How to Turn On Your Rear Windshield Wipers

To turn on the back (rear) windshield wipers, you usually twist or push a dedicated rear-wiper control on the wiper stalk, or press a rear-wiper button on the dashboard or center console, depending on your vehicle’s design. The exact method varies by make and model, but almost all cars use one of a few common control layouts.

Why Rear Wipers Differ from Front Wipers

Rear windshield wipers are controlled separately from the front wipers because they are used less frequently and often have only a few modes: off, intermittent, and continuous. While front wipers typically have multiple speed settings and are controlled by the main wiper stalk on the steering column, rear wipers may use a twist ring on that stalk, a push-button at the end of the stalk, or a standalone switch near the driver’s seat.

The Most Common Control Types

1. Twist Ring on the Wiper Stalk (Most Common)

On many modern cars, SUVs, and crossovers, the rear wiper is controlled by a rotating ring on the same stalk used for the front wipers, usually on the right side of the steering wheel. This is especially common on Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and many European models.

The main features of twist-ring rear wiper controls can be summarized as follows:

• A rotating collar or ring near the end or middle of the wiper stalk controls the rear wiper.
• Positions are usually labeled with icons such as “OFF,” “INT,” and a solid wiper symbol for continuous wiping.
• Some twist rings also include a “mist” or “wipe once” setting for the rear glass.

Understanding that the rear wiper is often integrated into a twist ring on the stalk helps drivers quickly find and operate it without searching the entire dashboard.

To use this type of control, look for markings like “REAR,” a small rectangle with a wiper blade icon, or labels such as “OFF,” “INT,” and “ON.”

Typically, you will:

1. Locate the right-hand wiper stalk on the steering column.
2. Find the smaller rotating ring or collar on the stalk labeled for the rear wiper.
3. Twist the ring one step to reach “INT” (intermittent) or the first rear-wiper setting.
4. Twist further to reach a continuous “ON” or equivalent higher setting, if available.
5. Return it to “OFF” when you no longer need the rear wiper.

These steps highlight how a simple twist of a clearly marked ring can give you precise control over intermittent or continuous rear wiping.

2. Push-Button on the End of the Wiper Stalk

Some vehicles, including various Ford, GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick), and older European models, use a button on the tip of the wiper stalk or a nearby button on the stalk body to control the rear wiper. This design keeps your hand on the same control surface used for the main wipers.

The typical characteristics of push-button rear wiper systems include:

• A button on the end of the wiper stalk, sometimes with a rear-window icon.
• A toggle function, where each press cycles through OFF → ON → INT (or similar sequence).
• Occasional use of a long press or second button press to activate the rear washer spray.

Because the button is at your fingertips, this setup can be intuitive: once you identify the icon, pressing it allows you to cycle through or activate the rear wiping functions quickly.

Using a push-button system usually involves these actions:

1. Look at the end of the wiper stalk for a button with a rear-window and wiper icon.
2. Press the button once to turn the rear wiper on (intermittent or continuous, depending on design).
3. Press again to change the mode (for example, from intermittent to continuous, if supported).
4. Press again or hold (depending on your vehicle) to turn it off or activate the washer.

Following this cycle-based approach ensures you move through the available modes methodically until the rear wiping or washer pattern suits current driving conditions.

3. Dedicated Dashboard or Console Switch

On some minivans, older SUVs, and certain hatchbacks, the rear wiper is controlled by a separate switch or knob on the dashboard or center console. This is especially common when rear wipers were added as an option rather than built into the standard wiper stalk.

These dashboard-based rear wiper controls often share these traits:

• A small rocker switch, slider, or rotary knob labeled “REAR WIPER” or with a rear-glass icon.
• Positions like “OFF,” “INT,” and “ON” printed directly on the panel around the switch.
• Occasionally a combined control that includes both wiper speed and washer activation.

Knowing that some vehicles isolate rear wiper controls on the dash or console helps drivers check those areas if they do not see controls on the stalk.

To operate this type of control, the usual steps are:

1. Scan the dashboard or center console near the climate or defogger controls for a rear-window wiper icon.
2. Move the switch or knob from “OFF” to “INT” for intermittent rear wiping.
3. Set it to “ON” or the highest setting for continuous wiping in heavy rain or snow.
4. Return it to “OFF” once the rear glass is clear to avoid unnecessary wear.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage rear visibility even in vehicles where the rear wiper is not integrated into the steering-column stalk.

How to Use the Rear Washer Spray

The rear washer, which sprays fluid onto the back window, is often tied to the same control as the rear wiper. This lets you clean off mud, salt, or road grime that the wiper alone cannot remove.

