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A windshield snow cover may not be the most exciting car accessory, but it’s one you’ll be happy to have on hand before the next storm. Rather than hurriedly trying to clear your windshield so you can make it to work or school in time, you can opt for a cover that will take the hassle out of winter weather. Get back to enjoying snowfall and be on your merry way (with the heat cranking, of course). In addition to making your windshield easier to clean and maintain, a windshield cover also cuts down on potential damage from falling ice and snow-covered debris, saving you the headache of cracks and chips, and the cost that comes with them. The best windshield snow covers can also prevent your wipers from freezing to your windshield and eliminate the need to raise them in cold weather. Below, we’ve listed some of the different types and styles of the best windshield snow covers available to guide you through your shopping experience.

How we chose the best windshield snow covers

The delight of a fresh blanket of snow in the morning quickly subsides when you realize that your car is effectively buried in a drift—and that you’ll likely spend the next hour using an ice scraper and digging your way out with a snow blower. To maintain your joy, you should find a windshield snow cover with the size, durability, and versatility that fit your vehicle, making these all factors that came into play when we made our choices. Along with this research, we took into consideration critical reviews and user recommendations.

The best windshield snow covers: Reviews & Recommendations

When shopping for a windshield snow cover, the main considerations to keep in mind are the type of fastening used, the thickness required for your specific weather conditions, and the size of the windshield cover itself. Some users may also prefer a model that offers year-round protection. Ensuring that you’ve selected a model with a proper fit for your vehicle is key to enjoying all the benefits that the best windshield snow covers have to offer. (If you do need to scrape ice or remove leaves from your windshield, don’t forget we recommend bundling up in snow boots, heated clothing, snow pants, and a winter hat to fight off the icy temperatures.)

Best overall: FrostGuard Premium Windshield Snow Cover

FrostGuard Premium is the best Windshield Snow Cover overall

FrostGuard

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Why it made the cut: This cover provides comprehensive protection for most vehicles on the market, including UV protection for the warmer months.

Specs

  • Material: Polyester, PVC
  • Dimensions: Comes in XL ‎(68 inches inches L  x 48 inches H) and Standard (59 inches L x 41 inches H) 
  • UV protection? Yes

Pros

  • Fits a wide range of vehicles
  • Industrial strength
  • Covers mirrors as well

Cons

  • Not made from sustainable materials

The FrostGuard is one of the best windshield snow covers thanks to its heavy polyester construction and durable PVC lining. It uses industrial-strength wraps to attach securely to the vehicle’s side windows and includes two security panels to shut in each door. This kit also includes two drawstring mirror covers and a wiper blade cover to keep frost away from other critical areas.

Best durable: OxGord Windshield Snow Cover

OxGord Windshield Snow Cover is the best durable pick

OxGord

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Why it made the cut: This heavy-duty windshield snow cover is made of a thick Oxford cloth with an durable inner lining that provides protection in all weather.

Specs

  • Material: Polyester 
  • Dimensions: 75 inches L x 42.25 inches H 
  • UV protection? Yes

Pros

  • Works for most vehicles
  • Provides protection all year long
  • Comes with anti-theft protection

Cons

  • Not made of sustainable materials
  • Doesn’t cover side mirrors

Users looking for the best durable windshield snow cover for their car will appreciate the OxGord’s tough 600D polyester construction and PVC backing. It attaches via two anti-theft flaps and two mirror elastic bands and is built to be resistant to water, snow, debris, and ultraviolet light. An included bag makes this cover easy to store when you’re driving around and easy to reinstall after you park.

Best universal: EcoNour Car Windshield Cover

EcoNour Car Windshield Snow Cover best universal

EcoNour

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Why it made the cut: This option comes in two sizes, with an insulated bottom layer and side straps for extra protection.

Specs

  • Material: Polyester
  • Dimensions: Comes in XL (‎74 inches L x 43 inches H) and Standard (65 inches L x 43 inches H)
  • UV protection: Yes

Pros

  • Fits windshields in a range of shapes
  • Durable design
  • Comes with anti-theft panels

Cons

  • More expensive than other options
  • Not made from sustainable material

The EcoNour windshield cover is perfect for car owners with odd-sized windshields, multiple vehicles, or as a gift. It comes in two universal sizes that are based on different classes of vehicles and are designed to cover the entire windshield area, including the wipers. Like other models on this list, it attaches using mirror elastics and anti-theft door panels, and it’s constructed out of durable 600D polyester for maximum longevity and protection.

Best budget: Gintenco Magnetic Windshield Snow Cover

Ice Shield Magnetic is the best Windshield Snow Cover on a budget

Ice Shield

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Why it made the cut: This affordable pick is designed with magnets for an extra secure fit.

Specs

  • Material: Made of Aluminum foil film, PP cotton, composite cotton and non-woven, thicker and durable fabric
  • Dimensions: Two sizes to pick from: L- 62*50”, S- 58*46′
  • UV protection? No

Pros

  • Edge magnets on the lower half provide extra secure fit
  • Great price
  • Fits range of vehicles

Cons

  • Not the most heavyweight option; frost can sneak under if not pulled tight

Offered in two sizes to fit a wide range of vehicles with a secure fit, the Gintenco is one of the best magnetic windshield snow covers thanks to its system of rare-earth magnets augmented by mirror ties and anti-theft door flaps. This is a great choice for users who park their vehicles in extremely windy areas due to the added strength that the magnets provide. It doesn’t come with a storage bag, which could be an issue in wetter climates, but it’s so secure that it’s still a great value for the price.

