{"id":2454,"date":"2025-02-20T15:50:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T20:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecoportal.net\/en\/?p=2454"},"modified":"2026-06-30T04:25:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T08:25:22","slug":"windshield-snowstorm-wipers-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecoportal.net\/en\/windshield-snowstorm-wipers-winter\/2454\/","title":{"rendered":"AAA says lifting windshield wipers before a snowstorm can actually damage your car"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are two sides to the discussion about whether it’s a good idea to leave your windshield wipers up during snowstorms or not, but trusted professionals such as the AAA have weighed in<\/strong> with their opinions. It’s a common practice in some parts of the world that are prone to severe icy weather to prop the wipers on vehicles up when storms hit, among other techniques that are believed to minimize potential damage or maximize preparedness.<\/p>\n

You can find the AAA’s thoughts on the practice below, and the answer is more complex than you may think.<\/p>\n

Why do drivers put their windshield blades up to prepare for a snowstorm?<\/h2>\n

There are several things that people do to prepare their vehicles for a storm, such as making sure their gas tanks are full, putting an emergency bag in the car, and keeping a supply of snacks and water ready to take with if they have to leave the area by driving.<\/p>\n

Many motorists believe that propping windshield wipers in the upright position instead of leaving them lying flat on the windshield in the standard position is a good idea. The reasoning behind the common routine is that it’s apparently easier to clear the windshield<\/strong> after the harsh weather retreats and it prevents the blades from sticking<\/strong> to the surface, which causes damage over time and takes energy and time to clear. There’s also less risk of burning the wiper motor out if they are stuck to the glass.<\/p>\n

Experts add their professional opinions to the winter wiper debate<\/h2>\n

This may be true, but the windshield wiper consideration only applies in certain kinds of storms<\/strong>, according to Skylar McKinley from the AAA. He says that as a Coloradan, he’s familiar with winter weather conditions and is in the habit of putting his own wiper blades up for the same two reasons listed above and hasn’t experienced major problems. However, he clarified that there are risks to this strategy.<\/p>\n

McKinley explained that leaving the wipers up during every storm or for a prolonged period can do more harm than good. Leaving them in the upright position can damage or stress the springs over time<\/strong>, making them weaker. There’s also a chance of cracking or shattering the windshield<\/strong> in the process of manipulating the parts while frozen.<\/p>\n

This is McKinley’s advice:<\/p>\n

“I also won’t leave them up if I know there’s severe wind incoming as part of the wintry mix, since wind can bend the wiper arm, strain the springs, or slam the whole assembly into the glass with force.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

McKinley reported that the AAA’s official suggestion is to always leave the blades down and rather place a blanket or snow cover<\/strong> over the windshield ahead of a storm to avoid both risks and inconveniences.<\/p>\n

Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs at AAA Northeast, takes a different view, stating that leaving your windshield wipers up is a safe option.<\/p>\n

“I don’t see any harm in it, though you still have to clean the snow off the glass.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

AutoZone says that there are advantages to leaving wipers up in freezing weather:<\/p>\n

“If you turn the wipers on while the blades are frozen to the windshield, it can easily rip the wiper blade’s rubber edge. And as they move over ice, it can nick the edges so they won’t clear well anymore. And if they’re stuck badly, your wiper arms can get damaged.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There are also two reasons to avoid the practice, AutoZone reports:<\/p>\n

“Once you stretch out that spring, the wiper arm can no longer provide the right amount of pressure, causing poor wipe quality. Also, when the wiper arm is in the up position, it is not stable and can easily slam down onto the windshield due to the force of the spring. This force can pull the wiper blade back to the windshield hard enough to crack the glass.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The AAA has tips for weathering an ice storm<\/h2>\n

The AAA offers these safety tips to ensure your wiper blades<\/a> are up to the job<\/strong> when you need them the most:<\/p>\n