Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 9

Auto Gossip

A.J.P.

Coming To Grips

It is encouraging to see that some car manufacturers are offering a few models—although usually only sports models—with leather-rimmed steering wheels. At the same time it is rather sad to see a North Island motoring correspondent making somewhat disparaging comments about those who wear driving gloves. Many drivers wear driving gloves for a very good reason: to give a safer and more comfortable grip of the steering wheel. Plastic Wheels Plastic steering wheels are usually rather horrible things, particularly in summer when the hands perspire and the wheel becomes as slippery as if it were greased. The same thing can occur in winter if you try to drive with wet hands. A slippery steeringwheel is obviously not conducive to safety, and the answer is either to fit a steeringwheel glove, or wear a good pair of string-backed (for ventilation), thin-palmed (for feel) driving gloves. Wheel Gloves Several drivers have complained to me of trouble with slippery steering wheels, and have fitted steering-wheel gloves to solve their problem. A wheel-glove is quite a cheap answer, but you should make quite certain you get the right size of glove for your steering wheel, and that you lace it on very' carefully and tightly. If possible always buy a leather wheel-glove in preference to a plastic one, for although the

plastic gloves are better than a plain plastic wheel they are usually inferior to a leather glove. Another Answer Another answer, but one; which is more expensive than J buying driving gloves or a: steering-wheel glove, is to fit a new steering wheel. A leather-rimmed wheel, if you can get one, will give the best grip, but a wood-rimmed wheel is also far superior to a plastic wheel. Buying a new wheel does allow you to alter your car’s driving position somewhat. If you find the original wheel too big, you can obtain a replacement of a different size, and if the original wheel is too close to you when driving, you can obtain a wood or leatherrimmed wheel with less “dishing.”

Rim Sizes Fitting a wheel-glove will, of course, increase the thickness of the steering-wheel rim, and if you dislike this then driving gloves or a replacement wheel are the only answers for you. Rim-thick-ness is very much a matter of taste, but many experts say a fairly thick rim gives greater comfort and better control than a thin rim, which may cause a driver to clench his hand too much, and can even cause cramp. With this thought in mind I was interested to see the steering

wheels in the works B.R.M.s when they were here. The leather rims were the thickest I have ever seen. Quote Of The Week “In general, motorways start off by being rather frightening places when they are opened, but gradually settle down after a period of about six months.”—R. Theresby in the “Motor.”