Can the wiper be lifted directly by hand?

[DallasMarie]

Can the wiper be lifted directly by hand? Yes, but do it gently. Turn off the car: First, start the car and turn it to the power-on state. After about 3 seconds, turn off the car and cut off the power. Turn on the windshield washer switch: Within ten seconds, turn on the windshield washer switch for the front window, then gently pull the car's wiper lever downward. Lift the wiper: At this point, you can gently lift the wiper by hand and slowly stand it up. Return it to its original position: After washing the car, follow the previous steps in reverse to gently return the wiper to its original position.

[StJoel]

From my driving experience, let me talk about this. It's indeed possible to lift the wiper blades directly by hand, which is actually a pretty common practice, but you need to be careful not to use too much force or lift them recklessly. Once, I was in a hurry while washing my car and pulled them up abruptly, causing the wiper arm's spring to snap back and nearly scratch the windshield. Since then, I've learned my lesson—I always turn off the engine and the wiper switch before gently lifting the wiper arm from the base, avoiding contact with the glass surface. Why would you need to lift them? Mainly to replace the wiper blades or thoroughly clean accumulated dirt, especially during pre-rain car maintenance, which is crucial. However, note that some newer models, especially those with advanced electronic controls, may require entering a maintenance mode to safely lift the wipers. If you're unsure, checking the owner's manual first is the safest bet—it protects both the equipment and your hands.

[MacDylan]

Of course, you can manually lift the wiper blades. I think it's quite simple, just like tidying things up normally. After parking and turning off the engine, gently hold the base of the wiper arm and slowly lift it upwards—just avoid using excessive force, and you'll be fine. This method makes it easier to clean the rubber blades thoroughly when washing the car, preventing dirt buildup that could affect performance next time. Sometimes, in freezing winters, lifting them also prevents the wipers from getting stuck or breaking due to ice. However, I recommend beginners try this with the engine off first to avoid accidental activation while the power is on, which could be dangerous. Overall, manually lifting them is generally safe—just focus on gentle movements.

[McPenelope]

It's perfectly fine to lift the wiper blades by hand, as many vehicle models are designed with this in mind. The wiper arms typically feature a spring mechanism that allows them to be lifted for maintenance, but avoid doing this while the engine is running to prevent interference with the motor. When lifting, do so gently to minimize impact on the windshield. Forcing them up may damage the mechanism or scratch the glass.