Why People are Lifting Their Windshield Wipers at Night — Let's Break It Down...

Three more tricks that really work

An old sock over each blade. Slide an old, clean sock over each wiper blade before a freeze. The fabric keeps ice from forming directly on the rubber, so the blade stays soft and clean. In the morning, pull the socks off and toss them in the trunk for next time. Some people combine this with lifting the wipers; others leave the wipers down with the socks on, which is a good choice when it is windy.

A homemade de-icer spray. Fill a clean spray bottle with two parts isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol, and one part water, and shake it. Spray it on an icy windshield and the ice starts to soften and melt, because alcohol freezes at a far lower temperature than water. Scrape away what is left with a plastic scraper. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep the bottle away from heat and open flames, out of reach of children, and away from your eyes.

Park facing east. If you can choose where to park, point the windshield toward the east. The morning sun rising will warm the glass and loosen the frost before you even come outside. It won't clear a thick layer of ice, but on a frosty morning it can do part of the work for you.

So, the next time the forecast says freeze, take ten seconds before bed: wipers up, unless it is windy or your wipers hide under the hood. Your blades, your wiper motor, and your mornings will be better for it.