As the heatwave continues, motorists are facing another uncomfortable side effect of soaring temperatures: stepping into a car that feels more like an oven than a vehicle. With the sun streaming through the windscreen, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly become unbearably hot, with the dashboard, steering wheel and seats all heating up under the intense rays.
Shoppers turn to sun-resistant covers
For drivers heading out in the sunshine, keeping the car as cool as possible can make journeys far more comfortable. This is why shoppers are turning to sun-resistant windscreen covers, with countless Amazon customers singing the praises of one product in particular.
The Beeway Car Windshield Cover is currently listed as an Amazon's Choice product and is available for £22.99 in both standard and extra-large sizes. It is made from four layers – PEVA aluminium foil, spunlaced cotton, composite cotton and a soft non-woven lining – and is described as being 'ultra thick and heavy duty to keep the windshield clean and clear'.
Blocks nearly 99% of UV rays
According to the manufacturer, the cover can block nearly 99% of UV rays, helping to reduce heat build-up inside the vehicle during hot and sunny weather. This can be particularly useful during a heatwave, when leaving a car sitting in direct sunlight can turn the cabin into an uncomfortable inferno within a short space of time.
The cover is designed for use beyond the summer months, too, as it can help protect the windscreen from frost, snow and ice during winter. The standard 140 x 90cm size is suitable for cars and SUVs, while the extra-large 145 x 100cm version is designed to accommodate larger vehicles including SUVs, vans, trucks and minivans.
Easy to use and versatile
Simple and straightforward to use, no tools are required for installation, and side flaps ensure it remains securely in place. It also boasts multiple uses, doubling up as a camping table mat, a tent sleeping pad, a pets' sitting car mat and an outdoor crawling mat.
If the Beeway windshield cover isn't quite right, Argos is currently stocking The AA Windscreen Frost and Sun Shield, is available for £4 in its clearance sale. This double-sided, waterproof windscreen protector is designed to keep the car's interior cool during summer and free from frost throughout winter being 'suitable for most various sized cars'.
Over at Debenhams, shoppers can find the Hillington Car Windshield Cover with Mirror Covers, is reduced from £24.99 to £17.99 in grey. The reflective aluminium coating reduces interior temperatures, while the cover's barrier helps guard against snow and ice. Its water-resistant properties also make frost removal a straightforward task.
Customer reviews praise performance
The Beeway Car Windshield Cover has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon, based on more than 7,800 customer reviews. One shopper praised how well it performs in hot weather, and said: "Very pleased with this purchase. It does exactly as described. Easy to use, and store in its bag. Car is so much cooler in this unusual hot weather."
Another buyer highlighted its versatility, saying: "An excellent, all-weather screen cover, easy to use with little to no tendency to fly off while fitting. Effective in deflecting the heat of the sun and lowering the internal temperature of the car compared to the ambient temperature. The added bonus is it can be used during the winter to prevent the windscreen frosting over - although for obvious reasons this benefit has yet to be tested!"
A further customer was impressed by the quality compared with their previous cover, commenting: "Excellent sun windscreen protector, more robust than my last one. Folds away for easy storage and fits my hatchback perfectly. Thoroughly recommend."
However, not every customer gave the cover a full five stars. One four-star reviewer said: "The screen cover is a good size and well made and ideal for keeping the car cool when parked in the heat. Only given four stars as the bag that came with the cover to store it in is useless. It is too small to accommodate the folded screen cover so will have to find something else to store it in."
Another shopper praised the cover for helping keep their car cool, particularly when parked in direct sunlight, writing: "If you've got a high tech car and a south-facing driveway then you need one of these. Easy to fit and keeps the car and the delicate electronics inside cool. The only improvement would be to add some rubber magnets on the top edge to help keep it in place when fitting it in a breeze."
The Beeway Car Windshield Cover can be purchased through Amazon.
