For those who embrace the winter season, a snowy forecast can mean an opportunity for adventure. However, for most drivers, it brings to mind the hassle of road salt, icy surfaces, windshield scraping, and snow removal.
To help ease these winter woes, the Gear Team has taken on the task of finding the best products to simplify your cold-weather driving experience.
Just like our roundup of heated steering wheel covers, windshield covers are not something we frequently come across, except on vehicles that are often stored for extended periods, such as RVs and boats.
However, some drivers swear by them, and we recognize their usefulness in quickly freeing wipers and windshields from icy conditions.
With input from Road & Track editors and our own research into the current windshield cover market, we’ve compiled our top recommendations.
Things to Consider
For a windshield cover to be truly effective, certain conditions need to be met. Your vehicle must be parked outdoors, but in a location secure enough to prevent theft.
Additionally, the temperature should be cold enough for snowfall but not so frigid that the cover adheres to the glass. Wind levels should also be manageable to prevent the cover from being blown away.
Keeping these factors in mind, here are a few key considerations before purchasing a windshield cover for winter use.
Expectations:
It’s essential to manage expectations when using a windshield cover. As noted earlier, optimal conditions are necessary to get the best results.
If the snow accumulation on the cover hasn’t turned to ice, removing it should be simple lifting the cover will also clear off the collected snow.
However, this requires planning ahead by putting the cover in place before the snowfall begins and removing it promptly afterward.
Legality:
While using a windshield cover on a parked car is typically allowed, only clearing snow from your windshield might not be legal in some areas.
Certain locations require the entire vehicle including the hood, trunk, and roof to be cleared of snow before driving. To avoid potential fines, familiarize yourself with local regulations.
If extensive snow removal is required, a high-quality ice scraper and snow brush might be a more practical solution.
Size and Fit:
Choosing the correct size for your windshield is crucial. A cover that’s too small won’t offer full protection, while one that’s too large may be cumbersome to install and more prone to shifting out of place.
Ease of Installation:
A windshield cover should be simple to put on and take off. Many options feature elastic straps or magnetic edges to keep them secure, which can be particularly helpful in windy, cold conditions.
Some designs use the car’s doors to hold the cover in place, meaning after a snowfall, you may need to clear enough snow to open the doors without it falling inside before removing the cover.
Security Features:
To prevent theft and ensure the cover remains in place, look for models with anti-theft flaps that tuck into the doors or ones with ties and hooks that fasten to the wheels or under the vehicle.
Also Read: Best Car Paint Protection Films for Long-Term Shine
The Best Windshield Covers
1. Best Overall: Kayme Half Car Cover
Price: $40 at Amazon
Pros
- Covers the roof and all windows
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- May not fit vehicles with unusual roof shapes
The Kayme Half Car Cover is a standout choice because it bridges the gap between a full car cover and a basic windshield protector.
Unlike traditional windshield covers, it provides more extensive protection by covering the roof, rear window, and side windows.
This means that when removed after a snowfall, the entire top section of the vehicle should remain snow-free.
Constructed from thick, double-stitched weatherproof material, this cover is rated to withstand temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its soft cotton lining helps protect your car’s paint, while reflective strips on the side-mirror pockets add visibility. Eight windproof elastic straps with hooks ensure a secure fit, making installation and removal hassle-free.
The cover is designed as a universal fit but comes in different sizes to accommodate hatchbacks, large SUVs, and smaller SUVs. To ensure the best fit, check your vehicle’s dimensions before purchasing.
2. Top-Rated: FrostGuard Deluxe Windshield Cover
$45 at Amazon
Pros
- Stick-resistant lining
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Hooks would improve the fit
FrostGuard is well-known for its snow removal products, offering a range of windshield covers designed for both winter and summer conditions.
Among its lineup, we prefer the Deluxe model, as it stands out as one of the highest-quality windshield covers available. It has also earned high ratings from both users and reviewers.
