8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (2024)

BUYING a windscreen cover for your car is a cost effective way to protect it from extreme weather. While they’re primarily used to protect against frost and ice in the winter, they’re beneficial year-round whether it’s sun damage, leaves and debris, or bird mess that’s a concern.

For maximum protection, we recommend investing in a cover that is specifically designed for cold weather and ensuring you’ve selected one of the correct size for your windscreen. Some retailers offer universal sizes, but it’s worth taking measurements before making a purchase to avoid disappointment.

We’ve researched the best car windscreen covers on offer in 2022, and here are the select few we’ve deemed to be worthy of your money.

1. QcoQce Car Windshield Cover

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (1)

QcoQce Car Windshield Cover, £21.97 from Amazon — buy here

The QcoQce windshield cover is a bestseller on Amazon with over 1,000 five-star reviews, and is reportedly “good quality” and “value for money”.

It’s not too dissimilar to the Halfords Quilted Frost Guard we listed above in terms of design, though it does come in a larger size. The material is made up of four layers that are designed to protect your windscreen from frost, ice and snow, rain, UV rays and other dirt and grime.

There are two sizes available — small and large. The small measures 147cm x 120cm, whereas the large measures 157cm x 126cm. At the risk of sounding repetitive, make sure you measure your windscreen ahead of time — we spotted a few reviews stating that they opted for the wrong size.

2. FREESOO Windscreen Frost Protector

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (2)

FREESOO Car Windscreen Cover, £17.99 from Amazon – buy here

Another top seller from Amazon, this all weather windscreen cover has rave reviews with one customer describing it as “an absolute life saver”.

The cover has two “ears” which you trap in between your car doors, and then tuck the bottom of the cover under the windscreen wipers. It comes in two sizes— small and large— and is made up of four layers designed to protect your windscreen from both frost and sun damage.

Note: We recommend you steer clear from using this windscreen cover in the rain as the “ears” may break the seal to your car door and let water inside.

3. Coopers of Stortford Windscreen Snow Cover

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (3)

Windscreen Snow Cover, £9.99 from Coopers of Stortford — buy here

Made from a lightweight, mildew-resistant and waterproof PVC, this windscreen guard is designed to protect your car from temperatures of -20°C up to 90°C.

It’s available in one size, measuring 192cm x 118cm, and is held in place with magnets and material flaps which tuck inside your car doors.

Recent reviews have said it’s “lightweight and easy” and “a pleasure to put on the windscreen”.

4. Halfords Quilted Frost Guard

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (4)

Halfords Quilted Frost Guard, £10 from Halfords — buy here

If you’re looking for an affordable car cover for the winter months, then this £10 one from Halfords is a great option.

It comes with covers for both side mirros as well as the windscreen, and is held in place by magnets as well as loops on both sides of the cover. It’s made from 3-layers of water-resistant and non-woven material to guard against frost.

The dimensions are 147cm x 120cm, which should be suitable for both small and medium-sized vehicles. Don’t just take our word for it though — make sure you measure your windscreen before purchasing.

Happy customers have described the cover as an “outstanding product” and a “bargain”.

5. Halfords All Seasons Car Cover

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (5)

Halfords All Seasons Car Cover, from £55 to £75— buy here

If you’re looking to protect your car’s bodywork as well as the windscreen then this cover could be the way to go. As the name suggests, the Halfords own-brand product is suitable for all seasons. It offerssnow and ice protection, is waterproof and will prevent sun damage thanks to UV protection.

You secure the cover via the elasticated panels, which fit over your bumpers, and the straps that go underneath the car. It’s available in five different sizes — extra small, small, medium, large and extra large— to suit all vehicles. The dimensions of the medium cover, which we’ve linked to above, are 440cm x 175cm x 135cm.

The cover was awarded four and a half stars in Auto Express’ Mini Test in 2020, and reviewers have said that the product is “superb quality and great value”.

6. Halfords All Weather Windscreen Shield

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (6)

All Weather Windscreen Shield, £7.99 from Halfords— buy here

This is the third and final Halfords car windscreen cover to appear in our list. What can we say? They know how to make them.

This bestselling cover is designed to protect your windshield from all weather conditions and is made from a durable and protective film. It’s available in one size only — medium — and those with larger cars (such as SUVs and campervans) found that it doesn’t fully cover the windscreen.

