Automatic wipers misbehaving

Teslas don't use a traditional rain sensor. The car uses its windscreen cameras to decide when to wipe. It usually works well, but sometimes it wipes on a dry day or doesn't wipe in light drizzle.

Why it happens

• Dirt, bird droppings, dead insects or smears on the windscreen in front of the cameras.
• Low sun, reflections or condensation inside the camera housing.
• Unusual light conditions, such as tunnels or bright low sun.

What helps

1. Clean the windscreen in front of the camera housing, inside and out.
2. Use the wiper button on the stalk or screen to wipe once manually; the system often settles down.
3. Switch to a fixed speed (1 to 4) on the touchscreen while conditions are tricky.
4. Keep your software up to date. Tesla has improved auto wipers in updates.
5. Replace worn wiper blades. Smears confuse the cameras.

If the auto wipers behave badly all the time, book a check in the app: the camera may need cleaning or recalibrating.