When winter storms roll in and temperatures drop below freezing, many drivers instinctively raise their windshield wipers into the air. It’s a familiar sight in northern parking lots: wiper blades standing straight up, signaling an incoming blanket of snow. While the practice might seem harmless, or even clever, it has sparked a surprising amount of debate. Is lifting your wipers before a snowfall actually useful, or could it be causing more harm than good?
Why Some Drivers Swear By Lifting Their Wipers
The main argument for lifting windshield wipers before snow or freezing rain is centered on preventing the rubber blades from adhering to the glass. When ice accumulates on a parked vehicle, wipers left in contact with the windshield can freeze solid. Trying to free them by force, or accidentally turning them on while they’re stuck, can cause significant damage. This includes tearing the rubber blade, cracking the arm, or even burning out the wiper motor, something that may result in an expensive repair.
According to GlassDoctor, stuck wipers can lead to a “winter driving nightmare.” Harold Singh, an insurance claims expert at Erie Insurance in Pennsylvania, agrees. For him, raising the blades is worth the small effort. “There are risks either way,” Singh notes, “but the risk is higher that you’ll tear the rubber trying to free a frozen wiper blade.”
Supporters of the practice say it just makes mornings easier. With the wipers already up, there’s no need to pry them off the glass or deal with frozen rubber. It saves time and helps avoid snapping something by accident when you’re in a rush.
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What To Consider When Making Your Decision
Deciding whether to put your wipers up or leave them down really depends on a few things, like the weather, where your car is parked, and what you’re comfortable with. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and ice, and your car stays outside overnight, lifting the wipers can make life a little easier. As long as there’s no heavy wind in the forecast, it’s a simple way to keep them from freezing to the glass and save yourself some time in the morning.
But if it’s going to be windy, or your car’s in a garage or under a carport, keeping the wipers down might be smarter. Some newer cars have delicate wiper systems, and constantly flipping the blades up and down can wear them out faster.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on your setup, your local weather, and how you like to handle snowy mornings. Know your car, check the forecast, and go with what makes sense.
How To Properly Lift Your Wipers If You Choose To
For those who opt to raise their wipers before a storm, it’s important to do it properly. Start by turning off the car completely, and avoid forcing the blades. Begin with the passenger side, gently lifting the arm until it bends naturally at the hinge and stands upright without resistance. Repeat the motion for the driver’s side, stopping immediately if you feel tension or stiffness. Forcing the wiper can cause damage to the linkage or the base of the arm. If the wipers don’t stay up on their own, your vehicle may not be designed for that position, and attempting to force them could break internal components.
Once the storm passes, lower the blades carefully before driving. If they appear to have accumulated any ice, take time to clear them before engaging the wipers to avoid damaging the blades or the motor.
