Snow is Coming – Probably Going to See This in Minnesota

Snow has been predicted for today, and through the weekend off and on.  It doesn't look like it's going to be a ton of it, but whenever it snows, I notice people doing this, and it seems so odd to me.

I have lived here in Minnesota for most of my life.  There was a span of 10 years where I did not live here, and now I'm back and I see people doing this, and I've never seen it before.  Is it really necessary?

When there is snow/freezing rain/sleet in the forecast, people will now raise up their windshield wipers and let them sit like that for the entire time they are at work.  Their car is parked in the parking lot, so no cover, and I do understand that it may be easier to clean off snow and possibly ice when you go out to clean off your vehicle.

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But is this practice ok?  Like won't it potentially hurt the wiper or at least the arms of the wipers?  By the way, my car doesn't even do this.  Like I can't lift the wipers and let them just stay like that.  Not an option.

I did some research since there were so many people doing it in our parking lot here at the radio station.

Here is what I found from a simple Google search:

• Pros of lifting wiper blades:

  • Easier to scrape off snow and ice from the windshield. 
  • Protects the rubber wiper blade from freezing to the glass. 

• Cons of lifting wiper blades:
• Can potentially weaken the wiper arm springs if left up for long periods. 
• May expose the wiper mechanism to wind damage. 

Alternative options:

• Use winter wiper blades: These are designed to perform better in cold weather conditions.

• Let your car warm up before using the wipers: This helps defrost any ice buildup on the windshield.

Maybe it's a good thing that my car's wipers doesn't have that option because it seems like maybe...just maybe it's not a good idea.  But - people will do whatever they think works for them. I think it's odd, but not my circus.