Raise Wipers Snow: How to Protect Your Windshield Wipers in Winter

When snow piles up, your windshield wipers, the rubber blades that clear rain and snow from your windshield. Also known as wiper blades, they’re one of the most overlooked parts of your car’s safety system. If left down during a snowstorm, they can freeze to the glass. When you turn them on later, the motor strains, the arms bend, or the rubber tears. Raising them before the snow hits isn’t just a trick—it’s a simple way to avoid a $200 repair bill.

People often think leaving wipers up is risky—that it might damage the springs or bend the arms. But modern wiper arms are built to handle it. The real danger is letting them stick. Ice doesn’t just glue them down—it can crack the rubber, warp the frame, or even strip the motor gears. If you’ve ever tried to pry frozen wipers off your windshield and heard a snap, you know what we mean. Winter car maintenance, the routine tasks that keep your vehicle running safely in cold weather. Raising wipers is one of the easiest, cheapest things you can do. It takes five seconds. No tools. No cost. Just lift them gently away from the glass and let them rest upright. Some drivers even use a small piece of wood or a foam block under the blade to keep it from touching the hood if it’s windy.

It’s not just about snow. Freezing rain, sleet, and overnight frost can do the same damage. And if you live where temperatures drop below freezing for weeks, this isn’t optional. Think of it like covering your car’s eyes before a blizzard. You wouldn’t leave them exposed. Why leave your wipers vulnerable? Wiper blade damage, common wear caused by ice, debris, and improper storage. It’s not always visible until it’s too late. A tiny crack in the rubber means streaks. Streaks mean reduced visibility. Reduced visibility means danger.

And while you’re at it, check your wiper fluid. Make sure it’s rated for sub-zero temps. Regular washer fluid freezes too—and that’s worse than frozen wipers because it clogs the nozzles. Replace old blades before winter hits. Even if they look okay, rubber hardens in cold weather. New blades make a huge difference when you need clear vision the most.

You’ll find plenty of advice online about which wipers are best, whether beam blades outperform traditional ones, and if AutoZone really installs them for free. But none of that matters if your wipers are stuck to the glass. The foundation of good winter driving isn’t the most expensive part—it’s the smart habit you do before the storm. Raising your wipers isn’t a hack. It’s basic care. And if you’ve ever been stuck on a snowy road because you couldn’t see, you already know how much that one small action is worth.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from drivers who’ve learned the hard way—what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your wipers working when you need them most.