How do rain sensing wipers work

Get Directions. Sales: Hours. Service: Hours. Parts: Hours. Make an Inquiry. My Automatic Wipers Aren't Activating If you know your vehicle has automatic windshield wipers but they aren't activating like they should, it is likely that you need to switch the stalk to 'auto' mode.

However, it is now gaining rapid popularity even on the new vehicles. Ford Fiesta is one of the cars which offers the rain-sensing wipers as an optional fitment. Rain-sensing wipers employ an electronic module fitted near the windscreen. It serves as the brain of this system. The diagram below depicts the parts of this control module:. As seen in the diagram, the control module hosts light emitting diodes LED which emit infrared light on the windscreen.

When the glass is clear, the light is reflected back from the windscreen and is received by the sensor again. You can not even visit an automatic car wash unless you want them wipers shredded.

Learnt it the harder way. There is either an off or car wash mode. And you do disservice to your vehicle by taking through and automatic wash. Car Advice. Does a rain-sensing windscreen wiper physically detect raindrops?

Or is it magic? Tags: rain-sensing windscreen wiper. Newsletter Signup First Name: Email address:. The sensors work by sending out an infrared beam of light which detects how much light is reflected back through the glass.

The more water on the glass the less light is reflected which in turn activates your wipers. This will also affect the frequency of wipers as the amount of rain changes.

The sensors are usually located behind your rear view mirror mounted on a special bracket and wired through the roof. From a drizzle to a down pour, rain sensing wipers are not just a luxury, they improve on our wellbeing and safety on the roads.

Depending on the extent of the damage to your windscreen, a closer inspection will be required to see if the rain sensor has been damaged. If a windscreen replacement is required then it is best to get the professionals to inspect your rain sensor as well, just inform the rep that you have a rain sensor mounted. If the sensor has been damaged then you may have to purchase a new one along with your windscreen replacement.