As 2025 comes to an end, the UK is bracing for a potentially disruptive end to the year with forecasts predicting blizzards that could sweep as far south as Birmingham and London. While many are in a festive mood, drivers are being urged to prepare their vehicles for the impending wintry onslaught.
The Great Wiper Debate: Up or Down?
A common piece of winter advice circulating is to lift your windscreen wipers away from the glass before snow falls. The theory suggests this makes clearing snow easier and prevents the rubber blades from freezing to the windscreen. However, automotive professionals are warning that this well-intentioned act could lead to costly consequences.
Automotive expert John Paul, who spoke to CT Insider, cautioned that propping wipers up can strain the springs that hold them securely against the car. This damage may affect their performance long-term. Furthermore, leaving the wipers in the upright position exposes their internal mechanisms to harsh ice and snow, which could compromise their effectiveness when you need them most after the thaw.
Smart Alternatives to Protect Your Car
So, what should drivers do instead? Robert Sinclair Jnr, a spokesperson for AAA Northeast, offered a practical solution. He recommends covering your windshield with a blanket or a dedicated snow cover before the storm hits, securing it with bricks or weights. "The next morning, pull off the blanket and the windshield is clear," he advised. This method prevents ice build-up without risking damage to the wiper arms or mechanisms.
The warning comes as Brits in cities including Bristol, Swansea, and Southampton are told to ready themselves for severe conditions. Drivers are also being reminded of their legal responsibilities. Law firm Stuart Miller Solicitors highlighted on TikTok that failing to properly clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving is an offence.
They stated that snow sliding from a car roof can dangerously obstruct a driver's view or fly into the path of other vehicles, potentially endangering others. This breach of the Road Traffic Act can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Extended Winter Forecast into the New Year
The chilly weather is not expected to vanish as the calendar turns. The Met Office's extended forecast indicates that wintry hazards may persist into early January. Their outlook suggests an area of low pressure will initially bring rain and showers across the UK.
The forecast continues, indicating a shift: "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." This pattern is expected to bring settled conditions for many, but also carries the risk of snow, even to low levels in north-facing coastal areas. Drivers are therefore advised to stay vigilant and prepare their vehicles appropriately for the challenging conditions ahead.
