Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper Blade
Cleaning the Wiper Blade
Periodically clean the edge of the wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks, splits, and roughness. If damaged, replace the blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass and improve visibility.
Contaminants on the windshield or wiper blade can reduce the effectiveness of the wiper. Contaminants include ice, wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings, tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
- Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade. Do not lift the wiper arm beyond its intended position.
- Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
- Clean the windshield and wiper blade using washer fluid or non-abrasive glass cleaner approved for use on automotive glass and rubber.CAUTIONInappropriate products can cause damage or smears and create glare on the windshield.
- Gently place the wiper blade back onto the windshield.
- Test the wiper blade again. If the wiper remains ineffective after cleaning, replace the wiper blade.
Note
An ineffective wiper can lead to reduced visibility for the front windshield cameras, which may lead to degraded performance or unavailability of Autopilot features. For more information, see Cameras and refer to Autopilot .
Replacing the Wiper Blade
For optimum performance, replace the wiper blade at least once a year. You can purchase a replacement wiper blade on the Tesla Shop.
CAUTION
Only install a
replacement blade that is identical to the original blade. Using an inappropriate blade
can damage the wiper system and windshield.
To replace the wiper blade:
- Shift into Park and turn off the wiper. Ensure the wiper setting is Off and not in Auto, because the wiper blade may still sweep if there is any liquid detected on the windshield.
- Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
- Lift the wiper arm a short distance
away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.CAUTIONWiper blade does not lock into a lifted position. Do not lift the wiper arm beyond its intended position or drop it onto the windshield.
- While
holding the wiper arm, press the locking tab, then slide the blade away from the arm.
Set the wiper blade next to the wiper arm.
- Disconnect the washer hose from the
wiper blade by pulling the hose from the barb fitting.
- Connect the new washer hose to the
barb fitting on the new wiper blade.
- Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide it toward the base of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
- Ensure the wiper blade is fully
secured by lightly pushing and pulling on the blade. The blade should not jostle or
move around.CAUTIONEnsure the new blade is locked in place and does not move. If not locked in place (you can hear and feel a "click"), the wiper blade may come off during use, resulting in serious damage.
- Remove the towel and gently place the wiper blade against the windshield.