How to Turn On Your Windshield Wipers

Most cars use a stalk on or near the steering column to control the wipers: rotate a ring or move the stalk up/down for mist, intermittent/auto, low, and high; pull or push the stalk to spray washer fluid. Some vehicles use a dashboard knob or a touchscreen button. Below is a quick guide to the common layouts, plus safety and troubleshooting tips.

Quick Step-by-Step: Turning On the Wipers

The following steps explain how to activate and adjust windshield wipers on most vehicles, covering the typical controls and what each position does.

1. Switch the ignition on: Wipers usually require the car to be in accessory or run mode.
2. Find the wiper control: Most cars use a stalk near the steering wheel (often on the right; in many Japanese makes it’s on the right, others place it on the left). Some vehicles use a dashboard rotary knob or a touchscreen icon.
3. Use a single wipe (mist): Push the stalk up or down slightly (momentary position) for one swipe to clear light drizzle or test the blades.
4. Select intermittent or auto: Set the stalk to INT/AUTO. Adjust the small ring or slider on the stalk to change interval or rain-sensor sensitivity.
5. Choose continuous speeds: Move to LOW for steady rain or to HIGH for heavy downpours and spray.
6. Spray washer fluid: Pull the stalk toward you (common) or push it away to spray; blades will wipe several times. Hold longer to spray more fluid.
7. Rear wiper (if equipped): Use the ring at the end of the stalk or a separate rear-wiper switch to toggle intermittent/ON and to spray the rear window.

These controls cover the majority of vehicles; if your layout differs, consult the vehicle’s quick-start guide or owner’s manual for the exact positions and labels.

Where the Controls Usually Are

Designs vary by brand and model. This overview outlines the most common control layouts you’re likely to encounter.

• Steering-column stalk: The most common setup. Rotate a ring for INT/LOW/HIGH and pull/push for washer spray. A small thumbwheel often adjusts intermittent speed or auto sensitivity.
• Dashboard rotary knob or rocker: Found in some trucks and SUVs; look for the wiper icon. Separate buttons may handle the rear wiper and washer.
• Touchscreen-based controls (e.g., some EVs): Tap the wiper icon to open a “wiper card” or menu, then select Auto/1/2/3/4 or similar. Voice commands like “Turn on wipers” or “Set wipers to Auto” may also work.
• Steering-wheel buttons: On a few newer vehicles, a steering-wheel button or scroll wheel brings up wiper options on the cluster or screen; press again or use the wheel to select a speed.

If you’re in an unfamiliar vehicle, look for the wiper symbol on stalk ends, knobs, or the infotainment screen, and test the mist function first to confirm operation.

Understanding Wiper Modes

Knowing what each mode does helps you choose the safest setting for conditions.

• Mist/Single Wipe: One sweep, usually spring-loaded.
• Intermittent (INT): Periodic wipes; adjustable delay. Best for light rain or spray.
• Auto/Rain-Sensing: Uses a sensor to vary speed automatically; sensitivity is usually adjustable.
• Low: Continuous slow speed for steady rain.
• High: Continuous fast speed for heavy rain, splash, or highway spray.
• Washer: Sprays fluid and triggers several wipes to clear grime and salt.
• Rear INT/ON: For hatchbacks/SUVs; often a separate ring or switch with its own washer.

Switch between modes as conditions change to maintain clear visibility without overworking the blades.

Best Practices and Safety Tips

Proper use and care can extend blade life and improve visibility, especially in harsh weather.

• Wet the glass before prolonged wiping to avoid chatter and streaks; don’t run wipers on a dry windshield.
• In freezing weather, make sure blades aren’t frozen to the glass; clear ice and snow first and run the defroster to free them.
• Replace blades every 6–12 months or when they smear, skip, or squeal.
• Keep washer fluid topped up with a season-appropriate formula (winter-rated in cold climates).
• Use Auto/INT plus sensitivity adjustment to minimize distraction in variable rain.
• At highway speeds in heavy spray, step up to LOW or HIGH and increase following distance to reduce grime buildup.

These habits maintain clear vision and prevent premature wear or damage to the wiper mechanism and windshield.

