How to Turn on the Windshield Wipers on a Focus?
3 Answers
To operate the windshield wipers on a Focus: Push the wiper switch toward the key direction to turn them on, and push it the opposite way to turn them off. The key to effective wiper performance lies in maintaining adequate moisture in the rubber wiper blades. Only with sufficient moisture can the blades retain good flexibility, ensuring tight contact with the windshield. The Focus is a compact car with body dimensions of 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1468mm in height. In terms of power, the Focus is equipped with two engines: a 1.0T with a maximum power output of 94kW and a 1.5T with a maximum power output of 135kW.
Operating the wipers on a Ford Focus is quite simple, typically controlled by the stalk on the right side of the steering wheel. As a new driver who just bought the car last year, I always make sure to familiarize myself with these buttons before driving. Just hold the steering wheel, and your right fingers can easily locate that stalk. Normally, a light downward flick activates intermittent wiping, which automatically adjusts speed based on the rain sensor; push it down one more notch for slow wiping, commonly used in light rain; if the rain gets heavier, pushing it all the way down switches to fast wiping. You can also pull the stalk upward briefly—this triggers the windshield washer to spray cleaning fluid first, followed by a few automatic wipes, which is especially useful for removing dirt. For maintenance, I recommend checking the wiper blades every six months for signs of aging or cracks to ensure clear visibility. The car also features an auto-adjust function—on heavy rainy days, I always set the appropriate wiper speed beforehand to avoid distractions while driving. These little tips make my drives much more reassuring.
The wiper controls for the Focus are mainly on the right-hand stalk of the steering wheel, and I usually enjoy studying these small automotive details. The operation is quite intuitive: a light downward push once activates the intermittent mode, with speed adjustable manually via the rotary knob on the stalk; pushing it down one more notch sets it to the slow speed mode; pushing it all the way down engages the fast speed mode. Simultaneously, pulling the stalk upward triggers the washer system to spray cleaning fluid along with the wipers. I’ve also noticed that this setup is integrated with the turn signals, making it very convenient to use. The wiper blades should be replaced every six months to prevent squeaking, and the windshield should be checked to ensure no residual sand or dust remains, which helps extend their lifespan. It’s advisable to refer to the owner’s manual for specific maintenance steps, including regularly topping up the washer fluid and avoiding the use of tap water to prevent nozzle clogging.
