A few years ago a big snow storm started while I was on the air doing the WSUS Morning Show. It wasn't snowing that much when I got to the radio station that morning. So I forgot to lift up my wipers for the all but certain arrival of snow. I also forgot to turn off my wipers before I turned off the ignition. When I was done on the air a few inches of heavy snow was already on my windshield. I auto started my car thinking it would be easier to brush off the snow with a warm windshield. What I didn't realize was my wipers also started under all that snow. Which caused one of the blade arms to snap. This was a nightmare. With only one wiper working in a heavy snow storm I was stranded. Since then I've never forgotten to lift up my wipers and turn them off before I turn off the ignition. Now there appears to be some debate about whether it's a good idea to lift up your wipers at all before a big storm. The National Weather Service says leaving your blades pointed up could cause stress on the springs. The wipers slamming down to hard during a wind gust could also crack or damage your windshield. Which is much more expensive than replacing wiper blades if they get damaged after getting frozen to your windshield. One way to avoid both of these problems is to cover your windshield with a blanket or tarp. Then lift it off when you have to drive. I might actually give that a try the next time a big snow storm is coming.
Source: NJ Advance Media