I do this just about every time a large snow or freezing rain is in the forecast.

Most wiper arms extend outward from your vehicle. It’s one of those cool little secrets many people are unaware of. I’m not sure of the original intent of this design, but it does keep your blades away from the ice and snow, as seen in the picture below. It also makes it easier to replace the blades.

If you’ve ever turned on the wipers while your windshield is covered with snow and/or ice, you’re familiar with the sound of rubber scraping across the ice. It damages the blades. Last year I came in while it was raining, and left the wipers on when I turned off ignition. The rain froze overnight, and when I started my vehicle the next morning, the blades were ripped to shreds as they scraped across the ice covered windshield.

An alternative is to start your car with the defrost set on high and let it melt. I do that most days when little precipitation has fallen. I also have a remote starter/alarm system and it’s impossible to drive the vehicle away. Leaving the car running with the keys in the ignition is merely an invitation for someone to drive off in your vehicle.

If you’re parked where prankster teenagers or common hoodlums live, you would be well advised to keep them down. The blades may not be there in the morning.

Wipers blades should be changed when they no longer perform, not every six months as the manufacturer suggests on the packaging.

Contrary to what some may say, it does not reduce the life of the spring in the arm. I’ve been doing it on my truck for seven years and the springs still work fine.

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