You’re not alone! The windshield wipers button may control the activation or movement of the wipers, but it’s slightly different in every vehicle.
In most vehicles, the windshield wipers button is on the right side of the steering wheel on a protruding lever. Here are the different things the button (or buttons) may do:
Turn the front wipers on and off
Turn the rear wipers on and off
Activate mist mode (a one-time swipe of the blades)
Adjust the speed of the wipers
Spray washer fluid onto the windshield
In most vehicles, the button itself activates a spurt of washer fluid
—or the rear wipers. There is usually a dial that adjusts the frequency of the wiper blades. Some cars have an automatic rain-sensing mode. When you select this mode, the wipers will automatically adjust to the amount of rain on the windshield.
Your best bet is to study the windshield wiper section in the owner’s manual of each car. Then practice! You’ll get the hang of it, we promise.
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