When Should You Leave Your Windshield Wipers Up?
Propping up your windshield wipers before a snowstorm is a common practice, but is it really the best approach? According to AAA, the answer is no. While it’s not necessarily a bad habit, there are certain situations where leaving your wipers up can cause more harm than good.
Why Leave Your Wipers Up?
Skyler McKinley, with AAA, is a born-and-raised Coloradan who’s in the habit of leaving his wipers up ahead of snow, ice, and other winter weather conditions. He finds that it keeps them from freezing to the windshield, which can cause damage over time and speed up the scraping and defrosting process. This method can be especially useful for drivers who live in areas prone to heavy snowfall.
Risks to Leaving Wipers Up
However, McKinley also cautions that leaving your wipers up for every storm, or for a prolonged period of time, can do more harm than good. This is because it can damage or stress the springs over time. He also advises against leaving your wipers up if you know there’s severe wind incoming, as this can bend the wiper arm, strain the springs, or slam the whole assembly into the glass with force.
The Official AAA Suggestion
According to AAA, the best practice is to leave your wiper blades down and put a blanket or snow cover over the windshield ahead of a storm. This approach avoids the risks associated with leaving your wipers up and makes it easy to clear off your windshield in the morning.
Conclusion
While leaving your wipers up may have its advantages, it’s not a practice that’s always recommended. As McKinley points out, there are certain situations where it’s better to err on the side of caution and follow AAA’s official suggestion. By understanding the risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about how to best prepare your vehicle for winter weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do some drivers leave their wipers up before a snowstorm?
A: Some drivers, like Skyler McKinley, leave their wipers up to keep them from freezing to the windshield, which can cause damage over time and speed up the scraping and defrosting process.
Q: Is it safe to leave my wipers up for every storm?
A: No, leaving your wipers up for every storm can damage or stress the springs over time. It’s best to follow AAA’s official suggestion and leave your wipers down, with a blanket or snow cover over the windshield.
Q: What are the risks of leaving my wipers up?
A: Leaving your wipers up can bend the wiper arm, strain the springs, or slam the whole assembly into the glass with force, especially if there’s severe wind incoming.
