As blizzards could hit the UK as far south as Birmingham and London, automotive experts reveal whether drivers should lift their windscreen wipers in snow – and warn it could cause costly damage
As 2025 draws to a close, while many are winding down in anticipation of the new year, the weather has other plans. Reports suggest that blizzards could be on their way to parts of the UK, reaching as far south as Birmingham and London.
This isn’t the first time the UK has been blanketed by snow in recent years, with motorists well-versed in receiving advice on how to navigate icy roads safely.
However, it’s not just about how one drives on the road, but also how they prepare for it, including the condition in which they leave their windscreen wipers.
In some regions, it is occasionally advised to leave windscreen wipers pointing upwards to facilitate easier snow removal and minimise the risk of them freezing to the windscreen.
Yet, some experts advise against this, arguing that it could damage the wipers and make them susceptible to being blown off the car by strong winds.
Automotive expert John Paul, speaking to CT Insider, cautioned that leaving them up could harm the springs that secure the wiper to the car.
Moreover, this choice could expose the internals of the wiper to the elements, meaning they won’t perform as effectively when the weather warms up.
Instead, AAA Northeast spokesperson Robert Sinclair Jnr has offered this advice in a statement: “You can put a blanket or snow cover over the windshield and weigh it down with some bricks prior to a storm. The next morning, pull off the blanket and the windshield is clear.”
Meanwhile, Brits across the nation are being urged to prepare for wintry conditions hitting locations including Bristol, Swansea, and Southampton.
Additionally, motorists are receiving guidance via TikTok, with Stuart Miller Solicitors posting a video warning that failing to clear snow and ice from vehicles before driving could result in a hefty penalty.
They explained the reasoning behind this, stating: “Snow sliding from your roof can obstruct your view, which can lead to endangering others and violating the Road Traffic Act. The penalty for this can be a fine of up to £1,000.”
Beyond the possibility of snowfall before year’s end, the Met Office has indicated that wintry weather may continue into early January. Their extended forecast for the new year suggests: “An area of low pressure moves through the North Sea at first, which leads to rain and showers spreading south across the UK.”
The forecast continues: “Thereafter high pressure will likely be centred to the northwest with low pressure to the east, which allows a cold, showery, northerly flow develop for a time.
“For many this leads to a fairly settled period but there will be some wintry hazards including perhaps snow to low levels to north facing coastal areas at times.”
