Understanding Your Tiguan's Rear Wiper Control

Knowing how to operate your Tiguan's rear windshield wiper is simple once you know where to look. The main control is usually close at hand, making it easy to adjust while you drive.

Locating the Control Stalk

First, find the wiper control stalk. This is a lever found on the right side of your steering wheel. It holds all the controls for both your front and rear wipers. The specific part for your rear wiper is a small rotating ring or knob at the very end of this stalk. Take a moment to look at it closely, and you'll often see small symbols that show what each setting does.

Performing the Turn-Off Action

Once you’ve found the control, turning off the rear wiper is straightforward. Follow these easy steps:

Rotate the End Knob: Gently turn the small knob at the very end of the control stalk. You need to move it until it points to the "OFF" position. This position is usually marked clearly. Look for the word "OFF" or a symbol that looks like a horizontal line or a circle with a gap, pointing to the "OFF" mark.
Check Your Dashboard: After you make the change, take a quick look at your car's dashboard display. You should see that any icon showing the rear wiper is now gone. If you see a symbol that looks like a water drop or a fan shape, it means the wiper is still on or spraying fluid. Once that symbol vanishes, your rear wiper is fully off.

Handling Special Situations with Your Rear Wiper

Sometimes, your rear wiper might do something unexpected. Here’s how to handle a couple of common events:

Accidental Washer Fluid Activation: It’s easy to accidentally trigger the rear washer fluid when you're turning the knob. If you twist the knob too far and water starts spraying on your rear window, don't worry. Just quickly turn the knob back to the "OFF" position. The spray will stop at once.
Automatic Wiper Use in Reverse: Your VolkswagenUAE Volkswagen Egypt Volkswagen KSA Volkswagen Oman Volkswagen Bahrain Volkswagen Kuwait Volkswagen Qatar Volkswagen Tiguan is smart! When you put the car in reverse gear (R), the rear windshield wiper might turn on automatically. This is a helpful safety feature designed to give you a clear view out the back of your car when backing up. Once you shift your gear selector back into "Park" (P) or "Drive" (D), the wiper will usually stop on its own.

Why Turning Off Your Rear Wiper Matters

It might seem like a small thing, but correctly turning off your rear wiper offers several real benefits for your car and your driving experience. Letting it run when it's not needed can lead to unnecessary problems.

Preventing Unnecessary Wear and Tear

Leaving your rear wiper on when the window is dry or when it's not raining can cause more harm than good:

Extends Wiper Blade Life: The rubber part of the wiper, called the blade, wears down every time it moves across the glass. If it's wiping a dry window, this wear happens faster. Turning it off when not needed helps your wiper blades last much longer.
Reduces Motor Load: Your wiper is powered by a small electric motor. When the wiper operates, especially on a dry surface, the motor has to work harder. Turning it off reduces this stress, helping the motor last longer and preventing potential electrical system strain.
Prevents Dry Wiping Damage: Wiping a dirty or dry window can scratch the glass itself. Small bits of dust or grit can act like sandpaper. By turning off the wiper when it's not needed, you help protect your rear windshield from tiny scratches and marks.

Adapting to Weather Changes

Smart use of your rear wiper also depends on the weather:

Saves Power After Rain: Once the rain stops, there's no need for your wiper to keep going. Turning it off helps save a little bit of electricity, which is good for your vehicle's overall battery and electrical system.
Reduces Visual Interference: Having the wiper moving constantly, even when there's no water, can be a distraction. It creates a small moving blur in your rear view. Turning it off gives you clear, uninterrupted visibility.
Winter Protection Against Freezing: In cold regions, water can freeze on your windshield. If your wiper is left on and it tries to move while frozen, it can stick to the glass. Forcing it to move when frozen can cause the rubber blade to rip or even burn out the wiper's motor, leading to an expensive repair.

FAQ

Q:Why does my rear wiper turn on by itself?

A:It's usually a normal safety design. When you put your car into the "R" (reverse) gear, the rear wiper often activates automatically to give you a clear view for backing up. This is a common feature in many modern vehicles. However, if it comes on unexpectedly when you're not in reverse, double-check that your control stalk isn't accidentally set to an "intermittent" or "auto" sensing position.

Q:My wiper won't stop after I turn it off. What should I do?

A:First, try restarting your vehicle's entire system. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, wait a few moments, and then start it again. This can sometimes reset minor electrical glitches. If the wiper continues to act strangely or won't stop, there might be a problem with a sensor or the main control system. In this case, it's best to contact an authorized service center or a trusted mechanic to have them inspect the issue. They can run checks on your vehicle's electrical components and fix any underlying problems.

Q:What should I know for winter?

A:When winter approaches and temperatures drop, it's very important to keep your rear wiper turned off, especially before freezing weather sets in overnight. If your rear windshield freezes with the wiper blade resting on it, the blade can get stuck to the glass. Trying to force it to work while it's frozen can severely damage the rubber blade or even burn out the wiper motor. If your windshield is icy, always warm it up with your car's defrost system before attempting to use the wipers.

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