For under £8, though, this cover is great value for money for smaller cars.

7. Pukkr Car Windscreen Sun and Frost Protector

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (7)

Pukkr Car Windscreen Sun and Frost Protector, £4.99 from Roov —buy here

Priced at under a fiver, this is the cheapest windscreen protector in our list and even comes with a two-year guarantee.

You simply trap the flaps in your car doors and your windscreen will be protected from frost and sun rays. It’s made of four layers of material that absorb the heat in the summer to keep your car cool.

It measures 147cm x 100cm (not including the side flaps), which one person described as “a great size” that they “imagine would suit most cars”. But as always, make sure you measure your windscreen before committing to making a purchase.

8. AA Windscreen Frost and Sun Shield

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (8)

AA Windscreen Frost and Sun Shield, £10 from Argos – buy here

Last but not necessarily least is the AA’s double-sided windscreen cover, designed to keep your windscreen frost-free in the winter and car interior cool in the summer.

It’s waterproof, breathable and comes with a one-year guarantee. Similar to a few different covers in this list, you attach it by trapping the flaps in the doors, or use the suction cups provided.

It’s 145cm by 70cm, which supposedly fits most cars, though the jury’s out on this one.

Do windscreen covers work?

Providing you choose a cover that is the correct size for your windscreen, then yes, it’ll help protect your car from poor weather and dirt. If frost or ice is your biggest concern, we recommend opting for a cover that is specifically designed for that, such as Halfords’ frost guard, whereas if you want to protect against UV rays as well as frost, the Halfords’ all seasons cover orQcoQce all weather coverare good choices.

How does a windscreen cover work?

In the winter, a cover works by keeping your windscreen clear of ice, frost and snow, and eradicates the need to defrost or de-ice your car. Whereas in the summer, it works by reflecting the sunlight and protecting the car from UV rays. This keeps the interior of the car cooler and prevents sun damage.

Aside from the above, a cover also protects your windscreen from dirt and debris, which could cause damage.

Not all windscreen covers will be suitable to protect your car from every weather condition. Make sure you check the description before making a purchase to ensure it protects against your primary concern, whether that be UV-rays or frost.

How to fit a windscreen cover

Not every windscreen cover will fit to your car in the same way. Some will have tabs at the side which you trap in your car doors, others have magnets or suction cups, and some may attach over your bumpers.We recommend that you read the instructions for your specific model closely.

Tweet to @ST_Driving Follow @ST_Driving

– Enjoyed our roundup of the best car windscreen covers? Then you may find our guide to driving in the snow useful.
– If you’re in the market for a dash cam, our roundup of the best dash cams may come in handy.
– We’ve tested out some of the best child seats on the market. Check out what we thought of them.

8 Best Car Windscreen Covers to Buy in 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Do car covers work for frost? ›

If you haven't got a garage then the next best solution is to purchase an insulating car cover. This will simply fit over the top of your car and can stop the temperature plummeting too far and will keep the ice off your vehicle.

Which way does a windscreen cover go? ›

No more melting in your car.

The Windscreen Frost and Sun Shield will keep the interior of your car nice and cool. Just simply unfold the Windscreen Protector and place it on your windscreen with the silver side facing out wards.

How do you fit a frost cover windscreen? ›

Simply fit each end to the inside of your windscreen when frost/snow is forecast using the suction cups provided, and once your car doors are closed the cover is held in place. The cover is also suitable for summer use to help keep your vehicle interior cool.

Which company car cover material is best? ›

What is the Best Car Cover Material?
  • Polypropylene. Our Ultimate Shield car cover is constructed using polypropylene. ...
  • Imitation Satin. Satin-style car covers are perfect for soft indoor dust protection. ...
  • Spunbond Composite. ...
  • Plastic Cover. ...
  • WeatherShield® HP. ...
  • Woven Polyester. ...
  • Ultra Soft Fleece.
22 Dec 2020

What is the best frost cover? ›

Bed sheets or comforters work best for covering large plants and shrubs. Newspaper can be used on low-growing foliage, but it can often be difficult to get it to stay in place. I have used old pillow cases, sheets, towels and even cardboard boxes.

