Wipers and Washers

Wipers

You can access wiper settings by pressing the button on the end of the turn signal stalk or touching Controls > Wipers. You can also add wipers to the bottom bar (see Customizing My Apps).

The button at the end of turn signal stalk has two levels.
  • Press partially to wipe the windshield. If the wiper is already operating at a wiper setting and is not set to Auto, pressing the button cycles through speeds. Wiper speeds cycle as follows: I > II > III > IIII > III > II > I.
  • Press fully 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, the touchscreen displays the wiper menu, allowing you to adjust wiper settings. Roll the left scroll button on the steering wheel up or down to choose your desired setting. You can also use the touchscreen or use voice commands (see Voice Commands).

The wiper settings card with numbered callouts
  • Turn the wiper off.
  • Choose how you want the wipers to operate:
    • IIII - Continuous, fast.
    • III - Continuous, slow.
    • II - Intermittent, fast.
    • I - Intermittent, slow.
    • Auto - Model 3 detects precipitation and adjusts the wiping speed and intensity. Pressing the wiper button while the wipers are set to Auto temporarily increases the sensitivity of the wipers.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      When you engage Autosteer the wipers are set to Auto. Although you can change the wiper setting from Auto while using Autosteer, the wipers once again default to Auto the next time you engage Autosteer.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      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.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Ensure the wipers are off before washing Model 3 to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.

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.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the hood, ensure that the hood is fully closed before using the windshield wipers.
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. Remove ice from the windshield before using the wipers. Ice has sharp edges that can damage the rubber on the blades.

Windshield Washers

Press the button on the end of the turn signal stalk to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. This button has two levels. Press partially for a single wipe without any washer fluid. Press fully for both wipe and wash. When washing the windshield, the wipers turn on. While spraying the windshield, the wipers turn on. After releasing the button, the wipers perform two additional wipes then, depending on vehicle and environmental conditions, a third wipe a few seconds later.

Turn signal with arrow pointing to tip

Periodically top up washer fluid (see Topping Up Windshield Washer Fluid).