The best windscreen covers for sun and frost protection

Keep the interior your car from becoming an oven, or protect its windscreen from frosts. These are the best windscreen covers.

Written by Alex Boyd Updated: 26 April 2024

Like windscreen wipers or a shovel, windscreen covers are strictly functional items. Some act as a sun shield, helping to keep a car’s interior at a bearable level if left sitting in the sun, some covers guard windscreens against winter frosts; some even do both.

Whatever your need for a windscreen cover, you will find the right one here. We know that there are seemingly infinite numbers of windscreen covers to choose from. Knowing which one to choose is akin to selecting a daisy from a field full of them. You could choose the first one you come across, but perhaps there is a better one close by.

Metaphors aside, your useful experts at Parkers have narrowed down the best windscreen covers to a digestible number. Some are made for sun protection, some frost guards, and some both. Take your pick.

The best windscreen covers at a glance:

Editor’s choice: BEEWAY Car Windshield Cover – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for hot weather: EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for all seasons: AA Sun Shield and Frost Protection – Buy now from Amazon UK

The best windscreen covers

BEEWAY Car Windshield Cover

Editor's choice

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The Beeway car windshield cover is made of four layers, and it comes in two sizes - standard size is suitable for most regular-size cars and extra large for SUVs and vans. Both sizes will offer summer and winter protection. In summer the cover will block nearly 99% of UV rays to help keep the interior cooler. In winter, it's effective to minus 50°C to minimise the build-up of frost, snow and ice. Fitting is easy - you just fold the flaps into the door frame and close the door, then secure the cover with the windscreen wipers for a good fit.

Pros

All-year use
Choice of sizes

Cons

No storage bag

EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade

Best for hot weather

Rrp: $22.99

Price: $18.99

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Alternative Retailers

Walmart

$22.09

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For those long hot summer days that need a neat fitting sunshade, this is a good bet. It comes in five different sizes, and there is a chart showing which size fits which particular make and model of car. Made from polyester, the EcoNour Windshield Sun Shade helps reflect sunlight to keep your car’s interior down to a bearable temperature. It’s foldable and comes in a storage bag.

Pros

Simple but effective
Variety of sizes for a good fit

Cons

Limited in capability

AA Windscreen Sun Shield and Frost Protection

Best for all seasons

Price: $24.97

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Unlike the covers above, this one has tabs at each end that you pass through the side windows. 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 an amazing value, especially considering it’s a double act.

Pros

Remains firmly fixed once secured
Great protection all year

Cons

Windscreen only

Plastific Front Windscreen Sunshade

Best for summer travel

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It may not be bristling with tech, but the design works. By reflecting the sun’s UV rays out of your car, this foldable reflective sun visor from Plastific is all you need to keep your car cool during the summer. Strong and durable, this visor is built to last, boasting double insulation for great efficiency while in use. To install, fasten the visor to your windscreen using the included black suction cups. Once you’re back in the vehicle, this windscreen cover folds down for easy and inconspicuous stowage.

Pros

Simple yet effective design
Slim profile when folded to tuck away in your boot

Cons

Only windscreen covered

Beneir All Weather Windscreen Shield

Best for secure magnetic attachment

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For year-long protection against nature’s harshest, we recommend this windscreen cover from Beinear. Constructed from thick and durable Oxford fabric with waterproof coating, this windscreen cover is resistant to snow, ice, rain, and UV rays, to name a few, ensuring your cabin remains comfortable through every season.

We also like the bonus side mirror covers and storage bag that come with this product, ensuring ease of stowage when not in use, but be advised that with its extra straps and magnets, installation can be a bit of a faff.

Pros

Great protection from all weather types
Easy to stow with the carry bag

Cons

Other options are easier to install

Frequently asked questions:

Do I need a windscreen cover for both summer and winter? It depends on your specific needs. Windscreen covers can help in both seasons. In winter, they can prevent ice and frost buildup, while in summer, they can protect your car’s interior from UV rays and keep it cooler.

How does a windscreen cover protect my car in winter? A winter windscreen cover acts as a barrier against frost, ice, and snow accumulation on your windshield. Covering the windscreen overnight prevents the formation of ice, making it easier to clear your screen in the morning.

Can I use a summer windscreen cover in winter and vice versa? While you can technically use a windscreen cover designed for one season in another, it may not be as effective. Summer covers are typically designed to block UV rays and heat, whereas winter covers are thicker and designed to insulate against cold temperatures and prevent ice buildup.

How do I choose the right size windscreen cover for my car? Most windscreen covers come in standard sizes that fit most vehicles. However, it’s essential to check the dimensions provided by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit, and it doesn’t take long to do, so it’s probably worth measuring your car’s windscreen just to make sure.

Do windscreen covers damage the car’s paint? Properly designed windscreen covers should not damage your car’s paint. However, it’s essential to ensure that the cover is clean and free of debris before placing it on your windscreen. Avoid dragging the cover across the paint surface to prevent scratching.

How do I clean and store my windscreen cover? Most windscreen covers can be cleaned with mild soap and water and should be allowed to air dry before storage. Fold or roll the cover neatly and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent damage.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.

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