How to Turn on the Car Windshield Wiper?
4 Answers
Method to turn on the car windshield wiper: On the left side of the steering wheel, there is a wiper switch, which is a toggle lever. Toggling it to the OFF position turns off the wiper, while toggling to other positions turns it on. Regardless of the vehicle's grade, the equipped wipers will have different oscillation frequency settings. Each oscillation setting has its purpose, allowing you to choose the appropriate wiper setting based on actual conditions and habits. The power source of the wiper comes from an electric motor, which is the core of the entire wiper system. The quality requirements for the wiper motor are quite high, typically using a DC permanent magnet motor. The wiper motor installed on the front windshield is usually integrated with the worm gear mechanical part. The function of the worm gear mechanism is to reduce speed and increase torque, with its output shaft driving a four-bar linkage mechanism that converts continuous rotational motion into left-right oscillating motion.
I've driven quite a few cars and found that turning on the wipers is actually quite intuitive. Most cars have a stalk on the right side of the steering wheel—you just rotate the outermost ring to operate it: the first position is intermittent wiping, suitable for light rain; the second is low speed for moderate rain; and the third is high speed for heavy downpours to ensure safety. Some cars have the stalk on the left or feature a button to switch modes. Just remember not to fumble around while driving—familiarize yourself with your car's setup first to avoid confusion. I also recommend checking if the wiper blades are worn out, as old ones can leave streaks and become hazardous. Driving in the rain with poor visibility? Turning on the wipers helps you see the road clearly and avoid accidents. In snowy conditions, try the defroster function—many cars have a small snowflake icon on the stalk; just rotate it. A little practice, and you'll get the hang of it.
I remember the first time I drove in heavy rain, I panicked and couldn't find the windshield wiper switch. Later, an experienced driver taught me it's simple: just reach for the stalk beside the steering wheel and gently twist it to activate. Some cars use a push stalk or button, but most designs place it on the right side to avoid distracting the driver. After learning this, I often remind friends to prioritize turning on the wipers in rainy conditions rather than fiddling with phones or other controls. I've also experienced the embarrassment of worn wiper blades failing to work, so regular maintenance checks are crucial. Safety first—these little tips can really prevent accidents. Before your next drive, try familiarizing yourself with each wiper setting in the car to memorize the feel.
Using the windshield wipers is fundamental for driving safety. In rainy or foggy weather, you need to quickly activate them to clear the windshield. The usual method is to turn the control stalk near the steering wheel, rotating the ring to select the speed: a slight turn sets intermittent mode, turning further adjusts to low speed, and a full turn activates high speed. Note that models may vary—some cars have the stalk on the left or right, but the modes are largely similar. Maintain clear visibility to prevent accidents. Don’t overlook the condition of the wiper blades; replace them promptly if worn out.
