You know those long, hot summer days when you get back to the car from a gentle walk or from the enormous weekly expedition at the supermarket and find your car has been baking in the sun? The radiating heat shimmers the air just above the paint. And then opening one of the car doors is akin to opening an oven; the hot air floods out and all the interior surfaces are scorching. Not fun.
Windscreen covers can help avoid this scenario. But there are also other types that help at the opposite end of the seasonal scale where a winter frost has made itself at home on your car’s exposed windscreen, leaving a nice sturdy covering of ice that you need to scrape off before you can drive away, gripping the steering wheel with frozen fingers.
The best windscreen covers at a glance:
Best windscreen cover: BEEWAY Car Windshield Cover -Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor's pick: Alliluyaa Magnetic Windscreen Cover - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best value cover: AA Windscreen Shield - Buy now from Amazon UK
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
Best all-weather cover
The four later Beewat 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
- Year-round protection
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- Can take some time to dry
Best-fitting sun shade
For the best-fitting sun shade, this is your best bet. It comes in five different 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
Cons
- Can be difficult to fold away
Editor's pick
This 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
- Large size
Cons
- Can be a bit awkward to fit
Best budget screen
www.autodoc.co.uk
The budget alternative to the sun shade above is the AMiO Windscreen Cover. Unfolded, it is a generous 175 x 90cm (there is a smaller version, too, which is 145 x 70cm). It is held in place across the outside of the windscreen by tucking the two side wings into the front doors. It's hardly high-tech, but it works well in both summer and winter. It is made from polyethylene.
Pros
- Good for summer and winter
- Good value
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some others
Best full screen coverage
The 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
- Six magnets to keep it secure
Cons
- Not so good for summer UV protection
Best value cover
Unlike the covers above, this one has tabs at each end that you pass through the side windows and attach the sucker cups to the interior of the windscreen. Once the windows are wound up, 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
- Suitable for year-round protection
Cons
- Suction cups could be bigger
FAQs
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.
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