Rear window wiper and washer
Runs the wiper on the tailgate window, and on most cars sprays that window too.
What pressing it does
On Hyundai's Tucson a ring at the end of the wiper stalk sets the rear wiper to HI (2), LO (1) or OFF; pushing the lever away sprays the rear window and wipes 1-3 times. SEAT's Ateca uses the same stalk: one position wipes the rear window about every six seconds, and pressing the lever sprays it with the rear wiper running.
Check your car's manual: makes and models differ in what a button does, which positions a switch has and whether it works with the engine off, and your owner's manual is the authority for your car.
- What it looks like
- A rectangular rear window with a wiper blade and its arc
- Also labelled
- Rear wiper; Rear wash
- Standard
- None — a maker's symbol, described here from 2 makers' manuals: Hyundai, SEAT
What to check in your car's manual
Where your rear wiper setting is on the stalk, and whether the rear wiper runs by itself when you reverse with the front wipers on.
Where makes differ
Hyundai offers two continuous speeds; SEAT describes an interval wipe of about every six seconds. Hyundai's Tucson can run the rear wiper automatically in reverse when the front wipers are on (a setting in the infotainment menu). SEAT says the rear wiper only works with the ignition on and the tailgate closed.
No regulation defines it
The UN R121 table and FMVSS 101 Tables 1 and 2 list the windscreen wiper and washer but no rear-window wiper, so its symbol is the maker's.
Other buttons under “Windows”
Sources
No regulation defines this control, so it is described from 2 carmakers' own owner's manuals, each read on the date shown.
- Hyundai 2025 Tucson (general market, English web manual): Rear windshield wipers and washers — HI/LO/OFF ring on the stalk; push the lever away to spray and wipe; automatic rear wiper in reverse. checked 2026-09-25
- SEAT Ateca owner's manual, UK English, edition 06.21 (model year 2022), PDF: Windscreen wiper and rear window wiper systems — positions 6 and 7, p. 122-123 — Interval rear wipe about every six seconds; press the lever to wash and wipe; ignition on and rear lid closed. checked 2026-09-25
Written in our own words; the manuals cover their own models only.