So, you've just hopped into your sleek Tesla, ready to hit the road, and suddenly it starts to drizzle. Or maybe a bug splatters across your pristine windshield. How do you get those wipers going without a traditional stalk? Don't worry, it's simpler than you might think, and once you get the hang of it, it'll become second nature! Teslas, with their minimalist interior design, rely heavily on the touchscreen and steering wheel controls for many functions, including windshield wipers. Let's dive into the various ways to keep your view crystal clear.
Step 1: Discovering Your Primary Wiper Controls
Teslas generally have two main ways to control the wipers: a physical button on the steering wheel/stalk, and the touchscreen. The exact placement and functionality might vary slightly depending on your Tesla model and software version, but the core principles remain the same.
On Newer Models (Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and newer Model S/X): Steering Wheel Button & Touchscreen
If your Tesla has a stalkless design or a newer steering wheel with dedicated buttons, you'll find a wiper button on the left side of the steering wheel.
A Quick Wipe: For a single, quick wipe to clear a stray drop or bit of dust, simply press and immediately release the wiper button on your steering wheel. This is your go-to for minor obstructions.
Activating Washers and Wipers: If you need to spray washer fluid and wipe, press and hold the wiper button. The fluid will spray, and the wipers will activate, typically performing several wipes after you release the button to clear the fluid.
As soon as you press the wiper button, a wiper menu will pop up on your touchscreen, allowing for more granular control.
On Older Models (Some Model S & Model X): Turn Signal Stalk
For some older Model S and Model X vehicles, the wiper controls are integrated into the turn signal stalk on the left side of the steering column.
Single Wipe: Press and release the button on the end of the turn signal stalk.
Activating Washers and Wipers: Press fully the button on the end of the stalk to spray washer fluid and activate the wipers.
Adjusting Speeds: Rotate the end of the turn signal stalk away from you. You'll typically find five positions:
Off
Auto (Low rain sensitivity)
Auto (High rain sensitivity)
Continuous, slow
Continuous, fast
Pro Tip: Regardless of your model, the touchscreen will always offer a comprehensive wiper control interface when the wipers are active or when you manually engage them.
Step 2: Mastering the Touchscreen Wiper Controls
The Tesla touchscreen is your command center for fine-tuning wiper settings, especially for the "Auto" mode.
Accessing Wiper Settings on the Touchscreen
There are a few ways to get to the wiper controls on your touchscreen:
Via the Wiper Button (Recommended): The easiest way is to briefly press the physical wiper button on your steering wheel (or stalk, if applicable). This will automatically bring up the wiper control menu on the touchscreen.
Through Controls Menu: You can also navigate to Controls > Wipers on the touchscreen.
Customizing Your Bottom Bar: For frequent use, you can add the wiper icon to your customizable bottom bar on the touchscreen for quick access. This is a handy personalization option.
Understanding the Wiper Modes on the Touchscreen
Once the wiper menu is displayed, you'll see various options to control your wipers:
Off: This turns the wipers completely off.
Auto (Beta): This is Tesla's rain-sensing mode. Your Tesla uses its cameras (Tesla Vision) to detect precipitation and automatically adjusts the wiping speed and intensity.
Note: Tesla's Auto wiper system is constantly improving via over-the-air (OTA) updates, but it's important to remember it's still considered "Beta." While generally effective, some users might find its sensitivity varies.
Temporarily Increasing Sensitivity: If the wipers are in Auto mode and you want them to wipe more frequently, a single press of the physical wiper button will temporarily increase their sensitivity.
Manual Speeds (I, II, III, IIII or Intermittent/Continuous): These settings provide manual control over the wiper speed and frequency.
I / Intermittent, slow: Wipes periodically at a slow pace.
II / Intermittent, fast: Wipes periodically at a faster pace.
III / Continuous, slow: Wipes continuously at a slow speed.
IIII / Continuous, fast: Wipes continuously at a fast speed.
You can cycle through these speeds by repeatedly pressing the physical wiper button if the wipers are already operating in a manual mode.
Adjusting with the Scroll Wheel
After pressing the wiper button and bringing up the wiper menu on the touchscreen, you can also use the left scroll button on your steering wheel to adjust the wiper setting. Scroll up or down to cycle through the available speeds and modes.
Step 3: Leveraging Voice Commands for Wiper Control
Tesla's voice command system is incredibly intuitive and can be used to control your wipers, adding another layer of convenience.
Activating Voice Commands: Press the right scroll button on your steering wheel to activate voice commands.
