Windshield Wipers & Colorado Snow Storms: What You Need To Know

Colorado's winter storms can make driving difficult. If you don't have the means to remove snow and ice from your car, you may be stuck until the storm passes.

Read More: Kiss $500 Goodbye If You Violate One Colorado Snow Law

Have you noticed that some drivers pull their windshield wipers up and away from the glass so they do not freeze to the windshield? The Colorado Department of Transportation says this is a common winter mistake that could make your drive home even more difficult.

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Don't Make This Winter Driving Mistake

If your car is parked outside during a snowstorm, is it a mistake to put windshield wipers up to keep them from being covered in snow and ice?

The folks at Autozone.com say this is not the best idea for the life of your wiper blades. A new pair of wiper blades can cost between $40 and $60 or more. Sometimes more. Lifting the blades off the glass to prepare for winter weather will ultimately damage the blades and shorten their lifespan.

Read More: It's Illegal To Warm Up Your Vehicle In Colorado

How Does Lifting the Wiperblades Cause Damage?

GlassDoctor.com says lifting the wiper blades in preparation for a storm can leave them exposed to the high winds, which can leave them bent, bending, or broken if the storm packs severe winds. If strong winds slam the blade back down on the glass, it could cause a crack in the windshield.

Lifting the blades every time a storm approaches weakens the springs in the wipe,r significantly shortening the life of the wiper blade. Wiper blades in the up position can still get coated in snow and ice, damaging the gears and moving parts that allow them to glide back and forth over your windshield.