Why are car windscreen covers useful? Once you've rushed through your morning coffee, going out to your car and seeing that the windscreen is a sheet of frost is a huge time-waster. You can either sit there with the heated screen on and wait for what feels like an eternity, or you can take some preventative measures to stop it from happening in the first place.
Along with de-icer, car windscreen covers offer one of the best solutions to this problem. You can possibly leave your ice scraper by the side and get yourself a cover that will take the frost instead of the windscreen.
The best windscreen covers 2025 at a glance
Unlike a full car cover, they're smaller and subsequently easier to take off. There's a plethora of windscreen covers to choose from. Quite often, they're made up of a few layers, wrap around the mirrors, or require the doors to hold them in place. Some are even magnetic and little pads can easily be placed onto the bodywork. No matter whether you want to protect your car windscreen for comfort or safety, we've been looking around for the best windscreen covers to help make your day just that little bit more comfortable.
The best windscreen covers 2025
The best windscreen cover
Via GoodyearThis windscreen cover from Goodyear is magnetic which should make it easy to install. The four little magnets in the lining stick to your bodywork, so you won't have to mess around with straps.
It's also pleasantly large, measuring in at 150 x 120cm - meaning it can cover slightly larger windscreens. It won't cover the mirrors though, but this is compensated by two flaps that add just a little bit of sturdiness.
Pros
- Magnets make installation a bit easier than others
- Long side panels help keep the cover in place
- Can be used for all seasons from winter to summer
Cons
- Wind might catch underneath when fitted
Editor's pick
Via BeewayThe four-layer Beeway windscreen cover comes in two sizes to ensure the best possible fit for your vehicle. The standard size (140x90cm) fits cars and smaller SUVs. The X-large size (145x100cm) fits SUVs, Vans, and Minivans.
In the summer, it'll block out 99% of UV rays, and in the winter, it'll protect down to minus 50°C. The thick padding means it can also be used as a makeshift sitting or sleeping mat.
Pros
- All year-round protection
- Comes in two sizes, depending on what vehicle you have
- Can block out UV-rays as well as frost
Cons
- Can take some time to dry if wet
The best windscreen cover for winter
Via Halfordswww.halfords.com
Another viable and affordable option is from Halfords. It's Essential Frostguard is made from a few layers and not only comes with a storage bag for when you're not using it, but also is fairly large in size, measuring in at 200 x 80cm - meaning it can happily fit long, relatively low windscreens.
The only downside is that you have to use your doors to secure the cover in place. This is slightly more fiddly than it can be, and a faff on cold mornings when you're in a rush.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Durable construction for the price point
- Suitable for all seasons, from winter to summer
Cons
- You need to use the car's doors to secure it in place
Best value cover
Via AAUnlike the covers above, this one has tabs at each end that you pass through the side windows and attach the suction cups to the interior of the windscreen. Once the doors are closed, the cover is held in place.
One side is black, for heat absorption and protection against frost; the other side is white and heat reflective for protection against sunlight. It's also amazing value, especially considering it's a summer/winter double act.
Pros
- Double-sided, depending on the season
- Suitable for year-round protection
- Easy to install
Cons
- Suction cups could be bigger
Best-fitting sun shade
Via EcoNourFor the best-fitting sun shade, this is your best bet. It comes in several sizes, and there is a chart indicating which size fits which particular make and model of car. Made from polyester, it helps reflect sunlight to keep your car's interior down to a bearable temperature. It's foldable and comes in a storage bag.
Pros
- Comes in a number of sizes
- Storage bag included
- Useful for keeping the sun and UV-rays at bay
Cons
- Costs more than other options
The best windscreen cover for size
Via AlliluyaaThis cover is much bigger than the others because it extends back to cover the driver's and front passenger's windows, too. At 248 x 148cm, it's big enough to keep your main safety viewing areas clear of snow and frost. Fitting is straightforward. It comes with four rubber cords with plastic hooks on the end which can be attached to the wheels or an appropriate point on the body.
Pros
- Additional coverage for side windows and door mirrors
- Suitable for winter use and protects the mirrors simultaneously
- Large size, which will help fit a number of different vehicles
Cons
- Can be a bit awkward to fit
Best full screen coverage
Via SimpeakThe Simpeak Car windshield cover is easy to fold up and return to the supplied carry bag for storage in the boot, ready for use. Unlike other windscreen covers, this one is designed to be placed over the wipers and washer jets to prevent washer fluid from freezing and your wipers from getting stuck to the windscreen. It is kept in place by the side panels being closed inside the front car doors and by six magnets around the outer edge.
Pros
- Covers wipers as well, which can help in colder conditions
- Six magnets to keep it secure
- Relatively subtle, compared to the more reflective units
Cons
- Not so good for summer UV protection
FAQs and things to remember about car windscreen covers
Why should I use a car windscreen cover?
A car windscreen cover is useful for protecting your windscreen from frost, ice, and snow during winter, reducing the need for scraping and defrosting. It also helps keep the car cool in summer by blocking direct sunlight, and it can protect the glass from bird droppings, tree sap, and other debris.
How do I install a car windscreen cover?
Most car windscreen covers come with straps or flaps that can be secured inside the car doors or with elastic bands that hook onto the mirrors. To install, simply unfold the cover, place it over the windscreen, and secure the straps or bands to ensure it stays in place.
Are car windscreen covers universal, or do I need a specific size for my car?
While many car windscreen covers are designed to be universal, it’s important to check the dimensions of the cover to ensure it fits your vehicle. Some covers are available in different sizes to accommodate various car models and windscreen sizes.
Can I use a windscreen cover while my car is parked on the street?
Yes, you can. Ensure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from being blown away or tampered with. Some covers come with additional security features like hooks or weights to keep them in place.
Can I use a windscreen cover on a wet windscreen?
It’s best to use a windscreen cover on a dry windscreen to prevent moisture from being trapped underneath, which could potentially freeze and cause issues. If the windscreen is wet, dry it off before applying the cover to ensure optimal performance.
Do windscreen covers help with reducing interior heat during summer?
Yes, windscreen covers can help reduce the interior heat of a car during summer by reflecting sunlight away from the windscreen. This helps to keep the car’s interior cooler and more comfortable and can also protect the dashboard and upholstery from UV damage.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.