In many cities in the north of the country, cars parked under gray winter skies provide a scene that attracts the attention of those unaccustomed to snowstorms. Your windshield wipers stay raised and away from the windshield, a sign that the weather forecast predicts a buildup of ice and snow. For many drivers, this measure is intended to prevent the windshield wipers from sticking to the windshield and becoming damaged when they are removed or when the system is switched on.
The aim of the practice is prevent the rubber from freezing on the windshield surface. As reported Life in the SouthWhen this happens, attempting to use the wipers can result in material breakage and failure of the mechanism motor, requiring costly repairs. However, the measure does not meet with consensus among experts and triggers a debate that is repeated every winter season.
Some experts support the decision to raise the windshield wipers before a storm. GlassDoctor technicians warn that frozen windshield wipers can make winter driving a risky scenario. According to their recommendation, prevention prevents damage to parts and reduces the possibility of wear and tear in the system.
In the same vein, Harold Singh, director of property damage quality control at Erie Insurance, said “There are risks in both cases” in a company blog post. “But the risk is greater if you break the rubber trying to dislodge a frozen wiper, so leaving them on is probably your best option if possible.”
The industry that opposes this practice argues otherwise. As reported life in the south, Edmunds editorial director Steven Ewing claims that windshield wiper arms are exposed to strong winds when they are upright.
In his opinion, this situation is can bend or break the support and cause a more costly problem than rubber freezing. They recommend letting it rest on the windshield, removing any accumulated snow with a soft blade, and letting the vehicle’s defroster melt the remaining ice.
Additionally, he noted that frequent use of the elevated position can shorten the life of the internal springs. This wear affects the operation of the system and requires early replacement. For this reason, the final decision depends on each driver’s experience and confidence given the weather conditions.
Experts agree on one conclusion: there is no uniform answer. Those who live in warm areas with infrequent snowfall can set the windshield wipers to the desired position prevents the rubber from freezing. Instead, drivers exposed to high winds or severe storms may prefer the choice Keep them supported and rely on warmth the defroster to eliminate the ice buildup.
For those who choose to place them upright, the procedure requires care. First, the vehicle must remain switched off. Then, gently raise the passenger side wiper until it is firmly in the air, without straining your arm if resistance occurs.
The action is then repeated on the driver’s side. To clear snow or ice, We recommend you use a soft brush and a plastic spatula without applying hard objects that could scratch the glass.
In this way, the simple gesture of raising or not the wipers becomes a decision that reflects driving style, winter habits and different interpretations of vehicle care.
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