This cover is designed with elastic straps that provide a snug, secure fit. Made from durable polyester with a stick-resistant lining, it helps prevent ice buildup on your windshield. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Available in five colors, this cover also caters to owners of larger vehicles, such as trucks, vans, RVs, and SUVs, with an expanded version that is nearly a foot wider.
3. Best for Trucks and SUVs: Sunny Color Extra Large Windshield Cover
Now 43% Off
$28 $16 at Amazon
Pros
- Double mirror loops for a secure fit
- Wide enough for larger trucks and SUVs
Cons
- No underside protection for the vehicle’s finish
The Extra Large Windshield Cover from Sunny Color is specifically designed for larger vehicles and stands out due to its waterproof and wear-resistant double-layer composite construction.
Compared to Sunny Color’s standard model, this version has been widened to better fit trucks, SUVs, and other large vehicles.
This cover stays in place through multiple securing points, including adjustable straps that loop around the side mirrors featuring a double-strap design to prevent failure.
Additionally, front straps attach to the wheels, while two security flaps tuck into the front doors to ensure stability in windy conditions.
4. Best Magnetic Cover: Sompaty Car Windshield Cover
$25 at Amazon
Pros
- Magnets provide a more secure fit
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Magnets may cause paint damage
This budget-friendly windshield cover from Sompaty checks many of the essential boxes when it comes to winter protection.
Constructed from durable 600D Oxford fabric, it features a PVC lining to prevent sticking, double-stitched security flaps that tuck into the doors, and integrated side mirror covers for extra coverage.
What makes this cover unique is its use of magnets to keep it firmly in place.
While this offers better resistance to strong winds, it also comes with a potential downside magnets can stick directly to your vehicle, which may lead to paint damage over time. If you choose this option, be mindful of the risks before use.
For those needing extra coverage, a larger version is also available, adding approximately a foot in both width and length.
5. Best Year-Round: OxGord Windshield Cover
$30 at Amazon
Pros
- Won’t scratch paint
- Effective in all seasons
Cons
- Straps close in doors
The OxGord Windshield Cover is another highly rated option, crafted from 600D Oxford polyester material with a soft PVC inner lining.
According to OxGord, this cover is completely waterproof and resistant to frost buildup, making it an excellent choice for winter.
Additionally, it offers protection from UV rays, heat, dirt, and dust, ensuring it remains useful throughout the year.
Installation is simple, as it secures via flaps that close inside the doors without the need for hooks, snaps, or magnets, which helps keep your vehicle’s paint free from scratches.
Measuring 41.5 inches in height at the center and 69 inches in length along the bottom, this cover is designed to fit a wide range of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
6. Best Rear Window Cover: FrostGuard Rear Window Cover
$38 at Amazon
Pros
- Stick-resistant lining
- One-year warranty
Cons
- No security features
Similar to its front windshield counterpart, the FrostGuard Rear Window Cover is a well-made accessory that makes a great addition if you already own the brand’s windshield cover.
Constructed from polyester with a stick-resistant lining, it helps prevent ice buildup while keeping your rear window clear.
The cover is secured with adjustable elastic straps, making installation easy. However, one drawback is that it only comes with two hooks and lacks built-in security features.
On the plus side, FrostGuard offers a larger version designed to fit SUVs and hatchbacks.
Also Read: 10 Supercars That Are Worth Every Penny: Speed, Luxury, and Performance Redefined
7. Best Minimalist Cover: Helm Mirror and Windshield Wiper Covers
$13 at Amazon
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only covers mirrors and wipers
For those who don’t need a full windshield cover, these side-mirror and wiper covers from Helm provide a simple yet effective solution.
Ice buildup on wipers can be difficult to remove and may even damage the blades if handled improperly, making these protective covers a convenient option.
Made from durable poly fabric, the covers slip over your mirrors and wipers and are secured with a drawstring and a spring-loaded cord lock, ensuring they stay in place.
This minimalist approach offers targeted protection without the bulk of a full windshield cover.