Leaving Your Windshield Wipers Up During A Snow Storm Is A Mistake In Minnesota

Do you pull up your windshield wipers before a big snowstorm? Many people do, as it prevents them from getting buried under snow and ice. But there's evidence that shows it's not a good idea, and you could actually be causing more harm than good.

Vehicle owners think they are saving time by leaving the wipers up so they won't have to wait for them to thaw out, and it will be easier to clean the windshield. AAA warns us that there could be some long-term damage to the wiper blade assembly.

Long Term Damage To Springs

Leaving the windshield wipers up stretches the spring that holds the wiper tight against your windshield. Over time, it can stretch the springs enough that the wiper blades won't make strong enough contact with the windshield to do the job.

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Plus, a heavy wind gust could potentially cause the wipers to smack into the windshield with heavy force, cracking the window or the windshield wiper.

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So What Do You Do Instead?

AAA suggests that you leave the wipers down on your car, and if you're worried about snow on your windshield, buy a snow cover. They are pretty cheap, and they can save you a lot of time.

Another suggestion from AAA is to put plastic bags over the wipers if you are worried about it. It's also a good time to remind you to use cold-weather windshield washer fluid,. With the extreme cold we've been seeing in recent weeks, the warm weather windshield washer fluid will likely freeze in your car.