Tesla’s latest software update, version 2024.14.3, introduces several new functions and visual interface changes, with a notable enhancement to the wiper controls. The update aims to address longstanding frustrations with the automatic windshield wipers, which have been a weak point for Tesla vehicles.
One of the main challenges with Tesla’s autowiper function is its reliance on vision-based sensors, which can lead to erratic behavior. For example, the wipers may activate unnecessarily on a sunny day due to misinterpretation of splattered bugs as raindrops. Conversely, they may fail to respond adequately in heavy rain.
To mitigate these issues, Tesla has introduced physical controls for wiper speed. Previous updates, such as the 2023.20 release, added wiper control to the steering wheel’s left scroll wheel. However, this solution was considered clumsy, as it required using the wheel’s tilt function to adjust the wiper speed.
In the 2024.14.3 update, Tesla has refined the wiper controls, allowing drivers to adjust the wiper speed more intuitively. Now, users can simply move the left scroll wheel up or down to adjust the speed. Additionally, pressing the control button enables drivers to cycle through the four wiper speed settings.
Tesla stated in the update changelog, “When you press the wipers button to view wiper controls, you can now adjust wiper speed by moving the left scroll wheel up or down.” The company also noted, “When you have the wipers set to I, II, III, or IIII, you can press the wipers button to cycle through speeds.”
These improvements come as Tesla continues to work on a more robust autowiper solution. The company has indicated that a fix for the automatic wipers’ behavior in Autopilot mode will “go out soon.”