Have you ever walked through a parking lot and noticed a sea of cars with their windshield wipers standing upright like little arms reaching for the sky? It’s a surprisingly common sight, but have you ever stopped to wonder why people do this? The reasons are varied, ranging from practical concerns about weather to simple acts of prevention. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of windshield wiper etiquette and the rationale behind this peculiar parking lot phenomenon.
Protecting Your Wipers from the Elements
One of the primary reasons people lift their windshield wipers is to shield them from harsh weather conditions. This is especially true during the winter months when snow and ice can wreak havoc on these crucial car components.
Preventing Wipers from Freezing to the Windshield
The most common reason for lifting wipers in winter is to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. When temperatures drop below freezing, any moisture present between the wiper blade and the glass can turn into ice. This ice can firmly bond the wiper blade to the windshield, making it difficult, if not impossible, to detach them without causing damage.
Trying to forcefully pull frozen wipers off the windshield can result in tearing the rubber blade, cracking the windshield itself, or even damaging the wiper motor. Lifting the wipers prevents this direct contact, eliminating the risk of them freezing solid.
Avoiding Ice Buildup
Even if the wipers don’t freeze completely to the windshield, heavy snowfall or freezing rain can accumulate on the blades, weighing them down and potentially damaging the wiper arms or motor. The added weight can also put undue stress on the wiper blades, shortening their lifespan. By lifting the wipers, you prevent this buildup and protect the integrity of the entire wiper system.
Shielding Against Sun Damage
While winter weather is a common culprit, the sun can also damage windshield wipers. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the rubber blades to dry out, crack, and become brittle. This deterioration reduces the wipers’ effectiveness, leading to streaking and poor visibility during rain or snow. Lifting the wipers can reduce the surface area exposed to the sun, helping to prolong their life.
Preventing Damage and Wear
Beyond weather-related concerns, there are other reasons why people choose to lift their windshield wipers. These reasons often revolve around preventing accidental damage or minimizing wear and tear.
Avoiding Accidental Activation
Sometimes, wipers can be accidentally activated, especially if someone leans against the wiper control stalk inside the car. If the wipers are frozen to the windshield, this accidental activation can cause significant damage to the blades, the wiper arms, or the motor. Lifting the wipers eliminates this possibility.
Protecting Against Vandalism
While not a widespread issue, vandalism is a reality. Windshield wipers are vulnerable to being torn off or damaged. Lifting them makes them less of an easy target for vandals. It’s a simple deterrent that can potentially save you the cost of replacing damaged wipers.
Reducing Blade Deterioration from Long Periods of Inactivity
If a car is going to be parked for an extended period, such as during a vacation or business trip, lifting the wipers can help prevent them from deteriorating due to prolonged contact with the windshield. The constant pressure of the blades against the glass, combined with dust and grime, can accelerate wear and tear. Lifting them alleviates this pressure.
The Psychology Behind Lifting Wipers
While practical reasons are the driving force behind lifting windshield wipers, there’s also a psychological aspect to consider. For some, it’s simply a matter of habit or a feeling of being proactive in protecting their vehicle.
A Visual Cue of Care
Lifting the wipers can be a visible signal to others that you care about your car and are taking steps to protect it. It’s a small action that demonstrates a sense of responsibility and attention to detail.
Following the Crowd
In some cases, people may lift their wipers simply because they see others doing it. This is especially true in areas where winter weather is prevalent. It becomes a social norm, and people adopt the practice without necessarily fully understanding the underlying reasons.
Are There Any Downsides to Lifting Windshield Wipers?
While lifting windshield wipers is generally considered a harmless practice, there are a few potential downsides to consider.
Potential for Weakening the Wiper Arm Spring
Some argue that lifting the wipers for extended periods can weaken the spring that holds the wiper arm against the windshield. However, this is generally not a significant concern, especially for shorter periods. The springs are designed to withstand constant tension, and the brief period of being lifted is unlikely to cause any lasting damage.
Risk of Wipers Falling Back Down
There is a slight risk that lifted wipers could fall back down onto the windshield, especially in windy conditions. This could potentially scratch the glass or damage the wiper blades. However, this is a relatively rare occurrence.
Aesthetic Concerns
Some people simply don’t like the way lifted wipers look. They may find it aesthetically unappealing and prefer to keep their wipers in the standard position. This is purely a matter of personal preference.
Alternatives to Lifting Wipers
If you’re concerned about the potential downsides of lifting wipers or simply prefer not to, there are alternative ways to protect them from the elements.
Using Windshield Covers
Windshield covers are designed to protect the entire windshield from snow, ice, and sun. They provide a barrier that prevents the wipers from freezing to the glass and shields them from UV damage.
Applying Windshield Washer Fluid with Anti-Freeze
Using a windshield washer fluid that contains anti-freeze can help prevent ice from forming on the windshield and wiper blades. This is a simple and effective way to protect your wipers in cold weather.
