When it comes to electric vehicles, Tesla is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and innovative brands in the market. With their sleek designs and impressive technological advancements, it is no wonder that Tesla cars are a popular choice for many drivers. However, despite their many features, one question often arises because of their “sedan design”: Does Tesla have back wipers? It is a fair question, as many drivers consider rear wipers an essential component of their cars.
No, Tesla cars do not have rear wipers since they are sedans, not hatchbacks, and these cars’ design allows air currents to clean the rear windshield automatically without requiring any external aid such as wipers.
Why Do Not Teslas Have Back Wipers?
Tesla cars are sedans, whereas having rear wipers is essentially the trait of hatchback vehicles. The answer lies in the air currents sliding on a moving car. When a car cruises, the air flows over the hood and slides onto the windshield to land over the roof. Afterward, it goes down the rear windshield if it is slanted. Eventually, the air currents leave the car body after passing over the trunk. This causes a cleaning effect on the car’s body as the air sweeps any dirt or water droplets (you might have noticed water droplets moving upward on your car’s windshield when driving at high speed in the rain).
However, if the rear windshield is flat, the air current, when it reaches the back of a moving car, does not bend downward that steeply. Hence, it does not cause any cleaning effect. That is why hatchback cars face the problem of water accumulation on their rear windshield, and drivers get a tough time looking through it without receiving any aid from wipers.
| Did You Know?
The air pressure on the rear windshield of a sedan can even cause the wiper to lift if it has it. |
Alternates for Back Wipers in Tesla
- Rain-repellent coatings: You can apply these to your Tesla’s back window to help water and other debris slide off the surface as soon as they hit the glass. They work by creating a hydrophobic surface that repels water and other liquids, making it easier to see through the window. A common product you can apply is car wax. It is well-known for its hydrophobic quality and long-lasting impressions.
- Wind deflectors: Wind deflectors are mounted on the top of the car’s rear window, creating a barrier that redirects airflow away from the window. This helps to prevent water droplets and other debris from sticking to the window, keeping it cleaner. However, note that Tesla cars do not come with it, and you may not find it commonly available in the market. You might need to get it designed specifically. Also, note that such deflectors can interfere with the factory-designed aerodynamics of your car, impacting the range.
- Rear defoggers: Rear defoggers are built into your Tesla and work by heating the back window to clear away any fog or condensation that may have accumulated on the surface. If the fog is outside the car, the defogger can also work there. It can also eventually evaporate the water droplets. However, note that the process will be slow.
- Cleaning wipes or sprays: You can keep a pack of cleaning wipes or spray in your Tesla to quickly clean the back window when needed. These wipes or sprays are specially designed to be used on glass windows and can help remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may have accumulated on the surface without causing scratches or cracks.
- Rearview camera: Tesla cars are, fortunately, equipped with rearview cameras that can display a live feed of the back of the car on the infotainment screen. This can help you see out of the back window more clearly, even if it is dirty or obstructed. But you need to ensure the camera is clean, at least.
How to Help Front Windshield Wipers Last Long?
- Clean your windshield regularly: Dirt, debris, and other particles can accumulate on your windshield and make it harder for your wipers to do their job. Regularly cleaning your windshield can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your wipers. You can use a damp cloth to do the job perfectly.
- Avoid using your wipers on a dry windshield: Running your wipers on a dry windshield can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the blades. Always make sure there is enough moisture on the windshield before using your wipers.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause the rubber on your wiper blades to degrade faster. If possible, try to park your car in a garage or under a carport to help protect your wipers from extreme temperatures.
- Use windshield wiper fluid: Windshield wiper fluid is specially formulated to help clean your windshield and lubricate your wipers, helping to reduce wear and tear on the blades. Make sure to keep your windshield wiper fluid reservoir filled and use it regularly to help keep your wipers in good condition.
- Replace your wipers regularly: Even with regular maintenance, your wipers will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Replacing your wipers as soon as you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as streaks, skipping, or chattering, is important. Degraded wipers will not only cause issues with the rubber material but will also lead to windshield scratches.
Concluding Remarks: Does Tesla Have Back Wipers?
The answer is no. The reason for this is due to the fact that Tesla cars are designed as sedans rather than hatchbacks, which allows for the aerodynamics of the vehicle to naturally clean the rear windshield without the need for additional wipers.
As we conclude our discussion on whether Tesla cars have rear wipers, it is clear that the automaker has chosen to forego this feature. However, Tesla’s innovation does not stop there. With the recent news of the company obtaining a patent for laser windshield wipers, it is evident that Tesla is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry. Using lasers to clean debris off vehicles may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but with Tesla at the forefront of this technology, it could become a reality sooner than we think. Who knows, maybe in the future, we will see Tesla cars cruising down the road with their laser wipers in action, providing an even more futuristic driving experience.
