Drivers warned to avoid windshield wiper ‘hack’ during winter or you risk $1,000 repair job

A trick to prevent windshield wipers from freezing in place could actually lead to $1,000 worth of expensive repairs, experts have warned.

Drivers who want to save time defrosting their windshield should not be tempted by this so-called dangerous hack.

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In the winter, some car owners prefer to leave the wipers open and raise them off the windshield so that they do not stick to the glass in freezing temperatures.

This can also prevent damage from running a frozen mop and forcing it to jam, according to Glass Doctor.

However, other experts have warned that driving hacks are not without risks.

One is that wipers are unstable when they stick to the air, and debris or ice blowing in the wind can damage them.

In addition, the rotation mechanisms can be permanently damaged if the driver does not adjust the wipers correctly.

But the worst possible scenario is for the blade to unexpectedly hit the windshield, damaging the already fragile and frosted glass.

As soon as drivers notice a crack in their windshield, they are advised to replace it.

This repair can cost upwards of $1,000 depending on when the car was manufactured, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Newer cars are equipped with rain-sensing wipers and advanced driver assistance systems, resulting in the cost of replacing windshields being higher.

Now, technicians must make sure safety features like forward collision warning and head-up display are properly calibrated when installing the new glass.

However, drivers can expect to shell out about $300 to $600 if the car does not have these features.

Drivers may want to skip the extra fees if they have a newer car, but mechanics say paying for the full service is crucial.

Vehicles equipped with ADAS and head-up displays often need original parts to meet “stringent standards,” said Calkins, AAA's director of engineering.

“If these standards are not met, the sensors will not work properly,” he added.

“Lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, whatever those cameras support, are not going to be 100% effective and efficient.”

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Two tips for warming up in winter

Another driving expert revealed in an exclusive interview with The US Sun how long it takes to warm up a very cold car.

Ron Crouch, an auto writer with decades of experience, said drivers don't have to let their cars idle for more than 30 seconds.

“Modern cars, especially those with fuel injection systems, don't need long idle periods to warm up,” Crouch said.

“In fact, idling for too long wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear on the engine.

“It's best to let the car idle for 30 seconds to a minute, then drive gently to warm it up.

“Driving actually warms up the engine more efficiently than idling.”

Crouch also urged drivers to keep a tire gauge on hand in the winter.

ShSing a $4 tire gauge from Walmart that fits in the glove boxIt can help you monitor tire pressure as temperatures drop.

Maintaining the right amount of air in your tires will help you avoid collisions and problems that could leave you abandoned on the side of the road.