Wipers and Washers

Wipers

To wipe the windshield, rotate the end of the turn signal stalk away from you. You can rotate to five positions:

1st: Off.
2nd: Auto with low rain sensitivity.*
3rd: Auto with high rain sensitivity.*
4th: Continuous, slow.
5th: Continuous, fast.

Turn signal stalk with an arrow pointing counterclockwise

For a single wipe, press and release the end of the stalk.

If the wipers are set to Auto and Model S detects no liquid on the windshield, the wipers do not wipe.

*To enable the Auto settings, touch Controls > Vehicle > Autowipers (Beta). When wipers are set to Auto, Model S detects whether or not it is raining. The frequency at which they wipe depends on how much rain is detected on the windshield. When wipers are set to high rain sensitivity, the wipers turn on when Model S detects a light mist.

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.

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.

Note

When you operate the wipers, headlights automatically turn on for approximately one minute (if they are not on already).

Note

You can also adjust the windshield wiper speed and frequency using voice commands (see Voice Commands).

CAUTION

Ensure the wipers are in the Off position before washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.

To extend the life of wiper blades, remove ice from the windshield before turning wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can damage the rubber on the wiper blades.

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

CAUTION

In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.

Defrosting Wipers

To make wiper blades easy to access so you can remove any ice and snow, shift Model S into Park, turn the wipers off, then use the touchscreen to move them to the service position. Touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. When parking in cold outdoor climates, it is helpful to leave Model S with the wipers in the service position. In this position, they are closer to the defrost vent, allowing you to thaw them by directing air from the climate control system towards the windshield.

If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, you can defrost wipers by touching the climate control on the touchscreen (see Operating Climate Controls). Wiper defrosters automatically turn off after 15 minutes.

Note

Wipers automatically return to their normal position when you shift Model S out of Park.

Washers

Press the button on the end of the turn signal stalk to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. You can press this button at 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. After releasing the button, the wipers perform two additional wipes then a third wipe a few seconds later.

Periodically top up washer fluid (see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid).

Defrosting Washer Nozzles

If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, washer nozzles have defrosters that turn on whenever the ambient temperature nears freezing, or when you turn on the wiper defrosters (see Operating Climate Controls). The washer defrosters turn off when the wiper defrosters turn off (after 15 minutes), provided the temperature is warm enough to prevent freezing.