Most rear washer systems are activated in one of several standard ways:

• Pulling or pushing the wiper stalk specifically in the direction indicated for the rear washer.
• Twisting the wiper stalk ring beyond the normal “ON” setting to a labeled washer icon.
• Pressing and holding a separate button with a fluid-spray or washer symbol for the rear glass.

Understanding these patterns helps drivers quickly apply washer fluid when visibility is compromised by dirt or winter road spray.

To operate the rear washer correctly:

1. Identify the washer symbol for the rear window—usually a rectangle with dotted spray lines.
2. Follow the indicated motion: pull, push, twist further, or press-and-hold, according to your car’s labeling.
3. Hold the control just long enough to spray and wipe away grime; avoid prolonged spraying to conserve washer fluid.
4. Release the control, allowing the rear wiper to complete a few passes and then return to its previous mode or off state.

These steps help maintain a clean rear window using minimal washer fluid, crucial during long winter drives or dusty conditions.

Recognizing the Icons and Labels

Consistent use of symbols across most modern vehicles makes it easier to identify rear wiper controls even if you are driving an unfamiliar car or rental.

Common rear wiper and washer symbols tend to share these visual features:

• A rectangle or curved outline representing the rear window, often smaller than the front-window symbol.
• A single wiper blade icon across that rectangle, sometimes angled.
• Additional dotted or arched lines above the rectangle to indicate spraying washer fluid.

Once you know to look for a simple rear-window rectangle and blade symbol, you can quickly pick out the rear wiper control in most vehicles without needing to study the entire dashboard.

Interpreting these symbols typically involves:

1. Scanning the stalks and adjacent dashboard areas for any window icon smaller than the front windshield symbol.
2. Matching the symbol type: wiper-only for wiping, wiper plus spray marks for washer functions.
3. Checking for adjacent text such as “REAR,” “INT,” or “ON” to understand the mode options.
4. Testing the control briefly while parked to confirm how each position or press behaves.

Testing and learning these icons when stationary ensures you are not distracted by experimenting while driving in poor visibility.

Safety and Best Practices

Using the rear wiper properly improves visibility and reduces the risk of accidents, especially in rain, snow, or heavy road spray from other vehicles. However, misuse can prematurely wear out the blade or even damage the wiper motor.

Good practices for operating rear wipers include the following considerations:

• Avoid running the rear wiper on a completely dry or dusty rear glass to prevent scratching.
• Use the washer when the glass is coated with salt, mud, or dried dirt before continuous wiping.
• Turn the rear wiper off when using automatic car washes unless the manufacturer states it is safe.
• Check that the rear wiper arm is not frozen to the glass in winter before switching it on.

By observing these points, you can extend the life of your rear wiper system while protecting the glass and ensuring clearer visibility.

When integrating rear wipers into normal driving habits:

1. Activate the rear wiper early when spray from other vehicles begins to obscure the view.
2. Use intermittent mode during light moisture and continuous mode in heavy rain or wet snow.
3. Combine brief washer sprays with wiping to clear stubborn grime, but avoid overuse.
4. Deactivate the rear wiper once conditions improve to reduce unnecessary wear.

Following this routine keeps your rear window usable without constant attention, letting you focus on driving safely.

If You Still Can’t Find the Rear Wiper Control

Because layouts vary widely—especially between sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans—it is possible to miss the control on an unfamiliar vehicle.

When you cannot immediately locate the rear wiper switch, some practical steps can help:

• Check both wiper stalks carefully, including rotating rings and end buttons.
• Look near the climate controls or defogger buttons for a small rear-window icon with a wiper.
• Open the glovebox or driver’s door pocket and consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or quick-reference guide.
• If in a rental car or shared vehicle, ask the provider or owner to point out the control.

Taking a moment to confirm the location while the vehicle is parked reduces confusion and distraction later, especially in bad weather.

Once you find the control:

1. Test each setting while stationary to learn how many modes are available.
2. Note whether washer activation is combined with the same control or handled by a separate button.
3. Mentally map the motion (twist, push, pull, or toggle) so you can activate it by feel while driving.
4. Revisit the owner’s manual for any model-specific cautions about ice, automatic modes, or car-wash use.

Establishing this familiarity ahead of time makes it much easier to use the rear wiper confidently when sudden rain, fog, or spray reduces your rear visibility.

Summary

Turning on the rear windshield wipers typically involves either twisting a ring on the wiper stalk, pressing a button on the stalk, or using a dedicated dash or console switch marked with a rear-window wiper icon. Many systems also integrate a rear washer function, activated by pulling, pushing, twisting further, or holding a button. Learning the specific control layout in your vehicle—by checking the stalks, scanning the dashboard, and consulting the owner’s manual—ensures that you can quickly clear the rear glass in bad weather, maintain good visibility, and avoid unnecessary wear or damage to the wiper system.