Why you shouldn't put your windshield wipers up when it snows

Many people stick their windshield wipers up in the air when it snows — but experts advise against it.

When you live in a cold climate, snowy weather often creates additional work for car owners. You may have to shovel your driveway, put chains on your tires or dig out your car after an especially large snowfall.

However, there’s one winter task that you shouldn’t do the next time there is ice and snow in the forecast. Do not put your vehicle’s windshield wipers straight up into the air.

Despite the fact that many people continue to do this, some experts caution against it. Here’s what you need to know the next time you park your car outdoors before a big snowstorm.

The logic behind putting your windshield wipers up in the air during snowy weather stems from yet another wintertime task: Having to scrape ice and brush snow off of your car’s windshield. By taking the windshield wipers off of the glass and standing them straight up into the air, some people believe that this helps prevent the wipers from sticking to the windshield, making it easier to scrape their windshield.