Hey there, fellow Tesla owner! Ever found yourself in a chilly situation, staring at your beautiful Tesla, and wondering, "How on earth do I get these wipers up to clear off the snow or just clean the windshield effectively?" You're not alone! Tesla's sleek design often means hidden functions, and the wiper service mode is one of them.
This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, exactly how to put your Tesla wipers into the service position, perfect for those snowy days, blade replacements, or a good old-fashioned car wash.
Step 1: Prepare for Snow (or Cleaning)! ❄️
Before we dive into the digital realm of your Tesla's touchscreen, let's get ready.
Ensure your Tesla is in Park (P). This is a crucial safety step and the system won't allow you to enter service mode if you're not in park.
Make sure your car is on and awake. You can simply open the door or press the brake pedal to wake it up if it's been sitting for a while.
Consider your surroundings. Are you in a safe place to adjust your wipers? Is there enough clearance?
Ready? Let's move to the touchscreen!
Step 2: Navigate to the Service Menu on Your Touchscreen
This is where the magic happens! Your Tesla's large central display is your command center.
Step 2.1: Accessing the Controls Menu
On your touchscreen, locate and tap the Car icon (usually in the bottom left corner). This will open up your main "Controls" menu.
Step 2.2: Finding "Service" Under Software
Once in the Controls menu, look for the "Software" tab. It's usually located near the bottom of the left-hand navigation pane. Tap on it.
After tapping "Software," you'll see various options related to your car's software version and updates. Don't get distracted by the cool update details!
Within the "Software" menu, you should see an option for "Service" or "Wiper Service Mode." The exact wording can vary slightly depending on your Tesla model and software version, but it's usually quite clear.
Step 3: Engage Wiper Service Mode ⬆️
You're almost there! This is the final action on the touchscreen.
Tap on "Service" or "Wiper Service Mode."
Once you tap it, your wipers will smoothly move from their resting position at the base of the windshield to a vertical, upright position. They'll stop in a position where they are easily accessible for cleaning, blade replacement, or simply keeping them off the cold glass.
You might hear a faint whirring sound as they move. This is totally normal.
Important Notes:
Do not manually force the wipers up when they are not in service mode. This can damage the wiper motor or linkage. Always use the touchscreen!
Be gentle when handling the wiper arms or blades in service mode. While designed to be robust, unnecessary force can still cause issues.
Step 4: What to Do Once Wipers are Up! ️
Now that your wipers are in the upright position, what can you do?
Step 4.1: Clearing Snow and Ice ️
With the wipers up, you can easily remove snow and ice from the windshield without the wipers being in the way.
You can also gently tap the wiper blades to dislodge any accumulated ice or snow from the blades themselves.
This position also prevents the rubber blades from freezing to the windshield overnight, which can damage them when you try to use them.
Step 4.2: Replacing Wiper Blades ️
This is the ideal position for replacing your wiper blades. The arms are held firmly away from the windshield, giving you ample space to work. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to remove and install new blades for your Tesla model.
Step 4.3: Cleaning the Windshield ✨
When the wipers are up, you have unobstructed access to clean the entire windshield thoroughly, including the areas usually covered by the resting wipers. This is perfect for a streak-free shine!
Step 5: Exiting Wiper Service Mode
Once you're done with your snow clearing, blade replacement, or cleaning, it's time to put those wipers back down.
Simply tap "Service" or "Wiper Service Mode" again on the touchscreen in the same menu you used to activate it.
Your wipers will smoothly return to their normal resting position.
Alternatively, simply put your Tesla into "Drive" (D) or "Reverse" (R), and the wipers will automatically return to their resting position. This is a convenient safety feature!
And there you have it! Your Tesla's wipers are now ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at them, or for a sparkling clean finish. Stay warm and drive safe!
How to FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
How to put Tesla wipers up for snow?
Go to Controls > Software > Service (or Wiper Service Mode) on your Tesla touchscreen to raise them.
How to replace Tesla wiper blades?
First, activate wiper service mode as described above. Then, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on removing and installing new blades for your model.
How to prevent Tesla wipers from freezing to the windshield?
Put them in service mode overnight during freezing temperatures to keep them off the glass, or use a windshield cover.
How to clean Tesla windshield thoroughly?
Activate wiper service mode to get the wipers out of the way, giving you full access to clean the entire windshield.
How to find wiper service mode on Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X?
For all Tesla models, it's typically found under Controls > Software > Service on the touchscreen.
How to turn off Tesla wiper service mode?
Tap "Service" again on the touchscreen, or simply shift your car into Drive (D) or Reverse (R).
How to manually lift Tesla wipers?
You should not manually lift Tesla wipers without engaging service mode first, as this can damage the mechanism.
How to use Tesla wipers in an emergency?
The standard wiper stalk on the left of your steering wheel controls normal wiper operation (speed, mist, auto wipers). Service mode is only for maintenance/parking.
How to reset Tesla wipers if they're stuck?
If your wipers are truly stuck and not responding, try a soft reboot of your Tesla's touchscreen (hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and reboots). If that doesn't work, contact Tesla service.
How to adjust Tesla wiper speed?
Use the left stalk on your steering wheel. Pressing the button on the end of the stalk typically mists the windshield, and rotating the end of the stalk adjusts the intermittent wipe speed or turns on continuous wiping.
