As winter blankets the landscape with snow and ice, ensuring your vehicle is ready for the challenges of the season becomes crucial. One simple yet effective practice is lifting your windshield wipers. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the nuances of putting windshield wipers up for snow, debunk common myths, and provide insights into the best practices for winter wiper care. Let Bosoko car wiper manufacturer explore for you.
When a snowstorm is on the horizon, preparing your vehicle can save you time and effort in the long run. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to put windshield wipers up for snow:
**Clear Debris: Before lifting the wipers, ensure they are free of any debris, ice, or snow. Use a soft brush or your gloved hands to gently clear off accumulated elements. This prevents potential damage when you raise the wipers.
**Lift the Wipers: Gently lift the wiper arms away from the windshield. Most vehicles allow you to lift the wipers into a vertical position, ensuring they are clear of the glass surface. Take care not to force the wipers, as excessive pressure could damage the mechanism.
**Secure in Place: Once lifted, some wiper arms have a locking mechanism that secures them in the raised position. If your vehicle has this feature, engage it to prevent the wipers from falling back down.
By following these simple steps, you create a protective gap between the wiper blades and the windshield, reducing the risk of ice buildup and ensuring a smoother start in the morning.
There's a common misconception that preemptively raising windshield wipers before it snows can lead to damage or reduced spring tension. However, this is largely a myth. Modern windshield wiper systems are designed to handle the stresses of being raised and lowered regularly.
Raising the wipers before a snowfall is a proactive measure to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. It can save you time and effort when you're ready to hit the road, as you won't need to contend with ice-covered wipers. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of damage to the wiper blades when you start your vehicle, especially in extremely cold conditions.
Leaving windshield wipers in the raised position overnight is generally a safe practice, especially during heavy snowfall or freezing rain. By doing so, you prevent the wipers from adhering to the windshield, reducing the effort required to free them in the morning.
Modern wiper systems are designed to handle extended periods in the raised position without any adverse effects. However, if your vehicle is equipped with a wiper arm locking mechanism, it's advisable to use it to secure the wipers in place. This ensures they remain elevated and ready for action when needed.
In colder climates, it's generally better to leave windshield wipers in the raised position when your vehicle is not in use. This practice prevents the wiper blades from freezing to the windshield, making it easier to clear any ice or snow when you're ready to drive.
If your vehicle has a built-in heating element along the windshield wiper resting area, leaving the wipers down might be acceptable. However, in extremely cold conditions, the benefits of keeping the wipers raised—reduced risk of freezing and easier cleanup—usually outweigh any potential downsides.
Volkswagen
Turn off the ignition and open the hood.
Locate the wiper arm adjustment lever (usually near the wiper motor) and pull it towards you.
The wiper arms should automatically raise to the upright position.
You can also use the wiper lever on the steering wheel to raise the wipers.
Mercedes
Turn off the ignition and open the hood.
Locate the wiper arm adjustment lever (usually located at the end of the wiper arm) and press and hold it down.
While holding down the lever, lift the wiper arm up to the upright position.
Release the lever and the wiper arm should stay in the upright position.
BMW
Turn off the ignition and open the hood.
Locate the wiper arm adjustment lever (usually located at the end of the wiper arm) and pull it towards you while simultaneously pressing the wiper button on the lever.
The wiper arm should automatically raise to the upright position.
You can also use the wiper stalk on the steering wheel to raise the wipers.
In conclusion, lifting your windshield wipers before snowy or icy conditions is a simple yet effective way to enhance winter driving convenience. It dispels common myths about potential damage and provides practical steps for optimal wiper care during cold weather. As you prepare your vehicle with custom windshield wipers for winter, incorporating these practices can contribute to a safer and more efficient driving experience.