During the winter, it is not uncommon to see parked vehicles with their windshield wipers pointing up. If you’re a new or amateur driver, then you may be wondering why. Adjusting your wipers is one of the best practices for New York drivers this time of year. With freezing temperatures, you never know when it may rain or snow. People put their windshield wipers up to prevent them from freezing on the windshield.
Having stuck windshield wipers can be a winter driving hazard. Without proper defrosting, you may turn them on without thought and rip and break your wipers. Whereas putting them up will prevent any freezing from happening. You can simply reposition them down before driving.
Are there Risks to Putting Your Windshield Wipers Up?
While everything has risks, these potential risks are very unlikely. Here are some examples:
- LIfting the blade too high can break them
- Wind can knock the blades back down and harm the windshield
- The wipers can get hit with debris
Other Windshield & Wipers Best Practices for the Winter
- Replace them if they have been on your car for more than 12 months for optimal visibility.
- Change the wipers if they are physically worn or no longer effective.
- Top off your windshield washer fluid, and make sure it is winter-proof. A solution with too much water can cause the fluid to freeze.
- Carry a snow brush and ice scraper to quicken defrosting time.
- Have your defrosters and heater inspected.
- Repair any cracks or damage on your windshield.
For all your automotive needs and seasonal maintenance, we welcome you to Gil’s Garage.