When should you not use a car cover? ›

The cover is necessary. The only thing I do not do is cover the very front and radiator grill when the engine is still hot. Another point of safety would be to avoid hot exhaust pipes.

Why don't people use car covers in winter? ›

Cons of Using Car Covers

Depending on where you live and your unique weather conditions, the cover may freeze or get stuck to the car in wet, icy weather. Extremely cold temperatures can cause your car cover to become rigid or even crack. This also makes folding the cover extremely difficult.

Are windscreen covers worth it? ›

The less technology your car has–and the fewer coatings and features the windscreen itself has–the cheaper it will be to replace. In most instances, it's simply not possible to just replace your windscreen with the cheapest option, which is why it is worth getting windscreen cover.

Is it better to clear windscreen with cold or hot air? ›

Hot air will dry the glass a little through evaporation, but the air will then cool down and condense on the glass once more, so make sure the air-con is on to keep the atmosphere inside dry. If your windscreen is iced over, then the heat is obviously more necessary.

How do I keep my windscreen frost free? ›

No car window covers? These things prevent frozen car windows:
  1. Mix your own car de-icer with vinegar, alcohol or salt, and apply it the evening before or in the morning.
  2. Use a make-shift car frost cover with a towel, piece of carpet, cardboard or even shower curtain.
  3. Park facing east.
  4. Cover side mirrors with a plastic bag.

Can you leave frost cover on during the day? ›

It works by becoming the surface on which the moisture freezes, rather than the plants. It can be left on for long periods - day and night - because it allows rain and about 70% of light through.

How long can you leave frost covers on? ›

Don't keep the coverings on your plants for more than two days in a row without removing them in the day since this can cause water to become trapped underneath, leading to fungal diseases and can cause plants to produce new growth that can be easily damaged by cold.

When should frost cover be removed? ›

In the morning, remove coverings when temperatures rise and frost dissipates. Heat from the sun can build beneath solid coverings, and plants can die from high temperatures.

How do I find a good car cover? ›

Look for covers rated for high sun and fade resistance. These vehicle covers are typically made of reflective material and help keep your car cooler on the inside while also protecting your car from harsh UV rays. A heat-reflective car cover is also a great option to have during the summer.

Which color car cover is best? ›

All outdoor car covers protect car from UV rays, however the silver color has UV rays reflectiveness. If you wish to protect your vehicle specifically from UV rays, the silver color is the most suitable for this case.

Is Comprehensive The best cover? ›

Comprehensive car insurance, or 'fully comprehensive', is the top level of insurance you can get for your car. It provides cover for you and your car if you're involved in an accident, whoever's at fault. It covers car repairs, damage to property and any personal injury claims made against you.

What type of cover is best? ›

Fully comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of cover you can take out to protect your vehicle.

Are expensive car covers worth it? ›

Are Cover Covers Worth It? Yes. If you buy a high-quality fitted car cover, it will protect your car much better than having no cover. Minor damages, bird droppings, and rust will be avoided.

How long do car covers last? ›

Sitting outdoors, your car cover should last at least 4 or 5 years - depending on how much sunlight your car gets. The idea is for the cover to take the brunt of the elements rather than your car.

Is frost cloth better than a sheet? ›

Plus, unlike plastics and bed sheets, these fabrics allow air and moisture to percolate down to the ground around the plants. And temperatures don't have to be freezing or below to benefit from the use of frost blankets.

How thick should frost cloth be? ›

5 oz fabric may be rated for down to about 35°F, while a medium-weight 1.2 oz fabric can provide frost protection down to 24°F. The 3 oz fabric is suitable for temps in the teens. Note that thicker fabric will block more sunlight than thinner ones.

What is the difference between frost proof and frost resistant? ›

Always check the frost rating on a pot before you buy it. Pots marked as 'frost-resistant' are tougher than those with no rating, but may still crack or flake in a hard frost, whereas frost-proof pots should survive.

What is the disadvantage of car cover? ›

Car covers can scratch your car.

Especially in windy areas, your cover could rub against your car, causing damage to the paint. Covers can also pick up dirt and debris on their insides, which then rub against your paintwork, glass, and trims as you pull it on and off your car, which can lead to scratches and damage.

Should a car cover be left on in the rain? ›

Whether you park indoors or outside, car covers offer an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. Ideally, you want to put your car cover on a dry vehicle. Trapped moisture can contain dirt, but it can also promote mildew and wet spots on the finish if left for too long.