Things to consider when buying a windshield snow cover

Freezing temperatures combined with snow and ice can lead to accumulations of frost and hard material on your vehicle’s sensitive glass surfaces. It’s hard to understate the inconvenience caused by having to scrape away at ice on the smooth surface of your windshield in cold weather, especially when you’re short on time. By outfitting your car with a dedicated windshield cover, you can prevent the occurrence of this event altogether and replace the need to shovel and scrape with a simple lifting and removing motion. Not only will this save time in the long run, but it will protect your sensitive windshield from chips and cracks, and ensure that your vision is unobstructed while driving.

Materials

When considering the best windshield snow cover for your vehicle, go with a model that’s constructed out of stick-resistant materials like PVC and polyester to ensure easy removal and durable protection. Choosing a design that fastens to your car using reinforced straps is also a good move if you anticipate using the cover in windy weather, and this will add some extra peace of mind and insurance against snow and ice building up underneath the surface.

Durability

Car owners who park their vehicles in extra icy or snowy locations and are looking for the best protection available can benefit from a thicker-than-average windshield cover made of polyester or other tough materials to offset potential damage from hail, branches, icicles, and other cold-weather debris. Locations with higher occurrences of hail storms and ice storms can be treacherous for even the most durable windshields, so a snow cover that’s up to the task is key to preventing vehicular glass damage.

When shopping for the best durable windshield cover for snow, look for a design with polyester construction that is rated at 600D or better. 600D polyester is a water-resistant material that’s commonly found in luggage, backpacks, and other tough gear. An extra-thick polyester construction comes with the bonus benefit of being perfect for blocking out harmful ultraviolet rays from hitting your windshield and dashboard on sunny days too.

Shape

Windshield snow covers come in many shapes and sizes to match a wide variety of vehicle types, which ensures the snuggest and most accurate fit in critical weather applications. If you own multiple cars and want to use a single windshield cover for swapping between cars, or if you’re looking to buy a windshield snow cover as a gift and don’t know the exact measurements, a universal windshield snow cover may be the best option for you.

The best universal windshield covers for winter should include a fastening system that accounts for variable widths between models of cars. The most common design utilizes the front doors of the vehicle to secure the cover to the windshield. Doing so allows for the cover to be pulled taut against the front of the glass while also adding the benefit of extra-secure fastening that won’t easily come undone in windy weather. The only caveat is that the measurement from the top of the windshield down to the wipers can be less forgiving and potentially result in snow falling below the cover or part of the windshield remaining exposed. For this reason, universal snow cover models usually come in extra-large and standard sizes to accommodate the size gap between sedans and SUVs.

Magnets

Windshield snow covers use a variety of fastening systems to keep them snug against the surface of the windshield, and usually require being tied to the side mirrors or shut in the door to stay secure. Another popular variation uses magnets to fasten to the front of the car, which ensures a gapless connection to the vehicle and offers some extra insurance against high winds and potential ice formation.

When shopping for the best magnetic windshield cover for your vehicle, go with a model that uses some combination of magnetic fastening and tie fastening to make sure you have steadfast coverage throughout a variety of weather conditions. A design that features a combination of mirror, door, and magnetic fastenings covers every base. The best part is that the magnetic feature means you don’t have to rely solely on the door to keep the cover set; that means you won’t have to remove or reset your windshield cover every time you need to open the door.

Price

Windshield covers are simple tools that can get the job done at nearly every price point, but there are some variations to keep an eye on if you’re shopping on a budget. The best cheap windshield snow covers should be constructed from thick polyester to ensure maximum protection and durability, and they should include a number of dedicated fastening systems to keep the cover taut and secure. (You may have to compromise a bit on versatility, as it’s hard to find reversible windshield covers with true reflective backing on the cheap.) Magnets tend to come at a bump in cost, as well. A cheap windshield protector might be all you need if you live in a location with milder winters and light to moderate winds.

Related: The right—and wrong—ways to clear ice and snow from your car

FAQs

Q: How much does a windshield snow cover cost?

Windshield snow covers vary in price, depending on the size and material. But they are generally affordable, and the picks on this list range from about $10 to $35.

Q: How do I choose the right windshield snow cover size?

The most critical measurement when choosing the right windshield cover size is from the top of your windshield to the wipers. Many windshield covers are manufactured in universal sizes (if there’s extra width slack it can be tucked securely under your door). There are generally two classes of windshield cover: one for sedans and hatchbacks, and one for SUVs and trucks.

Q: Do snow covers work in extreme cold?

Windshield snow covers are designed specifically to work in extreme cold and deter the formation of ice and frost on your windshield. They’re made from polyester or PVC, which are naturally water-resistant and extremely durable, and they’re sometimes lined with cotton for extra temperature protection for your car.

Q: What’s the best windshield snow cover for trucks?

When searching for the best windshield snow cover for trucks, go with a universal model that offers enough surface area to clear the entirety of the truck’s windshield on both dimensions. If you can measure the truck’s windshield before making your purchase, you’ll be opened up to selecting a model that’s an even better fit than universal designs, which may render better protection results over the long term.

Final thoughts on the best windshield snow covers

The best windshield snow covers are available in many sizes to fit a variety of vehicle types. Some models offer year-round protection from UV rays and snow alike, and others are designed to be incredibly tough and durable for the most extreme weather conditions. If you’re in doubt about the measurements of your car or want to use a single cover for multiple vehicles, choosing a universal-fit windshield cover is a great way to get protection without breaking a sweat. No matter where you live or what you drive, a windshield snow cover is a useful exterior car accessory that’s easy to use and makes your vehicle easier to maintain.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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