Is it Bad to Put Your Windshield Wipers Up? Risks & Best Practices

Ever wondered whether parking your car with the wipers standing tall is a clever trick or a hidden hazard? The answer isn’t black‑and‑white, and the right choice depends on the weather, how your vehicle is built, and what you plan to do with the car later on. Below we break down the mechanics, the pros and cons, and the exact steps to keep your wipers in good shape year after year.

What a Windshield wiper is a moving device that clears rain, snow, or debris from a vehicle’s windshield actually does

A Windshield wiper consists of several parts that work together: the motor, the linkage, the Wiper arm the metal bracket that holds the blade and pivots on the hood, and the Wiper blade the rubber strip that actually contacts the glass. When you flip the switch, the motor drives the arms back and forth, sweeping moisture away so you can see clearly.

Why drivers think about raising the wipers

In colder climates, a thick layer of ice can glue the blades to the glass overnight. Many owners lift the Windshield wiper so the rubber doesn’t fuse with the ice, saving a costly blade replacement. Others simply enjoy the aesthetic of a car that looks ready for a winter race, or they use the raised position as a visual cue that the vehicle is in storage.

Mechanical and safety implications of the “up” position

Putting the wipers up can be safe, but only if the vehicle’s design supports it. Modern cars often have a built‑in “park” position where the arms rest against a rubber stop on the hood. This position keeps the blades from touching the paint and ensures the motor’s gears are comfortably seated. If you force the arms higher than the factory‑specified park angle, a few things can go wrong:

• Arm stress: The Wiper arm may bend, leading to uneven wiping or a squeaky motor.
• Blade wear: The rubber can curl or split if it’s pressed against the hood for long periods.
• Paint damage: The metal bracket can scrape the clear coat, especially in wet or salty environments.
• Motor strain: Some systems keep a small torque on the motor when the arms are parked. Over‑extending the arms can stress the gearbox and shorten its life.

Another hidden risk is the Rain sensor an optical sensor mounted behind the windshield that detects moisture and auto‑activates the wipers. If the wipers are lifted too far, the sensor’s field of view can be blocked, causing it to think the windshield is always wet and triggering the wipers continuously when you finally lower them.

Pros of keeping the wipers up - and when they actually help

When a vehicle’s manual specifically mentions a “park” or “raised” position, using it is a good habit. It keeps the blades from freezing solid and gives you a quick visual reminder that the car is being stored.

Best‑practice guidelines for winter wiper storage

1. Check the owner’s manual. Look for the exact angle or stop location recommended for your model.
2. Clean the blades first. Remove mud, salt, and grime with a mild soap solution; dried residue can accelerate rubber degradation.
3. Lift the wipers only to the factory‑specified park position. If the arms rest against a rubber stopper, you’re good to go.
4. Consider a windshield wipers up cover. A simple plastic shield shields the blades from snow, ice, and UV exposure.
5. If you anticipate months of inactivity, detach the blades entirely and store them in a dry bag. This eliminates any chance of freeze‑on damage.
6. Verify the Rain sensor is unobstructed before you head out in spring; a blocked sensor can cause the wipers to stay on.
7. Run the wipers a few times after the first thaw to free any stuck blades and to lubricate the moving parts.

Common myths busted

Myth 1: Leaving wipers down all winter protects the motor. In reality, the motor is idle when the wipers are parked. The real threat comes from the rubber freezing flat onto the glass, which can pull the motor’s gears when you try to use them.

Myth 2: Raising the wipers eliminates all ice risk. Ice can still form on the arm, the hinge, or the blade’s metal backing. A protective cover or a simple tarp is still advisable.

Myth 3: All cars can have the wipers fully lifted. Some older models have a fixed “rest” position; forcing the arms higher can damage the linkage.

Winter‑ready checklist

• Inspect the Wiper blade for cracks or splits.
• Confirm the Wiper arm rests on the factory stop.
• Apply a silicone‑based protectant to the rubber edge.
• Cover the windshield and wipers with a breathable tarp.
• Check the Vehicle warranty terms - some manufacturers void warranty claims if you damage the wipers by improper storage.
• Note the date of storage; plan a quick inspection before the first spring drive.

When to keep the wipers down

If you live in a milder climate where ice isn’t a concern, there’s little reason to raise them. Keeping the arms down protects the rubber from sun‑induced cracking and reduces the chance of accidental damage from birds or debris hitting the exposed blades. Also, if your car sits in a garage with a humid environment, leaving the wipers down can help moisture evaporate more quickly.

Bottom line

Raising your Windshield wiper is not inherently bad - it becomes a problem only when you exceed the manufacturer’s designed park position or ignore the protective stops. Follow the manual, use a cover, and you’ll avoid blade tearing, arm bending, and paint scratches. In short, respect the engineering, and your wipers will thank you for many seasons.