Why Should Wiper Blades Be Lifted Up?

[McJasper]

It is to maximize the lifespan of the wiper blades. Functions of lifting wiper blades: In summer, the weather is quite hot, and the thin rubber blades of the wipers are prone to deformation and aging under prolonged high temperatures. Over time, they may fail to clean rainwater effectively, increasing the risk of accidents. In winter, due to low temperatures, snow can cause the wipers and windshield to freeze together. Winter windshield washer fluid has an ice-melting effect, but it only sprays when the wipers are operating. Therefore, if the wipers are frozen, the washer fluid cannot be sprayed, preventing timely and effective ice removal. Precautions: In winter, do not use the wipers to clean the windshield first thing in the morning. Rashly turning on the wipers may tear the rubber surface of the blades, rendering them ineffective, or even damage the wiper motor. To melt ice, never pour hot water directly onto the windshield, as the temperature difference may cause it to crack. The correct method is to turn on the air conditioning, set it to hot air, activate the defrost and defog functions, and let the car warm up slowly to melt the ice.

[AnastasiaLee]

In winter, I always lift up my windshield wipers to prevent them from freezing onto the windshield. If the wipers freeze, starting the car might damage the rubber blades or burn out the motor, which can be expensive to repair. Once, I forgot to lift them, and the next morning the wipers were stuck. It took me half an hour to remove the ice before I could start the car. Lifting them up allows air to circulate, reducing the risk of ice buildup, and prevents the rubber from deforming due to prolonged pressure, extending their lifespan. This habit is especially crucial during snowy days or sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, it makes snow removal easier—you can directly scrape the glass without having to deal with the wipers first. I recommend doing this before parking overnight; making it a habit can save you a lot of trouble.

[VanAlexa]

From the perspective of protecting car components, it's essential to lift the wiper blades. If the wipers freeze to the windshield, the excessive resistance during system startup can easily overload the motor or blow a fuse. Prolonged pressure on the rubber blades may cause deformation and cracking, affecting cleaning performance. When lifted, the wipers hang freely, reducing the chance of freezing, and the dry air helps with maintenance. I usually do this before parking in cold weather, especially when freezing rain is forecasted. Some vehicles have a maintenance mode that allows the wipers to be lifted with a simple push. In short, this small action saves repair costs and extends the lifespan of the wipers.

[VonCamille]

Living in the north, it's necessary to lift the wiper blades in winter. Otherwise, they may freeze onto the windshield, potentially damaging the wiper arms or motor upon startup. With them lifted, de-icing becomes much easier—just scrape the glass directly. The rubber blades won't stick or deform, extending their lifespan. This habit prevents unnecessary malfunctions, especially when parking in snowy conditions.