Should I Put My Windshield Wipers Up When It Snows?

As a vehicle owner, it’s important to take care of your car and ensure it’s properly maintained. This not only extends the life of your vehicle, but it also keeps you safe on the road.

One often overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance is the proper care of your windshield wipers. In snowy conditions, should you put your wipers up or leave them down? The answer may surprise you.

Putting your wipers up in snowy conditions can provide several benefits. For one, it helps clear snow and ice from the wipers themselves, allowing for better visibility and safer driving conditions.

It also protects the wipers from damage caused by freezing temperatures. But how do you properly put your wipers up in snowy conditions, and what tools and materials do you need?

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of putting your wipers up in snowy conditions and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so safely and effectively.

The function of windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are an essential part of any vehicle, providing clear visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. They work by sweeping back and forth across the windshield, removing snow, ice, and debris to improve visibility for the driver.

• Wipers are typically made of rubber, which allows them to effectively remove water and other substances from the windshield.
• They are attached to a metal arm that moves the wipers back and forth across the windshield.
• The wipers are activated by a switch or lever inside the vehicle, allowing the driver to control the speed and frequency of their movement.
• In addition to removing snow and ice, wipers can also help remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the windshield.

However, if wipers are left down in snowy conditions, they can become damaged or frozen in place. This can reduce their effectiveness and create a potential safety hazard for the driver.

The benefits of putting your wipers up in snowy conditions

Putting your wipers up in snowy conditions can provide several benefits, including:

• Clearing snow and ice from the wipers themselves, allowing for better visibility and safer driving conditions.
• Protecting the wipers from damage caused by freezing temperatures. When wipers are left down in snowy conditions, they can become frozen in place or become damaged by the snow and ice.
• Allowing for easier and more effective snow removal from the windshield. When wipers are left down, they can prevent snow from being completely cleared from the windshield, leading to reduced visibility and potential safety hazards.
• Helping to prevent damage to the wipers or the vehicle. If wipers are left down in snowy conditions, they can be damaged by the snow and ice, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements. By putting them up, you can avoid this potential damage and keep your vehicle in top shape.

How to properly put your wipers up in snowy conditions

To properly put your wipers up in snowy conditions, follow these steps:

1. Locate the wipers on your vehicle and identify the metal arm that moves them back and forth.
2. Use a cloth or towel to wipe any snow or ice off of the wipers and the metal arm. This will help prevent damage and make the wipers easier to move.
3. Gently lift the wipers off of the windshield. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this could damage the wipers or the vehicle.
4. Once the wipers are lifted off of the windshield, secure them in the upright position using a piece of string or rubber band.
5. Test the wipers to make sure they are securely in place and will not move or fall down during use.

You will need a cloth or towel, a piece of string or rubber band, and possibly a scraper or ice scraper to properly put your wipers up in snowy conditions. Be sure to exercise caution and avoid applying too much force, as this could damage the wipers or the vehicle.

Conclusion