Speaking Your Command: Clearly state your command. For example:
"Wipers on"
"Wipers off"
"Set wipers to auto"
"Wipers speed high"
"Wipers speed low"
"Wipe windshield" (This usually performs a single wipe)
Benefit: Using voice commands allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, which is especially helpful in rapidly changing weather conditions.
Step 4: Understanding Wiper Service Mode and Maintenance
Beyond basic operation, there are a few important considerations for wiper maintenance and specific situations.
Wiper Service Mode
When you need to clean your windshield thoroughly, replace wiper blades, or if you're parking in snowy or icy conditions, using Wiper Service Mode is crucial. This positions the wipers vertically, making them easier to access and preventing them from freezing to the windshield.
Activating Service Mode: Shift your Tesla into Park (P), then on the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. The wipers will move to the service position.
Deactivating Service Mode: Shift your Tesla out of Park, or go back into the same menu and deselect Wiper Service Mode. The wipers will return to their normal position.
Important Cautions:
Always ensure the wipers are in the Off position before washing your Tesla to prevent damage.
In harsh climates, always remove ice or snow from the windshield before turning the wipers on. Ice can have sharp edges that can severely damage the rubber on your wiper blades.
Do not lift the wiper arm beyond its intended position, as they do not lock into a lifted position. Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield if you are working on them to prevent scratching or cracking the glass.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Periodically, you'll need to refill your windshield washer fluid.
Location: The washer fluid reservoir is located behind the front trunk (frunk).
How to Refill:
Open the hood (frunk).
Clean around the filler cap before opening it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
Open the filler cap.
Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is visible just below the filler neck.
Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the affected area with water.
Reinstall the filler cap.
Note: Your Tesla's touchscreen will display a message when the washer fluid level is low.
Replacing Wiper Blades
For optimal performance, Tesla recommends replacing wiper blades at least once a year.
Blade Specifications: The driver's side blade is typically 26 inches (650 mm) long, and the passenger's side is 19 inches (475 mm) long. Ensure replacement blades have the same connector type as the originals.
Replacement Process (briefly):
Shift into Park and turn off the wipers.
Activate Wiper Service Mode (as described above).
Lift the wiper arm slightly.
Press the locking tab and slide the old blade off the arm.
Align the new blade and slide it onto the arm until it clicks into place. Perform a push-pull test to confirm it's secure.
Deactivate Wiper Service Mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to turn on Tesla wipers manually?
You can manually turn on Tesla wipers by pressing the button on the end of the turn signal stalk (older models) or the dedicated wiper button on the steering wheel (newer models). Then, use the touchscreen or the left scroll wheel on the steering wheel to select a continuous or intermittent speed.
How to use auto wipers on Tesla?
To use auto wipers on Tesla, select "Auto" from the wiper menu on your touchscreen. This can be accessed by briefly pressing the physical wiper button on your steering wheel or by navigating to Controls > Wipers on the touchscreen.
How to increase wiper sensitivity on Tesla?
If your Tesla wipers are in "Auto" mode and you want them to wipe more frequently, simply press the physical wiper button on your steering wheel once. This temporarily increases their sensitivity.
How to turn off Tesla wipers?
You can turn off Tesla wipers by selecting "Off" from the wiper menu on your touchscreen, which can be accessed by pressing the physical wiper button or navigating through the Controls menu.
How to spray washer fluid on Tesla?
To spray washer fluid on your Tesla, press and hold the physical wiper button on your steering wheel (or fully press the button on the end of the turn signal stalk for older models). The wipers will activate automatically after the spray.
How to put Tesla wipers in service mode?
To put Tesla wipers in service mode, shift the vehicle into Park, then go to Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode on your touchscreen.
How to adjust Tesla wiper speed?
You can adjust Tesla wiper speed using the touchscreen wiper menu (accessed via the physical wiper button or Controls > Wipers) or by rolling the left scroll button on the steering wheel up or down after the wiper menu appears.
How to replace wiper blades on a Tesla?
To replace wiper blades on a Tesla, first put the wipers in service mode via the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode), then manually remove the old blades by pressing their locking tab and slide the new blades on until they click.
How to refill windshield washer fluid in a Tesla?
To refill windshield washer fluid in a Tesla, open the frunk (front trunk), locate the washer fluid reservoir (typically with a blue cap), clean around the cap, and pour in approved washer fluid until it's just below the filler neck.
How to troubleshoot Tesla auto wipers not working correctly?
If Tesla auto wipers aren't working correctly, ensure the windshield camera area is clean and clear of obstructions. You can also manually adjust the sensitivity or switch to manual wiper speeds using the touchscreen or steering wheel controls. Sometimes a software update can also improve performance.
Learn how to easily replace your Tesla Model 3's wiper blades with this helpful guide:
