Steering Wheel Cover... Toxic?

[Synomenon]

I went to Wal-Mart earlier to look for a cheap steering wheel cover and found one I liked. It was a black mesh steering wheel cover I believe by a company called autologix or something like that.

Only problem is that there was a warning on the back of the packaging that said something like "This item contains lead and other chemicals known in the state of California to cause cancer."

Anyone know what that is all about? Why would they sell a steering wheel cover that has lead in it?

 

[Leros]

Just dont grind it to a powder and breathe it in. You'll be fine.

 

[kt]

They are required to do that if any chemicals they use to make it may cause cancer. It's the same thing where cars are required to have that sticker with the disclaimer on the driver side window.

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: kt
They are required to do that if any chemicals they use to make it may cause cancer. It's the same thing where cars are required to have that sticker with the disclaimer on the driver side window.

What sticker with a disclaimer on the driver side window?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I probably have that exact steering wheel cover. Thin black mesh with rubber/foam underneath, allowing the black mesh to slide around a bit?

I haven't died yet. It's very comfortable, gives great grip despite the mesh moving around, and never gets too hot to touch on scorching days.

 

[Synomenon]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
I probably have that exact steering wheel cover. Thin black mesh with rubber/foam underneath, allowing the black mesh to slide around a bit?

I haven't died yet. It's very comfortable, gives great grip despite the mesh moving around, and never gets too hot to touch on scorching days.

That sounds like it. It does look pretty good for a $7.00 steering wheel cover (yes I'm cheap, that's why I got a Yaris Liftback). That's also another reason I want it. All the other steering wheel covers would get too hot out here in the desert.

 

[Topplayer]

how do you like the yaris??

 

[Synomenon]

Actually got lucky getting this car. A week earlier I came in inquiring about the Yaris and Scion xA. Gave them the configurations I wanted and they came back saying that I'd have to wait 8+ weeks to get the Yaris I wanted and 2+ weeks for the xA. The Yaris was my first choice so I was pretty bummed out. Went home to think about it and lo and behold three days later the dealer calls to tell me that they received a new Yaris in the exact color and configuratioin I wanted!

Anyway, I really like it. I'm not the type that's into large cars so the Yaris was perfect for me. It's pretty spacious for a small car. Handling is responsive and the ride is very smooth.

I get around 34mpg when commuting to and from school, work, etc. and around 40mpg on the highway. Much better than the Toyota Sienna "hand-me-down" my parents gave me when I graduated high school.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: IsLNdbOi

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
I probably have that exact steering wheel cover. Thin black mesh with rubber/foam underneath, allowing the black mesh to slide around a bit?

I haven't died yet. It's very comfortable, gives great grip despite the mesh moving around, and never gets too hot to touch on scorching days.

That sounds like it. It does look pretty good for a $7.00 steering wheel cover (yes I'm cheap, that's why I got a Yaris Liftback). That's also another reason I want it. All the other steering wheel covers would get too hot out here in the desert.

OMG I have an Echo! Yay!!!! Is your Yaris a stick or auto? I'm getting around 42.5mpg mixed driving in my Echo.

 

[Synomenon]

It's an automatic. I'm not sure if it's true, but people are telling me that I'll get better mileage once I've "broken it in".

 

[Synomenon]

So that steering wheel cover should be safe to use? Would you guys get a steering wheel cover if it had a similar warning, but was in the style you wanted?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: IsLNdbOi
It's an automatic. I'm not sure if it's true, but people are telling me that I'll get better mileage once I've "broken it in".

I'm not sure, but I'm thinking it's true. The steering wheel cover is great for the Echo and the Yaris. It makes one-handed turns pretty easy too and gives a nice thickness to the wheel.

I got the chance to test drive a Yaris and was a bit put off on some areas. First and second gear were peppier than my Echo, but past that it became more sluggish. I've heard that the Yaris has also put on some weight and as a result isn't as nimble as the Echo was. From my test drive, this was true. The Yaris just seemed more sluggish and boat-like than the Echo in hard turns.

I'd very much like to get an Echo Hatchback, since they seem to offer the roominess and convenience of a hatchback but still retain the excellent handling of the Echo. Too bad I live in the US and we don't get anything cool in the US

 

[Synomenon]

The hatchback Echo looks just like a liftback Yaris except it has four doors. Anyone seen that new show on USA called "Psych"? Gus's car is a hatchback Echo. I wonder if that show is filmed in Canada since the hatchback Echo was released there, but not in the USA.

Anyway, I'm planning on adding Toyota's TRD shocks and lowering springs to my Yaris at some point. I already have 15" wheels and the people over at the YarisWorld forums have pointed out that 15" wheels are the best for the liftback Yaris.

 

[Colt45]

WTF is the point of a steering wheel cover anyways? one of those things I've never understood.

want to explain it to me?

 

[Synomenon]

Well, have you lived in a desert area? Temperatures here go 100+ degrees F daily most of the year. When your car has been sitting outside in temperatures like that, the steering wheel gets too hot to touch. If you have a steering wheel cover made with the right material, you don't have to sit there for a long time waiting for the steering wheel to cool down enough to be able to grab.

Also, some people like to keep things in new condition whenever possible.

 

[0roo0roo]

not good, they have the same warnings on cheap cables at places like frys i've seen.


'Wire coating and cords are usually made of PVC plastic that may contain lead. Lead is used in PVC for several reasons. For wires and cords, lead makes the plastic more flexible and reduces the risk of fire. Lead is also used in many PVC products to stabilize the color. Lead in PVC products can disintegrate into lead-laced dust.
'http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=700

probably should return it. theres no need for such garbage anymore. i remember seeing a documentary on nokia factory inspections and they mentioned they changed their product so it wouldnt have the lead in it, so its not required anymore