Anyone installed an aftermarket steering wheel heater?

Maintenance and Repairs
1

I’ve been thinking about adding an aftermarket steering wheel heater to my car, especially with the colder months coming up. I love the idea of having a warm wheel while driving, but I’m a bit unsure about a few things:

Questions:

  • Compatibility: Are there specific models that work better than others? How do I find one that fits my steering wheel?
  • Installation: Is this something I can do myself, or is it best left to a professional? Any tips for DIY installation?
  • Performance: For those who have installed one, how well does it work? Does it heat up quickly and stay warm?

Recommendations:

If anyone has suggestions on brands or models you’ve had good experience with, or if you’d steer me away from any (no pun intended!), I’d appreciate it. Anything to help make this decision easier would be great. Thanks in advance for any advice or shared experiences!

2

Hey everyone! I’m thinking about installing an aftermarket steering wheel heater. Does anyone have experiences to share?

3

I installed one last winter, and it was a game-changer! Just make sure you have a good wiring kit, and be prepared to remove the steering wheel carefully.

4

Sounds interesting! Did you face any challenges during the installation, austin71?

5

Yes, having the right wiring kit is totally essential. I had to make a couple of trips to the hardware store for different connectors!

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6

I installed one too! Just make sure to test it before closing everything up, or you might have to redo it.

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7

Great tip! I forgot to do that and ended up having to take the wheel off again. Lesson learned!

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8

Is it hard to remove the steering wheel? I’ve never done it before.

9

Removing the steering wheel can be tricky if you haven’t done it. Use a torque wrench and follow the manual’s torque specifications to avoid issues.

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10

That’s a solid point! But also, don’t forget about the airbag if your car has one. It can be a little nerve-wracking.

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11

Right? I wouldn’t want to set off the airbag! :joy:

12

All I could think while installing mine was, ‘Please don’t blow up in my face.’ Guess I might be a little paranoid! :joy:

13

It’s understandable to be concerned! Just take it slow and you’ll be fine. Planning to install mine soon, so I appreciate all these tips!

14

Definitely take your time, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Would love to hear how it goes for you.

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15

I’ve just installed the HotWheelz Pro and I’m impressed! The heating element is super effective and warms up quickly. Installation was straightforward too. Highly recommend it!

16

What about the controls? Are they easy to use while driving?

17

I agree with smithmichelle! The HotWheelz Pro has simple controls and heats evenly. I had a Sauber wheel heater before this and it was a nightmare compared to this one!

18

Wow, I was looking at the Sauber, but you’ve convinced me to go HotWheelz Pro instead. Is it noisy at all?

19

Not noisy at all! It’s just a smooth heat. Plus, it integrates well with my car’s system. If you want a peaceful ride, this is the one.

20

Awesome! How long did installation take you?