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The simple, clever sensor behind automatic windshield wipers

Technology Connections · explainer · Watch on YouTube

Cars, EVs & motorcyclesEveryday physics & science demosElectronics & circuit design

What it is

Technology Connections explains how automatic windshield wiper rain sensors work, using an infrared light source and total internal reflection in the glass.

Why Hacker News recommends it

Brought up in Tesla auto-wiper threads as the clear explanation of how simple conventional rain sensors work.

  • 2 people recommended it
  • 2 different months
  • 0 strong recommendations
  • first 2024, last 2026

What HN commenters said

  1. “Technology Connections has a good video on how traditional automobile rain sensors work”

    Explains how rain sensors work

    Stratoscope, 2024-05 · Recommendation · in “Tesla Auto Wipers: Why They Don't Work and Why There Isn't an Easy Fix”

  2. “Technology Connections has a good video on how it works [1].”

    Explains the dedicated wiper sensor

    tzs, 2026-01 · Recommendation · in “Tesla is committing automotive suicide”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: windshield wipers, total internal reflection, infrared sensor, tesla, car technology

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