Purchasing Wiper Blade Covers
Wiper blade covers are small sleeves that slip over the wiper blades to protect them from the elements. They are a convenient and affordable option for keeping your wipers in good condition.
Conclusion
The practice of lifting windshield wipers is a multifaceted one, driven by a combination of practical concerns, psychological factors, and regional customs. While it’s not a necessity in all situations, it can be a helpful way to protect your wipers from the elements, prevent damage, and prolong their lifespan. Whether you choose to lift your wipers or not is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but understanding the reasons behind this common practice can help you make an informed decision. Protecting your windshield wipers, whether by lifting them or using alternative methods, is a small investment that can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Why do people lift their windshield wipers in the winter?
Lifting windshield wipers in winter is primarily done to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. When snow, sleet, or freezing rain falls and accumulates on the windshield, it can cause the wiper blades to freeze and stick to the glass. This can result in damage to the blades when you attempt to use them, potentially tearing the rubber or even damaging the wiper motor if it’s forced to operate while the blades are stuck.
By lifting the wipers, you keep the rubber blades from directly contacting the cold windshield. This reduces the chance of them freezing solid and allows any ice that forms to accumulate on the wiper arm instead, which is less susceptible to damage. It’s a preventative measure to extend the life of your wiper blades and ensure they’re ready for use when you need them.
Is it only for winter weather that people lift their wipers?
While winter weather is the most common reason for lifting windshield wipers, it’s not the only scenario where people might do it. In areas with extreme heat or strong sunlight, some people lift their wipers to prevent the rubber blades from deteriorating prematurely. Constant exposure to intense heat can cause the rubber to dry out, crack, and become less effective at clearing the windshield.
Lifting the wipers in these conditions reduces direct contact with the hot windshield surface, potentially prolonging the lifespan of the blades. Additionally, if you’re parking your car for an extended period, like at an airport or while traveling, lifting the wipers can help prevent them from getting stuck to the windshield due to dust, pollen, or sap, especially in areas prone to these issues.
Does lifting windshield wipers actually prevent damage?
Yes, lifting windshield wipers can effectively prevent certain types of damage. In winter, as previously mentioned, it prevents the blades from freezing to the windshield and potentially tearing or damaging the wiper motor. In hot weather, lifting the wipers reduces direct contact with the hot windshield surface, minimizing the risk of the rubber blades drying out and cracking due to prolonged heat exposure.
However, it’s important to remember that lifting wipers doesn’t offer complete protection. Strong winds could still damage them, and leaving them raised for extended periods in direct sunlight might still cause some degradation. While it’s a helpful preventative measure, regular maintenance and replacement of wiper blades are still necessary for optimal performance and safety.
Are there any downsides to lifting your windshield wipers?
While lifting windshield wipers has benefits, there are potential downsides to consider. Leaving wipers in a raised position for extended periods can weaken the spring mechanism that holds the wiper arm against the windshield. This can reduce the wiper’s effectiveness when you eventually use it, as the blades might not maintain consistent contact with the glass, resulting in streaks or incomplete clearing.
Another potential issue is the risk of the raised wiper arms falling back down and hitting the windshield, especially in windy conditions. This can cause scratches or even cracks in the glass, particularly if the wiper arms are made of metal. It’s crucial to ensure the wipers are securely raised and won’t easily fall back down to avoid any accidental damage.
Is it better to cover my windshield wipers instead of lifting them?
Covering windshield wipers can be a more effective solution than simply lifting them, especially in harsh winter conditions. Wiper covers, often made of neoprene or a similar insulating material, provide a complete barrier against ice and snow buildup. This prevents the blades from freezing to the windshield and shields them from the elements.
Furthermore, wiper covers can also offer protection against UV rays in sunny weather, preventing the rubber blades from drying out and cracking. Unlike lifting the wipers, covers don’t put stress on the wiper arm springs. However, they require more effort to install and remove compared to simply lifting the blades.
What is the proper way to lift windshield wipers to avoid damage?
To lift windshield wipers safely, gently pull the wiper arm away from the windshield. Most cars have a mechanism that allows the arm to be extended and locked in an upright position. Ensure you lift the arm straight up, avoiding any sideways pressure that could damage the pivot point.
Once the wiper arm is lifted, make sure it’s securely locked in the raised position to prevent it from falling back down and potentially damaging the windshield. If your car’s wipers don’t easily lift or seem stuck, avoid forcing them. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to properly raise the wipers for your vehicle model.
Can I use a de-icing solution on my windshield wipers instead of lifting them?
Using a de-icing solution on your windshield and wipers can be a convenient alternative to lifting them, particularly when dealing with light ice or frost. Specially formulated de-icing sprays are designed to melt ice quickly and effectively without damaging the rubber blades or the windshield. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the solution.
However, de-icing solutions may not be sufficient for heavy ice or snow accumulation. In such cases, manually removing the ice and snow with an ice scraper, followed by a de-icing spray, might be necessary. While de-icing solutions can be helpful, they don’t offer the same level of protection as lifting the wipers or using wiper covers during prolonged periods of freezing weather.