In light to moderate snow, many experts say putting wipers up is reasonable, but it is not strictly necessary and has some downsides. In heavy, icy, or very windy storms, leaving them down and using other methods is usually safer for the wipers and windshield.
Pros of leaving wipers up
Putting wipers up keeps the rubber from freezing to the glass, which can prevent tearing the blades or overloading the wiper motor when you first turn them on. It also makes scraping and brushing the windshield easier because the blades are out of the way and not buried under packed snow or ice.
Cons and risks
Leaving wipers raised puts constant tension on the spring that presses the blade to the glass, and repeated stretching can reduce wiping pressure and performance over time. Raised arms are also more exposed to wind or falling snow/ice, which can bend the arm or let it slam back onto the glass hard enough to chip or crack it.
Good rule of thumb
If you expect wet snow or freezing rain and the car will sit outside, raising the wipers can be helpful as long as winds are not strong and storms are not extreme. If conditions are very cold, icy, or windy, many professionals recommend leaving wipers down and relying on a good ice scraper and the defroster to free them instead.
Better alternatives
Using a windshield cover, blanket, or tarp over the glass before the storm can protect both windshield and wipers without stressing the springs. Letting the car warm up with the defroster on high for several minutes before scraping also helps release frozen blades while reducing the risk of tearing the rubber or stressing the motor.
