mean to be insensitive. An Alcantara wheel requires frequent washes to keep it pristine. But even then, it’s not as hard to clean as people make out to be.
Alcantara already gets a bad rap for being hard to clean, but I’m sure it’s because they aren’t using the proper cleaner.
The internet is filled with different methods of cleaning an Alcantara wheel. Don’t listen to it! The only cleaning solution you need is Sonax.
Save yourself the trouble and get a bottle. I get mine from here. Buy two or three bottles. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s designed explicitly for an Alcantara interior. What more could you ask?
You can use a horsehair brush or even a toothbrush to get into the tight areas. Scrub the steering wheel gently in a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes. Rinse the steering wheel off under warm water and dry it with a clean cloth to avoid spotting or discoloration.
It isn’t that bad…right?
Leather steering wheels can be easily wiped down with a leather wipe or a mild soap solution. I prefer Saddle soap. Just make sure to add a little conditioner to the leather steering wheel to prevent it from cracking.
Alcantara vs. Leather Steering Wheel: (Which Has the Best Grip?)
| Steering Wheel Material | Grip |
| Alcantara | |
| Leather | Low Heat Generation No Hand Slippage Low hand fatigue |
Alcantara is soft and a little bit spongy, which makes it feel great on your hands. However, it has been known to tear relatively easily when put under stress. That’s why the grip of an Alcantara wheel can be a downfall for some.
Alcantara steering wheels feel great when new, but the grip becomes softer and less grippy after a few months. Alcantara grips more like suede than leather, which gives you more control of the vehicle.
If you like the feel of suede steering wheels, but the short life and maintenance are an issue, then an Alcantara steering wheel will be a good choice for you.
Leather steering wheel grips can be too hard to handle if you’re driving on a sweltering day or during the summer months. Sweaty hands also tend to cause you to feel like you don’t have as much control.
However, it depends on what type of leather steering wheel you get; some are softer than others.
Alcantara steering wheels can be a hit or miss depending on your preference. Some people have suggested that there are different qualities of Alcantara.
Alcantara vs. Leather Steering Wheel: (Which Cars Have Them?)
| Steering Wheel Material | Best Car Types |
| Alcantara | High-end models – Audi, BMW, Mercedes
Muscle Cars – Corvette, Porsche Race Cars |
| Leather | Any Car |
Alcantara steering wheels are typically found in race cars because of t extra grip it provides for the driver. Alcantara is also available in high-end sports and luxury cars but can be downgraded to leather. While leather steering wheels are an option in high-end and premium vehicles.
Alcantara steering wheels are optional in high-end luxury cars such as Ferrari, Porsches, and Corvettes.
And this makes sense…at least it does to me. Alcantara steering wheels were designed for extra grip, comfort, and control, so they were suitable for race cars.
Ferrari has used it in their Formula 1 cars for a while now. They first introduced it on a road car through their 458 Italia.
However, some premium and less expensive models have started to include Alcantara steering wheels.
I typically see Alcantara steering wheels in high-end luxury cars. Cars like the Audi A6, A7, and Q5 have Alcantara steering wheels.
However, if you’re not interested in an Alcantara wheel, dealerships typically have a leather option.
Leather steering wheels are more common options at dealerships when compared to Alcantara.
Leather wheels are more expensive and provide a luxurious feel to the driver’s experience. And you will typically see them advertised as an amenity of the vehicle.
Both Alcantara and leather wheels can be purchased as aftermarket pieces.
