Imagine gripping the steering wheel on a hot summer day, only to find your hands slipping due to sweat. It’s not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Driving with sweaty hands is a common issue faced by many, from professional drivers such as truckers or delivery workers to grandparents out on a Sunday jaunt.
But thankfully, there are practical solutions available. In this blog post, we’ll explore the struggles of driving with sweaty hands, their causes, and consequences, and provide you with the best solutions to maintain a perfect grip on the wheel.
Table of Contents
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Key Takeaways
- Main causes of sweaty hands while driving are palmar hyperhidrosis, stress, hot weather & certain activities.
- Best driving gloves for sweaty hands: Milwaukee Leather SH216 Fingerless Gloves.
- Additional tips to manage sweaty hands while driving include talc-free powder, staying hydrated and more!
The Struggles of Driving with Sweaty Hands

Driving with sweaty hands can be a real challenge, as it affects your grip on the steering wheels, making it difficult to control the car. Anyone who spends more than four hours on the wheel should consider purchasing and wearing driving gloves. In additiona, selecting an appropriate steering wheel cover is important, as an ill-fitting or slippery one can worsen your driving ability.
Besides providing a better grip, driving gloves made of soft leather prevent the natural sweat and oils of your hand from being transmitted to the car, minimizing friction damage.
But what causes sweaty hands while driving, and what are the consequences of this issue?
Causes of Sweaty Hands While Driving
Sweaty hands, also known as sweaty palms, while driving can be a result of various factors. One common cause is palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating in the hands due to overactive nerves controlling the sweat glands. Stress and certain activities like driving can trigger sweaty hands, even when wearing winter gloves.
Hot weather conditions also play a significant role in causing sweaty hands while driving a vehicle. The heat can make your hands sweat more, even when using high-quality materials. So, what are the consequences of driving with sweaty hands, and how can we tackle this issue?
Consequences of Sweaty Hands on Driving
Driving with sweaty hands has several consequences, such as:
- Reduced grip on the steering wheel
- Slipping off the wheel
- Decreased tactile sensitivity
- Potential damage to the steering wheel, even when using full-fingered gloves
Driving gloves enhance grip on the steering wheel, making them a great accessory for a classic car. However, driving with sweaty hands can still cause damage to the steering wheel, even when using gloves with knuckle holes.
Now that we understand the challenges and consequences of driving with sweaty hands let’s discuss the solutions available to help you maintain a perfect grip on the wheel.
Solutions for Driving with Sweaty Hands
Various solutions can help you drive comfortably and safely with sweaty hands. These include steering wheel covers, fingerless driving gloves, and hand antiperspirants. Driving gloves can make long drives much more comfortable while also being effective in preventing the steering wheel from deteriorating. Finally, they add a certain look of old school cool to any driver!
Both selecting suitable driving gloves or a steering wheel cover can enhance grip for sweaty hands in hot weather. But how do these solutions work, and which one is the best for you?
Steering Wheel Covers

