I cut my leather steering wheel, what now?

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lNomNoml

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#248601 1-Apr-2019 23:02

I stupidly carried a laptop into my car and grazed the steering wheel with it, see attached photo. I have been quoted $140 by trimfix.co.nz to "fix" it but not sure if that is even possible, it looks and feels like a cut into the leather but "might" be a scratch I am not sure, what are my options? anywhere in Auckland you can recommend to have it looked at or "fixed" help me please I am worried it gets worse :(

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qZ3vnCW1wXgLhEQa6

Suzuki Swift 2017, still under finance and full insurance from AMI, prefer not to do the insurance / claim thing as will lost my no claims.

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#2209172 2-Apr-2019 04:10

It’s a bit hard to get a real idea of scale from the photo but it looks pretty minor to me. Why not just leave it and see what happens?

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

jonathan18

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#2209174 2-Apr-2019 05:53

I’ve managed to scratch/graze my steering wheel a few times, and while I initially thought the damage would remain the same, over time I’ve been amazed at how the leather seems to partially “self-heal” to the point they aren’t that visible and can’t be felt.

If yours is an actual cut, that may be different, but if you’re that worried about it then the repair may be worth it, but personally I’d not lose sleep over it - and It certainly would have to be way worse for me to consider it something worth claiming insurance over.

nickb800

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#2209183 2-Apr-2019 06:51

What about masking around the cut and filling with superglue? Would prevent it from peeling open further

lNomNoml

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#2209525 2-Apr-2019 16:56

Thanks will leave it for a bit and look into the super glue as well

mattwnz

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#2209526 2-Apr-2019 17:00

From the scale of the photo, it looks pretty minor to me in the grand scheme of things. Plus fingernails, rings etc will likely scratch it in the future. Not unless you think it may increase in size and tear?

Geektastic

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#2209811 2-Apr-2019 22:26

Sell the car. It's ruined.

toejam316

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#2209818 2-Apr-2019 22:34

Geektastic:

Sell the car. It's ruined.

Unsalvageable, you couldn't even sell it, but I'll do OP a solid, and collect and dispose of it for him, free of charge.

Anything I say is the ramblings of an ill informed, opinionated so-and-so, and not representative of any of my past, present or future employers, and is also probably best disregarded.

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FineWine

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#2210086 3-Apr-2019 12:48

lNomNoml: Thanks will leave it for a bit and look into the super glue as well

DO NOT USE SUPER GLUE. It will cause more damage and besides cheap super glues become brittle.

1 - Use a soft cloth dipped in white (fermented) vinegar and gently rub the affected area and let soak for several minutes. This will cause the nick/gouge to swell and close up. Then using a leather protectorant (ArmourAll) rub the area.

2 - Any good boot or leather shoe shop or saddlery (eg. RM Williams) sell leather rejuvenation kits.

3 - I have seen leather repair kits at SuperCheap auto but don't how good they are.

3 - And there is this company; ColourLock Leather Repair

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Bung

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#2210151 3-Apr-2019 14:18

Are these a real leather cover or PU fake leather?

nakedmolerat

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#2210159 3-Apr-2019 14:31

that's not leather

Coil

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#2210176 3-Apr-2019 15:05

My friend owns TrimFix so be nice :), I have seen his work and how he does it and he will not do something he can't fix and also fix it to a good standard.
I've got a bit of worn leather in my BMW and a few nicks here and there, he said to me you generally cant fix leather if it has gone all the way through and declined fixing some of mine. Based on that fact they don't touch leather cuts are you sue that is a leather steering wheel? Looks like a vinyl from your photos. Does it have stitching?

lNomNoml

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#2210290 3-Apr-2019 18:35

FineWine:

lNomNoml: Thanks will leave it for a bit and look into the super glue as well

DO NOT USE SUPER GLUE. It will cause more damage and besides cheap super glues become brittle.

1 - Use a soft cloth dipped in white (fermented) vinegar and gently rub the affected area and let soak for several minutes. This will cause the nick/gouge to swell and close up. Then using a leather protectorant (ArmourAll) rub the area.

2 - Any good boot or leather shoe shop or saddlery (eg. RM Williams) sell leather rejuvenation kits.

3 - I have seen leather repair kits at SuperCheap auto but don't how good they are.

3 - And there is this company; ColourLock Leather Repair

Thanks mate I'll look into this.

Coil:

My friend owns TrimFix so be nice :), I have seen his work and how he does it and he will not do something he can't fix and also fix it to a good standard.
I've got a bit of worn leather in my BMW and a few nicks here and there, he said to me you generally cant fix leather if it has gone all the way through and declined fixing some of mine. Based on that fact they don't touch leather cuts are you sue that is a leather steering wheel? Looks like a vinyl from your photos. Does it have stitching?

No offense to your mate or TrimFix just worried that I pay and it doesn't get solved that's all, and yeah it has stitching, so I'm led to believe it is leather, whether it is real or not is another question I guess, it just says "Leather" on Suzuki's website.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwARSTaozgNDdXEY8

So you say they won't touch leather cuts?

Fred99

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#2210373 3-Apr-2019 21:17

There are DIY leather repair kits for sale on Amazon.

For example https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Repair-Doctor-Professional-Restoration/dp/B014JRU1IA

Hardest part is getting a colour matched. Then surface texture / grain. Don't use superglue, it'll make a mess. (OTOH do Google how to use superglue with baking soda to carry out repairs to some rigid plastics etc. )

Geektastic

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#2210404 3-Apr-2019 22:14

The leather steering wheel in my Range Rover is not looking that spiffy.

The only permanent solution is an exchange wheel from one of several UK companies that sell re-wrapped original wheels. Once you have fitted the new wheel, you box up the old one and return it for a partial credit. Of course, that works rather better when the return costs are not $150!

I don't know if any companies in NZ would do that sort of thing for OP's vehicle?

Another thing I have seen is leather wraps that you sew on yourself. These are often sold on Alibaba etc and can (apparently, according to someone who did it on a RR forum) actually be of reasonable quality. Maybe try that if it really bothers you?

Geektastic

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#2210405 3-Apr-2019 22:15

toejam316:

Geektastic:

Sell the car. It's ruined.

Unsalvageable, you couldn't even sell it, but I'll do OP a solid, and collect and dispose of it for him, free of charge.

There is no doubt, you are one of those people in life whose caring and considerate nature is a boon to all who know you. 🤣

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