The IceRays field guide
Hands on the wheel: sun on your hands and arms while driving
When you think about sun in the car, you probably think about your arm by the window. But look at your hands on the steering wheel on a sunny day. The backs of your hands sit right on top, facing the glass, for the whole drive. This page is about covering the bits that arm sleeves leave out, while keeping a safe grip on the wheel.
Why hands get missed
The backs of the hands are easy to forget. Sunscreen wears off them quickly because we use our hands all day: washing up, opening doors, holding a coffee. And on the wheel they are tilted up towards the windscreen and the side window.
Cancer Council says car windscreens block UVB and about 98% of UVA. Side windows usually let through much more UVA, with estimates as high as 79%, depending on the glass. So the hand nearest the side window gets the most: your right hand in Australia, your left in the US and Canada. With the window down, it is in full sun.
Where arm sleeves stop
Arm sleeves cover from just below the shoulder down to the wrist. They do not cover your hands. With the car parked, put your hands on the wheel at your normal position and look:
- Is there a gap of bare skin between the cuff and your hand?
- Does the cuff ride up when you reach for the indicator or the gearstick?
- Can you still turn the wheel fully and comfortably?
If the cuff rides up, try pulling the sleeve a little further down before you set off. Your sleeves should feel snug but not tight. One size fits all adults.
Three ways to cover your hands
1. Sunscreen
Put it on the backs of your hands before you leave, and let it soak in before you grip the wheel, so it does not feel slippery. Cancer Council says to reapply every two hours. On a long drive, do it at a rest stop, never while driving.
2. Hand covers
IceRays sells UV hand covers. They cover the back of the hand and leave the palm free, so you keep your feel and grip on the wheel. They are made for golf, bowls, gardening, driving and other outdoor activities. The 2015 test on our sleeve fabric does not cover the hand covers, so read the hand cover page for its own details, and check it is available in your country.
3. Driving gloves
Some people prefer full driving gloves. If you do, choose a pair that fits well and gives you a good grip. Anything that makes the wheel feel slippery or bulky is not worth it.
Grip and safety come first
Whatever you choose, it must not affect your control of the car.
- Try new hand covers or gloves in the driveway before your first real drive.
- Check you can grip the wheel firmly and use the indicator, wipers and gearstick easily.
- Put everything on before you start the car.
- Never reach into a bag or the glovebox while driving. If something needs adjusting, pull over somewhere safe.
A simple drive-ready routine
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Before you leave home | Sunscreen on face, neck, ears and the backs of your hands. |
| 2. In the car, parked | Sleeves on. Hand covers on, if you use them. Sunglasses on. |
| 3. Quick check | Hands on the wheel. Look for gaps at the wrist. Check your grip. |
| 4. At a rest stop | Top up sunscreen on hands and face. Stretch your legs. |
| 5. Getting out | Keep the sleeves on. Your arms are still covered in the car park. |
Do not forget the rest of you
Hands and arms are only part of the picture. Cancer Council recommends that people who spend long periods in a vehicle use a mix of sun protection: a long-sleeved shirt with a collar, sunglasses, and SPF 50 or higher sunscreen. That protects you in the car and when you step out. Window tint can help too. Our page on sleeves vs window tint compares them.
A quick word on sleeve fabric
UPF is a rating for fabric. UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks 98% or more of UV. IceRays sleeve fabric was tested by ARPANSA in 2015 (black sample) and rated UPF 50+. That test was on the sleeve fabric only. Read what it covered (PDF, opens in a new tab).
Keep reading
- Can you get sun through a car window?
- Sun sleeves vs window tint
- Sun sleeves for driving
- UV hand covers
For your arms, the IceRays 4-pack is AUD 120 for four pairs, or $30 a pair. That saves $31.80 on four singles. In the US, the 4-pack is USD 100. One size fits all adults.
Common questions
Do arm sleeves cover my hands?
No. They finish at the wrist. Use sunscreen, hand covers or gloves for the backs of your hands.
Will hand covers affect my grip on the steering wheel?
IceRays hand covers leave the palm free, so your palm still grips the wheel. Try them in the driveway first and make sure your grip feels secure.
Why are the backs of my hands more freckled than my palms?
The backs of your hands face the sun far more often, including on the steering wheel. Palms are usually turned away or holding something.
Can I get hand covers in the US?
Check the hand cover product page for your country. Availability can differ between Australia and the US.
Is sunscreen on my hands slippery on the wheel?
It can be at first. Put it on a few minutes before you drive and let it soak in, then wipe your palms if needed.