How To Use Different Wiper Settings To Your Advantage

The car windscreen wiper was an important invention in the field of automotive technology. Initially, wipers were mounted on the windscreen and were moved using a lever inside the cabin. The mere thought of this action is enough to make us realise wiper motors are a blessing, however when it comes to using the different wiper settings, it can become a little confusing.

Modern cars are equipped with both front and rear wipers and each of them have different wiper settings than can be used to bring the rubber blades into action. However, using each setting correctly ensures that your car windscreen wipers do their job of cleaning the windshield effectively and efficiently. To make things easier for you, we have put together this blog of how you can use the different wiper settings to your advantage.

1. OFF Wiper Setting

It might seem a bit foolish to think that the off position is a wiper setting that you need to learn about, however, in the age of modern cars, wipers can come to life by themselves using the AUTO mode. Therefore, it is important to know about the OFF setting.

This is especially important in snowy conditions, when the blades could be stuck to the windshield because of the cold temperature. If they are called into action at such a point of time, they could end up damaging the windshield.

2. AUTO Wiper Setting

Modern cars have rain sensing wipers, which is a feature that automatically regulates the functioning of the windshield wipers. It is quite helpful in everyday scenarios, especially in regions where rain can come at a moment’s notice. However, its real benefit lies in the fact that when the wiper setting is set to AUTO, the system can automatically calculate the wiping speed that is required, and then set the wipers accordingly.

This becomes highly crucial when you are driving on the highway and heavy rain requires you to keep your focus on the road. In such circumstances, a sensor on the windshield measures the amount of rain that is falling and accordingly adjusts the wiper speed.

3. INT (Intermittent) Wiper Setting

The INT or Intermittent wiper setting is the one that most people get wrong. They generally skip and go straight to LOW, however, the INT setting is great for judiciously using your wipers. In this setting, the wipers pause between strokes. Furthermore, the timing of the pause can be regulated. Many car makers offer three to four timing settings, and they can be found on the wiper stalk itself.

The INT setting is perfect for a light rain or drizzle or even when the conditions are misty. Using the INT mode not only reduces driver distraction due to the wiper movement, but it also reduces the wear and tear of the rubber blades. If you haven’t used this setting before, it can take a bit getting used to it, however, once you do, you will realise that most light bouts of rain can be taken care of with just setting your wipers to the INT setting.

4. LOW Wiper Setting

This is one of the most popularly used wiper settings in most scenarios. In the LOW mode, the wipers continuously perform a wiping motion, however the speed of their motion is relatively slow. The continuous wiping motion ensures that there is constant visibility through the windscreen and at the same time, the wiper motor noise stays too low.

You should use the LOW setting when there is constant rain but it isn’t following down heavily. You can also use this mode when you come to a stop in heavy rain, and want to maintain forward visibility. At such a time, you can switch from the HIGH setting to preserve your wiper blades.

5. HIGH Wiper Setting

The HIGH wiper setting is reserved for the fastest continuous wiping action, and is best reserved for heavy rainfall. It helps maintain a clean line of sight even during intense rain. Furthermore, the faster your vehicles travel, the higher the intensity of rain. Therefore, at higher speeds, you might need to use the HIGH setting to maintain clear visibility.

The HIGH wiper setting can be used continuously, but excessive use can cause your car’s wiper assembly to wear out at a quicker rate. Therefore, you should use the HIGH setting sparingly and when it is possible, you should switch to the LOW or INT modes.

6. 1X or MIST Wiper Setting

Look at the wiper stalk and you will see a 1X or MIST wiper setting. While other settings require moving the wiper stalk up or down, the 1X or MIST setting only requires a tap in one direction, before the stalk comes back to its original position. This is because the 1X or MIST setting activates just a single single of the wiper.

The 1X or MIST is used to clear mist off the windshield on cold mornings when water vapour condenses on the glass surface. Sometimes, when a neighbouring vehicle passes through a puddle, it can splash water on your windscreen. The 1X or MIST function can be used to dispel it.

7. WASH AND WIPE FUNCTION

Your car windscreen wipers can also be useful when it is not raining. They have a wipe and wash function, and it uses the nozzles to spray windshield washer fluid onto the glass surface, before the wipers are activated. This clears the windshield of any debris, grime or even dirty water that might have accumulated on its surface.

This function is generally activated by pulling the wiper stalk forward or backward. However, make sure that the wiper fluid reservoir is not empty, as dry running of the windshield can cause damage to the windshield.

8. REAR WIPER

Certain hatchbacks or SUVs, or even sedans in some instances have a rear wiper. The rear wiper works independently of the front, and is generally activated by a cylindrical switch at the end of the wiper stalk. It can serve three functions:

• Intermittent Wiping - This feature works the same as the INT setting for forward wipers, however, this is only found on expensive vehicles.
• Continuous Wiping - This feature is found on all cars with a rear wiper and is denoted by the ON setting.
• Wash and Wipe - This is the most common use of the rear windshield wiper, as the rear windscreen can get caked with dirt and grime. The rear windshield wiper helps clear the area, and is especially useful when reversing.

Conclusion

Understanding the functions of your wiper system isn’t just about knowing the features of your car. More often than not, when you actually need to use the wipers, you will be preoccupied by poor visibility because of bad weather. At such a time, knowing how your wipers work and having that knowledge at your fingertips (pun intended) makes for a safer, and less stressful driving experience.