Should I wash my car before putting a cover on it? ›

“Yes and here is why. If you put a cover on or take off a dirty surface as you drag it across that vehicle surface you risk putting micro-scratches into that paint. While you may not see them at first over time they will start to show up and eventually, they will dull your paint.

Do car covers ruin cars? ›

A car cover that is made of plastic, neoprene, or a tarp-like material can cause scratches and damage your paint if you are not careful. This happens mainly due to dirt, debris, or moisture that gets trapped underneath the cover.

Should I cover my windshield in the winter? ›

In the winter, using a windshield cover is the easiest and quickest way to get on your way. Once the cover is removed, driver visibility is optimal. There is no need to wait for the snow to blow away, get cleared away by the wipers, or melt off with the help of the defroster.

Do car covers cause scratches? ›

Simply put, car covers can scratch your paint. No matter what material your car cover is made out of (whether that be neoprene, plastic, or a tarp-like material), you do risk scratching or damaging paint if you are not careful. This is mainly due to dirt, debris, or moisture that gets trapped underneath the cover.

What is ExoShield windshield? ›

ExoShield is a transparent film that is applied on the exterior surface of a windshield, just like window tint, to withstand the impact of stones. It can increase the impact resistance of your windshield by 6X.

Do windscreen claims affect premium? ›

If you're make a windscreen or glass claim then your No Claims Discount will not be affected, however the cost for your insurance next year may still be a little higher. Otherwise yes - you're likely to pay more for your insurance after making a claim.

Does using windscreen cover affect no claims? ›

If I have a claim for windscreen damage, does it affect my no claim discount (NCD) ? No, with Flow insurance, windscreen claims don't affect your no claim discount. For example, if you get a chip in your windscreen and it needs to be repaired, you'll have to pay an excess, but you won't lose any of your NCD.

How do I make my windshield super clear? ›

Clean your windshield with regular glass cleaner. Deep clean with 0000 grit steel wool, glass polish, or a commercial glass stripper. Apply a fresh coat of rain-repellent to keep your windshield clear and protected.

How do you defog your windshield in the rain without heat? ›

How do you defog car windows in the rain without A/C?
  1. Roll down the window slightly. While this may not be practical in the pouring rain, it may be practical in a light sprinkle.
  2. Turn your defroster to a low setting. ...
  3. Turn off the recirculate setting to let fresh air into your car and defog your windows.

What is the best way to defog front windshield? ›

First, turn the heat on its maximum setting, because hot air can hold more moisture. Then, turn the AC on, which will pull the moisture from the air as it passes over the cooling coils. Finally, turn off the recirculation button so colder, dryer air is brought into the car.

What can I put on my car windows so they don't freeze? ›

How to keep car windows from freezing overnight
  • Vinegar solution: three parts vinegar, one part water.
  • Alcohol solution: two parts rubbing alcohol, one part water.
  • Salt solution: 4 cups distilled water and 2 teaspoons non-iodised salt, boiled for 20 minutes.

Does putting a towel on windshield to prevent frost? ›

The easiest way to prevent ice from forming on your windshield is to cover it up at night. This can be done with a tarp, folded bed sheet or beach towel. It will prevent any ice from forming on your windshield and will save precious minutes in the morning.

What can I spray on my windshield to prevention frost? ›

Each night, spray your windshield with a solution of vinegar. Mix three parts vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle. Take the mixture outside and spray it liberally on your windshield, side windows, and rear window.

Does rain go through frost cloth? ›

Frost cloth, also know as reemay or row cover, is a light white fabric, usually made of polypropylene or polyester, that can be placed over cold sensitive plants to protect them from low temperatures. You can keep it over your plants day and night because light and water can both get through.

Can sun get through frost cloth? ›

Medium weight – Medium weight frost cloth offers several degrees of frost protection and can be used in spring or autumn when light to heavy frost is forecast. It allows about 70% of sunlight to pass through.

At what temp does frost occur? ›

Q: Can frost occur at temperatures above 32°F? A1: No, frost is defined as a layer of ice that forms on surfaces that are at or below 32°F. Sometimes frost can occur on your lawn overnight, even though your thermometer may never have dropped to the freezing mark.

