Should I Put My Wipers Up When It Snows?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You live in a region where overnight snowfall frequently exceeds 2 inches and you park your car outdoors; raising the blades can keep them from freezing solid to the glass.
• Good fit: Your vehicle has a built‑in wiper‑lift mechanism and you plan to clear the snow and ice manually before driving, so the blades stay clear and ready.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: The wipers are not designed to be lifted and forcing them up could bend the arm or damage the motor.
• Warning sign: You rely on the wipers to clear snow quickly after a storm and leaving them down avoids an extra step before you can see the road.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Reduces the chance that ice will bond the blade to the windshield, saving time and preventing blade wear.
• Helps keep the rubber edge from cracking in extreme cold when the blade is not in use.

Cons

• Improper lifting can stress the wiper arm, lead to misalignment, or damage the motor.
• If you forget to lower the blades before driving, visibility may be compromised and you could damage the windshield.

Decision Checklist

• Do your wipers have a manufacturer‑approved lift feature or are they designed to stay down?
• How much snowfall do you typically receive and how quickly can you clear it?
• Will you remember to lower the wipers before you start driving?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of lifting the blades, you can cover the windshield with a fitted snow cover, use a windshield de‑icer spray, or regularly scrape ice from the glass. Some drivers install heated wiper blades or a windshield heating element, which reduce the need to lift the blades at all.

Final Recommendation

If your vehicle’s wipers are equipped with a proper lift mechanism and you regularly park outdoors in heavy snow, raising them can be a sensible precaution. Otherwise, rely on windshield covers and timely de‑icing, and avoid forcing the blades upward. For high‑stakes situations, such as extreme climates or commercial fleets, consult the vehicle’s owner manual or a qualified mechanic.