Why Should Wiper Blades Be Lifted Up in Snowy Weather?
3 Answers
The reason for lifting wiper blades in snowy weather: Since wiper blades are made of rubber, in cold weather, the windshield may freeze. If the wipers are not lifted, they can easily freeze to the glass, which can cause significant damage to the wipers. If you happen to be in a hurry to use the car, this could affect your travel plans. Therefore, in such situations, never force the wipers to start. In severe cases of freezing, the motor could burn out. To deal with frozen wiper blades, the car owner should turn on the heater after starting the vehicle and direct warm air toward the windshield to melt the ice that has frozen the wipers. Additionally, the owner should ensure timely replacement of antifreeze windshield washer fluid to prevent the nozzles from freezing. Wiper blades are tools installed on the front glass of motor vehicles to prevent rain and other debris from obstructing the driver's view. They come in two types: traditional intermittent wipers and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
I remember when I was a kid driving the family's old sedan, my father always reminded me to lift the wiper blades whenever it snowed. That one time I forgot, a heavy snow froze them solid overnight. The next morning, the wipers were stiff and wouldn't budge, making a terrible grinding noise that ended up damaging the motor—costing 500 bucks at the repair shop. Ice forming between the glass and wiper blades can easily tear the rubber strips or damage the linkage system when forced. Wiper blades themselves become brittle in cold temperatures, so lifting them keeps the blades suspended and prevents this bonding. It's a habit I've kept for over a decade—parking in northern winters always includes this step. It saves hassle and money, and can extend the wipers' lifespan by several years. It also makes winter car washes easier—just lift them up and clean the windshield without obstruction.
From a structural perspective, the wiper arm connected to the motor and the blade are prone to freezing onto the glass in low temperatures. Ice has strong adhesive force, and when activated, the motor pulls forcefully, potentially bending the arm or cracking the rubber blade, with motor damage being even more troublesome. When lifted upright, the contact surfaces separate, preventing snow and ice from sticking and avoiding accidents. Having driven various car models, I've noticed that older wipers with rubber strips are particularly susceptible to freezing damage. If temperatures suddenly drop below -10°C, this practice is almost a necessary safety precaution. Every time it snows, I check the wiper position—a simple action that prevents malfunctions upon startup after parking, saving driving time.
