Why does the wiper turn on as soon as the car starts?
4 Answers
Enabled the automatic wiper activation function, some models have this feature to provide the driver with a clear vision before driving. Moving this switch up and down correctly initiates the front windshield wiper operation. Below is a partial introduction about the front wiper operation: 1. Operating principle: The windshield wiper switch is generally installed on the steering column at the lower right of the steering wheel and operated with the right hand. Push the lever upward, pull it downward or push it upward to select different wiper modes; pulling the lever inward will spray cleaning fluid. 2. Notes: Moving the switch up and down changes different wiper modes. Wipers are generally only for the front windshield because drivers only need to see the road through the front windshield, and the rear windshield is not equipped with wipers.
I find this issue quite common—the wipers automatically activate upon starting the car, most likely due to incorrect wiper switch settings or a malfunction. For instance, you might have accidentally set the switch to auto or intermittent mode, causing the system to misinterpret humidity detected by the sensor as rain and trigger the wipers upon ignition. Additionally, minor glitches in the control module could erroneously send activation signals to the wiper motor. Don’t worry—this won’t immediately damage the car, but prolonged operation can drain the battery. First, check the wiper knob position and try switching it to ‘OFF.’ If the issue persists, it could indicate aging sensors or relays. It’s best to ask a friend for a quick inspection or visit a 4S店 for diagnosis—don’t delay, as it may compromise driving visibility. During routine maintenance, remind technicians to inspect this component to prevent major issues.
I've experienced this situation too, where the wipers start as soon as the car is turned on. It's usually just a minor operational mistake. For example, you might have forgotten to turn off the switch after driving in the rain last time, or accidentally bumped the control lever, activating the automatic function. Some modern cars reset their systems upon startup, which can mistakenly trigger the wipers. Another possibility is that a memory mode is set, causing the wipers to default to on when the car restarts. Simple solution: Before driving next time, make sure the knob is in the off position; check if the windshield is dirty, which might cause the sensor to misjudge. Also, when driving in the rain, pay attention to the sensitivity of the automatic wipers and adjust it appropriately to avoid unnecessary movements at startup. If the issue persists, consult your car manual or ask a mechanic friend—it's usually a minor issue, so don't worry too much.
The wipers moving immediately upon starting the car could be a design feature. Some models, such as those equipped with smart rain-sensing systems, perform a sensor self-test and activate upon ignition. This is normal during rainy conditions. If it occurs on sunny days, the sensor may be covered in dust, causing malfunction and mistakenly activating the wipers due to perceived moisture. Electronic faults like software bugs can also erroneously execute the startup command. Simple solution: Clean the sensor area on the windshield and try resetting the system. For safety, if this frequently occurs and affects driving, promptly seek repairs to avoid distraction-induced accidents.
