Tesla automatic windshield wipers: Why so bad and when will it get better?

An automatic windshield wiper system is actually nothing special these days and can be expected in high-tech cars like a Tesla - actually. Because while the Tesla automatic windshield wiper is available in principle in the  American e-cars, it hasn't really worked well for years.

What is the reason and why do Tesla's engineers seem to have such big problems with such a simple problem as the Tesla windshield wiper autopilot? And above all, is there any prospect of improvement?

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Tesla automatic windshield wiper: What is the problem?

The Tesla Autopilot windshield wiper has a noticeable problem with detecting raindrops on the windshield. In other words: It stops raining, but the Tesla windshield wiper doesn't stop and continues to wipe a dry windshield.

The other way round too, i.e. when light rain sets in, the automatic detection system fails and leaves the wiper switched off. The system only works reasonably reliably in heavy rain.

Tesla windshield wiper autopilot: What is the cause?

Automatic wiper systems from numerous other manufacturers have been doing their job reliably for many years. So why the Tesla windshield wiper problem? Well, the devil is in Tesla's sensor philosophy "Vision Only".

Tesla Vision Only: What's it all about?

For some time now, Tesla has been pursuing the approach of controlling all functions, from autopilot to automatic windshield wipers, exclusively using camera images.

Other sensors, such as the ultrasonic parking sensors installed until 2022 or a rain sensor, will no longer be used. This has advantages, but also brings with it many challenges.

Why is Vision Only a problem?

Recognizing water droplets or dirt on a camera image and subsequently activating the windscreen wipers should not be a problem for Tesla. The crux of the matter is that the system does not have such an image. The positioning of the three main cameras at the top edge of the windshield means that only a very small area of the windshield is captured.

In addition, the cameras are mainly intended for the autopilot and therefore focus into the distance. This means that not only a fraction of the pane is captured, but the resulting image is also blurred. Reliably recognizing water on it - almost impossible.

Tesla update windshield wipers: when will it get better?

There are several ideas to overcome this challenge: for example, Tesla is trying to detect falling rain instead of drops on the windshield, also with the help of the side cameras. Observing whether other cars have activated their windshield wipers could also be a helpful indicator.

The simple solution would of course be to install a rain sensor, which other manufacturers also have. However, the appeal of Vision Only is probably too great for Tesla: if it is actually possible to cover all functions using only cameras, this will save complexity in the system and therefore production costs.

Tesla windscreen wipers: poor wiping performance

Unfortunately, even then the problem is not solved, because the windshield wipers as such do not really work satisfactorily either. Consistently clear vision and quiet mopping? Not a chance! High time to switch to the durable Teslabs premium windshield wipers for Model Y and 3, which can offer just that.

Of course, this does not improve your Tesla Model Y automatic windshield wipers, but at least the rest of the system works reliably and thus increases your comfort. Incidentally, this principle also applies to other problems with the electric cars: Read more about rectifying other Tesla defects.

New hardware generation or update?

It is also conceivable that a new generation of hardware with additional differently positioned cameras will be introduced in the future - or that fully autonomous driving will be achieved and the unobstructed view out of the windshield will become obsolete.

On the other hand, Tesla's software teams should not be written off just yet. After all, they have already solved one or two challenges from the "impossible" category. So perhaps a Tesla wiper update will be installed quietly and secretly overnight and the problem will disappear into thin air. We are excited!

What experiences have you had with the automatic windshield wipers? Let us know in the comments below!