Lately, when I bring my other Toyota to my dealer for service, I get it back with black grime on the steering wheel. It's pretty gross, and since it happened more than once, I doubt it will stop anytime soon (I did complain). I have a brand new Prius, so to avoid this, I would like to find some cheap/temporary steering wheel cover which I can easily install/remove before/after I visit the dealer. Any suggestions (without creating any safety issues of course)?
My dealer puts a plastic cover on the wheels, and a sheet of paper on the floor before the guy steps in. Get a new dealer.
New dealer isn't an option, plus they have been really good to me otherwise. They usually do put a cover on the floor, and plastic on the seats, but not the 2 times when my steering wheel was in bad shape, so maybe they did use a cover before. I forgot to turn off my dashcam last time I brought it in, and got to witness firsthand how dirty their hands are as they took the car for a test drive.
If you are otherwise happy with the dealer, show the service manager the video next time you take the car in and remind him that you want the car back clean when they are done. If the wheel comes back dirty, have them clean it right then and there. That will help them remember. Be polite but firm.
I have the BlackVue DR400G-HD, expensive but worth it. I also have a cheap one (wanted to see how long the cheap ones last) on its way, which also had a rearview cam attached, so I can record front/rear (only front is HD tho). I think you are right, this is probably the best route to take if it does happen again, especially since I couldn't find any disposable (or cheap AND safe) steering wheel covers.