Wipers and Washers

Wipers and Washers

You can access wiper settings by touching the wiper button on the steering wheel or touching Controls > Wipers.

Press the wiper button on the steering wheel to wipe the windshield.

Press and hold the wiper button to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. After releasing the button, the wipers perform two additional wipes then, depending on vehicle and environmental conditions, a third wipe a few seconds later. You can also press and hold the wiper button for a continuous spray of washer fluid—the wipers perform the wipes after you release.

Whenever you press the wiper button on the steering wheel, the touchscreen displays the wiper menu, allowing you to adjust wiper settings. Press the left scroll button on the steering wheel left or right to choose your desired setting.

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  1. Turn the wipers off.
  2. Choose how you want the wipers to operate:
    • Auto - Model 3 detects whether or not it is raining. When liquid is detected on the windshield, Model 3 determines the optimal frequency of the wipers. If Model 3 does not detect liquid on the windshield, the wipers do not operate.
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      Note
      Autosteer and traffic-aware cruise control require wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is automatic and you cannot change it.
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      Note
      The Auto setting is currently in BETA. If uncertain about using the Auto setting while in the BETA phase, Tesla recommends operating the wipers manually, as necessary.
    • I - Intermittent, slow.
    • II - Intermittent, fast.
    • III - Continuous, slow.
    • IIII - Continuous, fast.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If you choose Auto and the ability to detect liquid on the windshield becomes unavailable, the wiper setting reverts to the most recently used manual setting. If a manual setting cannot be determined, the wipers turn off.
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    Note
    You can also adjust the windshield wiper speed and frequency using voice commands (see Voice Commands).
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    CAUTION
    To avoid the risk of damaging the wipers, do not leave the wipers set to Auto when washing Model 3.

Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blades. If a blade is damaged, replace it immediately. For details on checking and replacing wiper blades, see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid.

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CAUTION
To avoid damaging the hood, ensure that the hood is fully closed before activating the windshield wipers.
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CAUTION
Remove ice from the windshield before turning the wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can damage the rubber on the wiper blades.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.