Steering wheel covers come with several advantages for drivers with damp hands, including:
- Enhanced grip
- Comfort
- Protection
- Cleanliness
- Customization
To effectively handle sweaty hands while driving, opt for steering wheel covers constructed from breathable materials such as microfiber, silicone, and flax linen.
These materials help in absorbing moisture, ensuring better grip, and providing a comfortable driving experience.
Driving Gloves
Driving gloves come in various materials, such as leather, neoprene, and mesh, which provide better grip and absorb sweat, improving driving safety. They can also be used for fashion purposes, giving you a stylish edge while driving.
Wondering how to pick suitable driving gloves for sweaty hands? While choosing driving gloves, take into account aspects such as comfort, grip, and the ability to wick away moisture.
In addition consider you car navigation or entertainment centre. Touchscreen driving gloves are now available in the market which are treated with touchscreen technology, making them compatible with navigation devices and more.
Alternatively, fingerless styles offer added convenience for those who need to use their devices while driving.
With the right pair of driving gloves, you can wear driving gloves to drive comfortably and confidently with sweaty hands.
Hand Antiperspirants
Hand antiperspirants can be a game-changer for drivers with sweaty hands. Applied to the palms of your hands and rubbed in until completely absorbed, hand antiperspirants help improve grip, increase comfort, and enhance safety while driving.
They are available in various forms, such as roll-on, spray, and cream formulas. Just remember to follow the instructions on the product label, avoid contact with eyes, and thoroughly wash hands after application.
Now that we’ve discussed the different solutions for driving with sweaty hands let’s explore the top steering wheel covers and best driving gloves available for you.
Top Steering Wheel Covers for Sweaty Hands
The BOKIN Microfiber leather steering wheel cover and the Flax Cloth Steering Wheel Cover are among the best picks for those with sweaty hands. They provide an improved grip, keeping hands dry in the process. These covers are made of breathable materials like microfiber, silicone, flax linen, rayon, and leather, which help in managing sweaty hands effectively.
The BOKIN Microfiber leather steering wheel cover:
- Is soft on the hands
- Keeps the steering wheel cool in hot weather
- Fits more than 80 vehicle brands
- Is available in 14 colors
- Comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
- Comes with an 18-month warranty
This offers total protection against any potential defects.
Some other fabrics to consider for a steering wheel cover that will help with sweaty hands are:
- Suade
- Neoprene
- Silk Cloth
Try to avoid plastic or cheap materials that can often contribute ot the sweat problem rather than helping with it.
Best Driving Gloves for Sweaty Hands
When it comes to the best driving gloves for sweaty hands, the Milwaukee Leather SH216 Fingerless Gloves take the top spot. These gloves are designed to provide a better grip on the steering wheel, keep hands warm, and offer added protection while driving. Customers rave about the added protection these gloves provide, while negative reviews complain about the gloves discoloring their hands after wearing them.
By choosing the right driving gloves for your sweaty hands, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe driving experience. But how do you maintain these steering wheel covers and driving gloves to ensure their longevity and effectiveness?
Tips for Maintaining Your Steering Wheel Cover and Driving Gloves
Keeping your steering wheel cover and driving gloves in good condition is vital for their longevity. Regular cleaning and replacement help minimize the risk of bacteria and germs building up on the surfaces.
The subsequent sections will provide tips for the cleaning, upkeep, and replacement of both steering wheel covers and driving gloves.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your steering wheel covers and driving gloves in top condition, clean them at least once a month with a mild soap and water solution. For leather driving gloves, avoid using bleach or oils used in leather shoes. Instead, regularly clean them with cold water and air dry.
Proper cleaning and maintenance not only ensure the longevity of your steering wheel cover and driving gloves but also help in preventing the buildup of bacteria and germs on the surfaces. So, when is the right time to replace your steering wheel cover and driving gloves?
When to Replace
You should replace your steering wheel cover and driving gloves when they show signs of wear or damage. For steering wheel covers, replace them as soon as they start looking worn or faded. Driving gloves should be replaced every six months or when they start to show signs of wear and tear.
Let’s consider some extra advice to assist in controlling sweaty hands while driving.
Additional Tips for Managing Sweaty Hands While Driving

Apart from the solutions mentioned above, there are some extra tips you can follow to manage sweaty hands while driving. Using talc-free powder or baking soda can help absorb moisture, creating a barrier between your skin and the steering wheel, preventing slipping. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help prevent your hands from sweating.
Another useful tip is to keep a hand towel in the car to wipe off sweat from your hands when needed. Adjusting your car’s temperature and practicing stress-relief techniques can also help in managing sweaty hands while driving.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe driving experience, even with sweaty hands.
Summary
In conclusion, driving with sweaty hands is a common issue faced by many drivers, but with the right solutions and tips, you can maintain a perfect grip on the wheel. By choosing the best steering wheel covers, driving gloves, and hand antiperspirants, you can ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience. Remember to regularly clean and maintain your steering wheel cover and driving gloves for optimal effectiveness. With these solutions and tips in mind, you can confidently hit the road, even on the hottest of days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with sweaty hands when driving?
Combat sweaty hands when driving by regularly washing your hands, carrying a pocket-size hand gel and talcum powder, and avoiding gloves. If the problem persists, consult a doctor or medical professional.
Can people with hyperhidrosis drive?
Yes, people with hyperhidrosis can drive, although they may experience excessive sweating in their hands that could make driving more difficult. In addition, the condition may affect their feet while driving, making it unsafe.
Is sweaty palms a disability?
Sweaty palms, or hyperhidrosis, is a social, emotional and occupational disability that impacts 3% of the population, making it a severe disability with a negative impact on quality of life.
Is it OK to have sweaty palms?
It’s OK to have sweaty palms in certain circumstances, such as physical activity or a medical condition like hyperhidrosis. But if you experience frequent or unpredictable hand sweating, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Do driving gloves help with sweaty hands?
Driving gloves can help fight sweaty hands by providing superior grip – making them a must-have item for motor racing drivers.