A "shiny" steering wheel is not a sign of wear; it is a sign of lipid and protein saturation. Human hands naturally secrete oils (sebum) and sweat, which transfer to the wheel's surface. On leather, these oils fill the natural pores and create a greasy, reflective film. On Alcantara (a synthetic micro-suede), these oils act as an adhesive, causing the tiny fibers to clump together—a process known as matting. If left untreated, the salt in sweat can dry out the material, leading to permanent cracking or "pilling" of the fibers. Restoration requires an emulsifier that can lift the lipids without over-saturating the delicate substrate.