Windshield Wipers in Snow: Up or Down?

Winter can be tough on cars, especially when snow blankets the windshield. But what do you do with those wipers? Keep them up or leave them down? It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference during the cold months.

When snow starts to pile up, some folks swear by lifting their wipers up. They say it prevents them from freezing to the glass. Makes sense, right? But others argue that leaving them down can avoid causing tension on the wiper arms and springs.

Now, imagine coming out after a storm and your wipers are frozen stiff to the windshield. Not a great way to start the day. So, what's the real deal here? Do you keep them raised to dodge the freeze or is there more to consider?

• The Science of Wiper Position
• Pros and Cons of Keeping Them Up
• When to Leave Them Down
• Practical Tips for Winter

The Science of Wiper Position

Alright, let’s talk about the practical and nerdy side of windshield wipers and their positioning in snowy weather. Why would it matter if they’re up or down? Science has your back here.

The idea behind lifting wipers is all about physics—yup, that class finally has some real-world use. When a blizzard hits, snow and ice can quickly freeze your wipers to the glass. Raising them helps prevent this by keeping the blades from being glued to the windshield.

Why is this a big deal? If the wipers get stuck and you force them on, you could damage the wiper motor or the rubber blades. Nobody wants a costly repair in the dead of winter.

“When the wipers are lifted, you're reducing contact with the windshield, which helps prevent freezing,” explains Dr. Emily Johnson, an automotive scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center.

However, leaving them up isn’t risk-free. Extending the wiper arms can possibly stress the springs and hinges, especially if they’re older or already worn out. It's a classic case of weighing the pros and cons based on your specific situation.

Let’s drill down with a bit more detail on potential risks of keeping them down. If heavy snow falls, the weight can actually bend or warp the wipers. Plus, when snow gets into the little joints of the wipers, it can freeze and make them less effective.

So, whether you prop them up or let them stay down during a storm can depend on your area, the type of snow, and even your car's model. Understanding these factors helps make sure your winter car care approach keeps your windshield in top shape!

Pros and Cons of Keeping Them Up

So, you're thinking about lifting those windshield wipers to face the snowy wrath. But is it really the best move? Let's break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision this winter.

Pros:

• Prevent Freezing: The biggest advantage is that wipers won't freeze to the windshield. No more chipping away ice with just your fingers while muttering creatively under your breath.
• Easy to Clean: Having them up lets you clear snow from your windshield more easily without wiper blades getting in the way. It’s one less thing to deal with in the morning rush.

Cons:

• Tension on Wipers: Leaving them up can put extra stress on the blades and springs, which might wear them out faster. Considering new blades aren't exactly cheap, this is something to chew on.
• Blades at Risk: A gust of wind or someone brushing past might knock them down accidentally, potentially damaging the wiper arms or blades.

People in areas with heavy snowfall often base their decision on just how intense their winters get. If your region faces relentless snow, keeping them up might save you time. But if that doesn't sound like your neighborhood, maybe hold off on reaching for the sky.

When to Leave Them Down

Leaving the windshield wipers down might not be as crazy as it sounds. It does have its perks, especially if you're in a place where the snow doesn't turn into a solid ice block overnight. Why? Well, one reason is that it keeps those wiper arms relaxed. Imagine if they stayed up all night, and you're like stretching a rubber band over and over – it might lose its bounce!

Some experts say that keeping your wipers down means they won't snap back down onto the windshield in super cold weather. Plus, it helps avoid damaging those springs that help the wipers move smoothly across your glass nestled below.

But hold on, there's more. If you use a car cover or park in a garage, keeping them down makes sense. This way, they're snug and safe under the cover or indoors, protected from the harsh elements. Not every snowstorm comes with a massive freeze, and in milder conditions, having the wipers down is no big deal.

Before heading into the extreme cold, make sure you set up a plan for how to free those wipers if they do freeze onto the glass. Use a de-icer spray or fluid in your winter car care arsenal to make your life easier when the cold monster strikes.

Practical Tips for Winter

When winter comes, keeping your car in tip-top shape can feel like a chore. But with a few simple tips, you can make sure your windshield wipers are ready to tackle whatever snowy challenges come their way.

First things first, if you live in a place where snowy mornings are common, consider switching to winter blades. They're designed to handle snow and ice better than regular ones, ensuring clearer visibility.

Another handy tip is to lift your windshield wipers if you expect freezing overnight temperatures. It'll help prevent them from getting stuck to the windscreen. Just don't forget to gently place them back down before you drive off.

• Defrost with care: Before you even think about using your wipers, make sure to scrape off heavy snow and ice. Letting the defroster run for a few minutes can also help loosen up any stubborn patches.
• Wiper fluid matters: Use a winter-grade washer fluid that won't freeze and will dissolve ice faster. This small step can save you a lot of trouble.
• Regular checks: Inspect your wipers regularly for any tears or wear. Even the best blades lose their touch after a while, and winter isn't the time for sub-par wipers.

You might also want to keep a small emergency kit in the trunk with essentials like a scraper, brush, and maybe even a small bag of kitty litter for traction if you get stuck. It's all about being prepared!

Finally, remember that while these tips help, there's no substitute for safe driving. Slow down, keep a comfortable distance, and always be aware of the road conditions around you.