Snowfalls in winter turn the trip into a real test of endurance. All it takes is a few centimeters of fresh snow to cover the windshield, and the wipers begin to work with difficulty: streaks appear, cloudy areas appear, and ice lumps accumulate along the edges. This is not only annoying, but also creates a real security risk.
Why do my wipers freeze?
The problem is especially acute in cars without heated brush rest zones. The reason is the temperature difference in different areas of the windshield:
- The lower part of the glass is heated by warm air from the passenger compartment.
- Once there, the snow melts slightly, turning into a wet mass.
- When the windshield wiper lifts this mixture to the cooler top of the glass, the moisture instantly freezes, forming ice on the gum.
Every movement aggravates the situation: the ice builds up, the brush fits worse, visibility drops, and the road becomes “blurred.”
What to do in the city and in traffic jams?
At a speed of 50–60 km/h, the oncoming air flow helps – the snow does not have time to linger. But in city mode or traffic jams, this method does not work. The snow melts at the base and immediately freezes higher.
Solution from the experts:
Temporarily turn off the windshield defogger. This will allow the glass to cool to the same temperature, eliminating the melting of snow. As a result, the wipers will clean dry snow rather than spread icy slush.
Important: the ventilation can be left on – this will prevent the glass from fogging up and maintain comfort in the cabin.
Prevention: protecting wipers from icing
A good way is to treat the brushes with silicone grease:
- Remove brushes at night.
- Apply the compound to the frame and rubber band.
- Wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth.
The lubricant creates a thin water-repellent film that prevents snow from sticking and ice from forming.
The effect lasts for about a week, after which the procedure must be repeated.