Do car covers stop frost? ›

If you haven't got a garage then the next best solution is to purchase an insulating car cover. This will simply fit over the top of your car and can stop the temperature plummeting too far and will keep the ice off your vehicle.

How do you secure frost cloth? ›

Secure it to the ground with heavy objects, like bricks, or frost fabric staples, to ensure that the cloth forms a seal with the ground and traps the warm air that radiates from the soil captured during the day. The bricks or staples will also secure the cloth on the plant in the case of heavy winds or rain.

How effective are frost blankets? ›

They act as wind barriers and insulation. But frost blankets trap enough heat to keep crops 4 to 5 degrees warmer during light freezes. Frost blankets are lightweight, don't have to be washed and are reusable.

Does frost cloth have to go to the ground? ›

Remember, it is crucial that the frost cloth touch the ground to soak up radiant heat captured during the day. This is true of trees too! If you just wrap the top of the tree with frost cloth and leave the trunk exposed, much like a lollipop, the tree will not be able to trap the radiant heat from the ground.

Is a windshield cover worth it? ›

While the vehicle is stored away or parked, covering it with a protective windshield cover will help prevent glass damage from falling objects and wear from the elements. This is true all year, from falling leaves, to falling snow, to spring hail and summer downpours.

Is there any stronger windshield to prevent rock chips? ›

ExoShield is a thin film that protects your windshield from stone chip damage and prevents costly replacements.

Are car windscreen covers any good? ›

Buying a windscreen cover for your car is a cost effective way to protect it from extreme weather. While they're primarily used to protect against frost and ice in the winter, they're beneficial year-round whether it's sun damage, leaves and debris, or bird mess that's a concern.

What can I put on my windshield to protect it from rocks? ›

ShatterX is a wipe soaked in non-toxic liquid Silica you can easily apply to your windshield to protect it from small rock chips and cracks.

Is excess free windscreen cover worth it? ›

Windscreen cover may seem like an extra expense, but you just never know when it will come in handy, so it is worth getting windscreen cover. Depending on your car, it could cost anything between $200 and $2000 to replace your windscreen.

How long does windshield coating last? ›

How Long Does it Last? It can vary depending on how much wear your windshield receives every day but, for an average user, our tests have shown a single application is good for one year. Wiping frost off with your wipers will be the first benefit to fade, other benefits can last much longer.

Who makes the best windshield protection film? ›

Now you can offer your customers ClearPlex by Madico, the world's the world's first and best-performing windshield protection film.
  • Optically clear.
  • Absorbs impact of standard road hazards.
  • Reduces occurrence of rock chips, pitting, and bull's eyes.
  • Ideal for maintaining luxury cars and fleet vehicles.

Is there a windshield that doesn't crack? ›

Therefore, when it comes to windshields, a special type of glass called laminated glass is utilized in manufacturing. Laminated glass is highly durable and impact resistant, and can withstand a huge amount of accidental force without shattering into pieces.

Is Gorilla Glass worth the money? ›

Gorilla Glass is a special type of chemically strengthened glass. The material is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it an ideal choice for use in car windshields. While the material is more expensive than traditional glass, its benefits make it well worth the cost.

Does windscreen cover affect no claims? ›

No, your NCD is not affected for any windscreen claims.

Do foil windshield covers work? ›

Do windshield sunshades work? Indeed they do. As shown in many tests, a car that's heated up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny day can see its interior temperature drop to 92 degrees after a $20 sunshade is installed.

How do I make my windshield crystal clear? ›

Use a microfiber cloth and your favorite glass cleaner, spray the glass down generously, then use the cloth to gently wipe with side-to-side motions. Repeat until the cloth no longer gets dirty. Step two: It's time to deep clean and remove the most stubborn gunk.

What should you not put on a windshield? ›

Ammonia-based products

Many household cleaning products contain ammonia—think Windex—and leave streaks that can create glare as you drive. The ammonia present in these products will cause any tint on your glass to peel off, leaving you with a terrible-looking windshield and windows. Avoid the ammonia-based products!

Is vinegar good for windshield? ›

Yes, you absolutely can clean the outside or inside of a windshield with vinegar. As a matter of fact, vinegar is better than lots of glass cleaners out there.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5851

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.