Here is why one should not straighten their windshield wipers before a storm

familylifestyle – stock.adobe.com

Frédéric Mercier

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 12:50

UPDATE
Tuesday, January 23, 2018 12:50

Look at this article

Before a snow storm or ice storm, many drivers have the habit of straighten the windshield wipers of their vehicle, in order to facilitate its snow removal.

Even if this practice seems to be rooted in our ways of doing for a long time, CAA-Quebec reminds that it is not a good idea.

“In the long run, this gesture runs the risk of diminishing the pressure of the wipers on the windshield, which could cause problems of visibility, especially in the winter when you are driving in snowy conditions,” says the organization on its web site.

Read also: How to prevent your windows givrent from the inside out?

Read also: 5 tips for driving in the ice safely

CAA-Quebec goes on to explain that a windshield wiper restated may fall back suddenly on the windshield and crack it, especially in very cold weather.

Instead of straighten out the wipers, CAA-Quebec recommends to motorists to arm themselves with a good scraper… and a little patience. When the windshield of a car is trapped in a layer of ice, the ice scraper is the tool of the most simple and the most effective way to get to the end.

Fotolia

Turn the engine to activate the de-icer can also be useful, but CAA-Quebec reminds that it is important to use this technique only in case of need. “If the ice layer is very thick, the latter will be easier to remove when the vehicle is warmed up. Turn the car in neutral is bad for the environment, however, it is important to have an unobstructed view for obvious reasons of road safety,” says-t-on.