Pros and Cons of Lifting Wiper Blades Before Ice & Snow

Wiper Blade Maintenance

The practice of lifting windshield wipers off the windshield before a winter storm is a common one, and it comes with both pros and cons. 

Windshield Wiper Blade Pros

Prevents Freezing: Lifting the wipers can help prevent them from freezing to the windshield during a winter storm. When the wipers are frozen to the glass, it can be challenging to break the ice and operate them effectively.

Easier to De-ice: When the wipers are lifted, it's easier to de-ice the windshield without obstruction. This can be especially helpful if you need to scrape off ice or apply de-icing solutions to the windshield.

Preserves Wiper Blades: Keeping the wipers off the windshield can prevent them from getting stuck to the ice and accumulating snow, which could potentially damage the wiper blades. It may prolong the life of the wiper blades.

Windshield Wiper Blade Lifting Cons

Potential for Damage: Lifting the wipers can sometimes cause them to become misaligned or damaged, especially if strong winds are involved. In some cases, the wiper arms may freeze in an upright position, making it challenging to put them back down.

Wiper Arm Stress: Constantly lifting and lowering the wiper arms may cause stress on the wiper arm joints and connecting mechanisms. Over time, this stress could lead to wear and tear.

Not Foolproof: While lifting the wipers can help prevent them from freezing to the windshield, it's not a foolproof method. If there's significant ice buildup or freezing rain, the wipers may still become stuck.

Lifting your windshield wipers before a winter storm can be beneficial in preventing freezing and facilitating easier de-icing. However, it's important to be cautious to avoid potential damage, especially in windy conditions. If you choose to lift your wipers, make sure to gently lower them back onto the windshield before driving to prevent any issues with visibility or damage to the wiper system

Windshield Washer Fluid 👉 Buy Here    

Windshield Ice Scraper 👉 Buy Here

Tips to Take Care of Your Wiper Blades

Checking your wiper blades could keep you out of harm's way. Having poor worn-out wiper blades can affect your driving ability. You should make a plan to check your wipers properly. 

Keeping on top your wiper blades provide you adequate visibility during inclement weather. Wiper blades should be changed every 6 months to a year. Changing your own wiper blades is simple and easy. You just need to go to an auto parts store like AutoZone. They can look up the kind you need. Swapping them is a simple job.   

  5 Tips to Take Care of Your Windshield Wipers

• Defrost and Scrape Before Using the Wipers.

• Replace the Blades at Least Twice a Year.

• Keep the Windshield Clean.

• Never Run the Wipers on a Dry Windshield.

• Reposition the Blades During the Winter.

Reminders on when to check your wipers 

• During an oil change.

• When you fill gas.

• After a car wash.

• Before a road trip.

• At the start of Winter and Spring seasons.

Jeep Momma contains Amazon affiliate links. I receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. I recommend products and services because I think they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.