Troubleshooting: If the Wipers Don’t Work

If nothing happens or the action is abnormal, work through these quick checks before seeking service.

• Ignition position: Ensure the vehicle is in accessory/run; many wipers are disabled when fully off.
• Frozen or obstructed: Check for ice, heavy snow, or debris holding blades down. Free them before trying again.
• Wrong control: Confirm you’re operating the correct stalk or on-screen control; try the mist function to test.
• Blown fuse or relay: If both wipers and washer are dead, inspect the fuse box for the wiper/washer fuse; replace with the same rating.
• Washer only: If spray works but blades don’t move, suspect the wiper motor, linkage, or a specific fuse/relay.
• Streaking or chatter: Replace blades, clean the windshield, and verify you’re not using them on a dry or oily surface.

Persistent faults, unusual noises, or one-sided movement often indicate a worn linkage or motor and should be checked by a technician.

Special Notes for Modern and EV Platforms

Touchscreen and Voice Control

Many newer cars, including some EVs, place wiper controls in the infotainment system. Look for a wiper icon on the main screen to open settings. If voice control is supported, commands like “Turn on the wipers,” “Set wipers to Auto,” or “Increase wiper speed” can adjust them without taking your eyes off the road.

Driver Assistance and Cameras

Rain or grime on the windshield can obstruct ADAS cameras. Use washer fluid promptly when alerts indicate a blocked camera, and keep blades in good condition to maintain lane-keeping and emergency braking performance.

Summary

To turn on the wipers, power the vehicle, locate the wiper control (usually a steering-column stalk), and select the appropriate mode: mist, intermittent/auto, low, or high; use the stalk to spray washer fluid and a separate control for the rear wiper if equipped. Modern vehicles may use a dashboard knob, touchscreen, or even voice commands. Adjust settings to conditions, keep blades and washer fluid maintained, and troubleshoot frozen blades or fuses if the system doesn’t respond.

How to do windscreen wipers?

The internal and external obliques work together to rotate the trunk. First raise your legs to tabletop. Position where your shins are parallel to the ground.

How do I turn on the wipers in my car?

To turn on your car’s wipers, find the control lever (usually on the right side of the steering wheel) and move it up or down to select the desired mode, such as intermittent or continuous wiping. Modern cars may have an “auto” setting on the lever that uses a rain sensor to adjust wiper speed automatically. To activate the windshield washer fluid, pull the lever toward you.
 
This video demonstrates how to activate the wipers on a Toyota vehicle: 31sChevroletYouTube · Apr 12, 2019
Steps to Turn on Wipers

1. Locate the Wiper Control: The wiper control is a lever, typically on the right side of the steering column behind the steering wheel. 
2. Move the Lever:
   • Single Wipe/Mist: A quick push or pull of the lever (depending on the car) will activate a single wipe or a short burst of fluid and wipes. 
   • Intermittent: Move the lever up one notch from the off position to activate intermittent wiping at set intervals. 
   • Continuous/Low/High: Continue moving the lever down for low-speed continuous wiping or all the way down for high-speed continuous wiping. 
   • Automatic (Rain Sensing): Look for an “Auto” position on the lever or an “Auto” button to activate a rain sensor that adjusts wiper speed automatically. 

To Activate the Washer Fluid 

• Pull the Lever: Pull the wiper lever towards you to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. The wipers will typically activate for a few wipes to clear the fluid.

For Rear Wipers (if equipped) 

• Twist the End: The control for the rear wiper is often a knob or switch at the very end of the front wiper lever. Twist it to turn the rear wiper on or off.

You can watch this video to learn how to use the rear wiper on a Ford vehicle: 1mFord Motor CompanyYouTube · Jul 29, 2022
To Turn Off the Wipers 

• Return to Off: Move the lever back to the “Off” or “0” position at the top of its range.

How do I turn on window washers?

You. If you pull the lever while in the delay. Range the wiper will operate for several wipe cycles after the lever is released. Then will resume the previously selected wiper interval.

How to activate back wipers on car?

The switch at the end of the stock allows you to turn them on and select your speed. The first position is for intermittent wiping. The second is for a continuous wipe. And O is off for the wiper.