How to Use the Wipers on an Old Santana Model

[KiraMarie]

To use the wipers on an old Santana model, simply push the lever behind the steering wheel upward or downward. Below is more information about wipers: 1. Introduction: Wipers are tools installed on the front windshield of motor vehicles to prevent rain and other debris from obstructing the driver's view. 2. Types: There are two types of wipers. One is the traditional intermittent type, which allows the driver to adjust the wiper speed according to the rain intensity and visibility conditions. The other is the automatic rain-sensing wiper, which uses sensors to detect the amount of rainfall and automatically adjusts the wiper speed. The rain sensor works by emitting a beam of light from an LED onto the windshield. The scattering of light between the glass and raindrops, along with the intensity of the reflected beam, helps determine the amount of rain on the windshield. If droplets are detected, the wipers activate and automatically adjust their speed based on the current rainfall, providing convenience and safety without requiring manual intervention from the driver.

[Lily]

Back when driving the old Santana, the wiper operation was particularly straightforward. The metal lever on the right side of the steering wheel was the control stalk. Pulling it gently toward yourself activated a single wipe, and it would automatically return when released. Pushing it down one notch set it to slow mode, and pushing it further down switched to fast mode, which was especially useful during heavy rain. The rotating ring at the top of the stalk adjusted the intermittent frequency—turning it left made the wipers move more frequently, while turning it right slowed them down. To spray washer fluid, you had to pull the stalk upward firmly. Remember to refill with dedicated washer fluid beforehand—don’t use tap water to avoid clogging the nozzles. If the rubber blades aged and hardened, they wouldn’t wipe cleanly and might skip. When you noticed streaks left on the windshield, it was time to replace them. Removing and installing them yourself was as simple as loosening two nuts.

[DeDelaney]

Let me teach you to recognize these icons: On the side of the stalk to the right of the steering wheel, there's a fan-shaped water drop pattern. Pushing the stalk down one notch activates slow speed, and pushing it all the way down triggers fast speed—it vibrates so much my hand goes numb. The silver ring on the stalk head can be twisted to adjust the interval time: turning it left shortens the pause, while turning it right lengthens it. To activate the wipers, just lift the stalk slightly—don't use too much force or you might damage the clip. On winter mornings, always check if the rubber blades are frozen to the glass before starting; pulling them hard could tear them. If the washer nozzle gets clogged, use a needle to clear it and add some windshield washer fluid solvent to prevent crystallization.

[DelConnor]

The wiper stalk of the old Santana has three settings. Gently pushing the stalk toward the engine activates a single wipe. The first downward position is for slow wiping (suitable for light rain), while the second position is for fast wiping (ideal for heavy rain). Rotate the silver part at the end of the stalk to adjust the intermittent wiping interval. To spray washer fluid, pull the entire stalk toward yourself; you'll hear the motor sound indicating the reservoir is activated. If the wipers make unusual noises, check if the rubber blades are cracked or if the spring in the wiper arm is loose. If dish soap can't remove oily film on the windshield, you'll need to purchase a dedicated oil film remover.

[LilahFitz]

Remember, the squeaky sound when the wiper moves is a classic feature of the old Santana. The operation has three levels: lightly press the stalk head to spray water and wipe three times, ideal for clearing bird droppings. A long push controls continuous wiping with two intensity levels to adapt to rain volume. The most practical is the intermittent mode—rotate to adjust the interval, saving you from constant switching during drizzles. If the wipers don’t park correctly, adjust them yourself: turn off the engine, immediately flick the wiper stalk to the vertical position, then loosen the screw to adjust the gear. Choose frameless blades for a tighter fit than the original ones.