'Horrible Design Flaw': Honda Driver Lifts His Windshield Wipers. He Didn't Know It Scratches the Hood

"Horrible design flaw."

Honda driver lifts his windshield wipers

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Stacy Fernandez

By: Stacy Fernandez

Jan 10, at 4:00am ET

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Winter is coming, and that means frozen windshields, icy wipers, and the inevitable morning ritual of scraping your car before work.

But if you drive a newer Honda and you've been lifting your wipers the traditional way to prevent them from freezing to the glass, you might be causing damage without even realizing it. One Honda salesman is warning drivers about a design quirk that could leave permanent scratches on your hood.

Honda Salesman Issues Windshield Wiper Warning

In a video with more than 1,300 views, Honda salesman Matt (@honda.guru.matt) demonstrates why the old-school method of lifting wipers doesn't work on newer Honda models.

"Don't scratch the hood of your new Civic or other Hondas by trying to lift the wipers," he warns, standing next to an icy car.

He demonstrates by attempting to lift the wiper blade in its normal resting position. "If you take note as you pick up, it's gonna make contact right there. It will scratch the backside."

The issue is that newer Honda windshield wipers, when lifted from their standard position, arc back and make contact with the hood before fully extending upward. Repeatedly doing this (especially in winter when you're lifting them to prevent ice buildup) can create visible scratches over time.

But there's a solution: maintenance mode.

"Turn off your car. Hold up the wiper stick," Matt instructs, referring to the wiper control stalk on the steering column. "Now, we're in maintenance mode."

Once activated, the wipers move to a service position away from the base of the windshield. From there, they can be safely lifted without touching the hood.

"From here, you could flip them forward to get them off the windshield to keep that ice from freezing to them," he explains. "We're gonna be getting it here in Michigan. Hopefully, this tip helps."

"Winter driving tip for the newer Hondas," he adds in the caption.

Winter Car Care Tips

Winter car maintenance goes far beyond checking antifreeze and switching to winter tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 320 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes in 2023 that occurred during snow or sleet conditions.

Properly winterizing your vehicle isn't just about convenience; it's about safety. Here are some recommendations from State Farm:

Battery health: Cold weather significantly decreases battery capacity, so have it tested and connections checked for rust.
Heater and defroster: Essential for visibility and staying warm during winter drives.
Tire pressure: Tires lose about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Check monthly.
Wiper blades: Inspect for streaks or skips that could impair visibility in rain, snow, and winter grime.
Oil and filter changes: Oil thickens in cold weather, so your vehicle may require different oil for the winter months.
Coolant levels: Ensure coolant meets manufacturer specifications and check the system for leaks.
Lights inspection: Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers to ensure they're all working.
Emergency kit: Stock your vehicle with essentials such as a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies.

Winter also takes a toll on your vehicle's exterior. Road salt and grime from snowstorms can cause rust, making regular washing after winter weather essential to prevent long-term damage.

NHTSA also reminds drivers to check their vehicle's floor mats during winter. Thicker or rubber mats are common for slushy conditions, but improperly installed mats can interfere with accelerator or brake pedal operation, creating serious safety risks.

Commenters React to Honda Windshield Wiper Tip

"Horrible design flaw," a person said.

What do you think?

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"The wipers reduce the amount of time the washer fluid temporarily blocks your view. It makes for a safer ride," Matt responded.

Motor1 reached out to Matt for comment via TikTok direct message and comment, and to Honda via email.

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