Should I Put My Windshield Wipers Up Before It Snows?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You own a vehicle with a factory‑designed wiper‑lift or a manual arm that can be raised without forcing the mechanism, and you expect a heavy, dry snowfall that tends to coat the blades with ice.
• Good fit: You park your car outdoors for several days during a snowstorm and have easy access to the wipers, so lifting them saves time and effort when you later need to clear the glass.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Your car’s wiper arms are not meant to be lifted (e.g., they lack a lift pin or are attached to an integrated motor); forcing them can bend the arms or damage the linkage.
• Warning sign: The forecast calls for wet, heavy snow or a mix of snow and rain, which is more likely to cause the wipers to stick to the glass if left up, increasing the chance of blade breakage when you lower them.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Reduces the amount of snow and ice that accumulates on the blade edge, making post‑storm clearing faster.
• Helps protect the rubber from freezing to the glass, potentially extending blade life.

Cons

• If the wiper arms are not securely locked in the lifted position, they can sag or snap under the weight of snow.
• Leaving the wipers up adds an extra step before you can drive; forgetting to lower them can be hazardous.

Decision Checklist

• Does my vehicle have a dedicated wiper‑lift feature or a safe method to raise the arms?
• Is the expected snowfall dry and likely to freeze on the blades, or will it be wet and heavy?
• Do I have an alternative protection method (cover, shelter) that might be easier or safer?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of lifting the wipers, you can use a fitted windshield cover, park under a carport or garage, apply a quick‑dry anti‑ice spray before the storm, or use a soft brush to clear loose snow after the snowfall ends. These options avoid mechanical stress on the wiper system while still keeping the glass clear.

Final Recommendation

If your car is equipped with a proper lift mechanism and you anticipate a prolonged dry snow that will freeze on the blades, raising the wipers is a reasonable precaution. In other cases—especially with vehicles lacking a lift feature, or when snow is expected to be wet—consider using a cover or sheltered parking instead. For any uncertainty about potential damage, consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a qualified automotive technician.