What Causes Automatic Wiper Failure?
2 Answers
Automatic wiper failure is typically caused by issues with the rain sensor. Here's an explanation of the related components: 1. System: The rain sensor is an infrared-band optical system consisting of an emitter component that sends out infrared light. When the windshield surface is dry, nearly 100% of the light gets reflected back, allowing the sensor to receive strong reflected signals. The system then interprets this as clear weather and keeps the wipers deactivated. 2. Function: Automatic rain-sensing wipers detect precipitation levels and automatically adjust wiping speed, eliminating manual adjustment. This hands-free operation continuously maintains optimal driver visibility, ensuring safer and more comfortable journeys while enhancing driving comfort and safety.
Last time my car also had the issue of the automatic wipers going crazy—they wouldn’t move even when the windshield was completely covered in rain. After struggling for a while, I found out that the sensor on top of the windshield was covered in tree sap. Cleaning it with alcohol wipes fixed the problem. Another time, I realized the control lever was stuck in manual mode and hadn’t been switched back to auto, leading to an unnecessary trip to the repair shop. Actually, such issues are often caused by minor details: dirty sensors, thick oil film on the windshield, or stuck wiper arm joints. When checking yourself, first clean the sensor area (the black dot behind the rearview mirror), then spray glass cleaner to remove oil buildup, and finally lift the wiper blades to check if they move smoothly. If they suddenly fail during the rainy season, don’t panic—just switch to manual mode to ensure safety.
