Does the Honda Civic have rain-sensing wipers?
The current Honda Civic lineup in the United States does not include rain-sensing windshield wipers as a factory option. Wipers on Civics are controlled by conventional intermittent and continuous settings rather than an automatic rain-detection system.
This article explains what rain-sensing wipers are, how they differ from standard wiper systems, and how this feature varies by market and model year for the Civic.
What rain-sensing wipers are
Rain-sensing wipers use a sensor typically located near the inside of the windshield behind the rearview mirror to detect moisture. When rain is detected, the system automatically adjusts the wipe interval to maintain visibility, reducing the need for manual adjustment during changing weather conditions.
Civic wiper system in the United States
Honda equips the Civic with a strong safety package, including Honda Sensing across many trims. However, rain-sensing wipers are not advertised as part of the U.S.-spec Civic equipment. In practice, Civic wipers operate using manual or standard intermittent settings rather than a sensor-driven auto wipe function.
How to confirm for your specific car
If you want to verify whether your particular Civic has rain-sensing wipers, use these steps:
- Review the owner’s manual for details on the windshield wiper system and whether a rain-sensing feature is listed.
- Inspect the wiper control stalk for an AUTO setting or a sensor symbol indicating rain-sensing operation.
- Check the window sticker or the official build/price sheet from the dealership for the exact trim and equipment.
- Ask a Honda dealer or contact Honda customer support to confirm whether your model year and trim include rain-sensing wipers or if it’s available only in other markets.
Even if your Civic lacks rain-sensing wipers, you’ll still benefit from Honda Sensing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, which enhance safety in wet conditions.
Regional variations
Availability of rain-sensing wipers varies by market. Some overseas Civics or certain model-year updates may offer rain-sensing wipers on higher trims or as part of optional packages, while the U.S. lineup has not included the feature in recent years. Always check local specifications for your region.
Why it isn’t common on Civics
Automakers weigh feature cost, demand, and target buyers. For the Civic, Honda has prioritized safety tech through the Honda Sensing suite and other conveniences, while keeping rain-sensing wipers out of the U.S. model lineup. Market-specific decisions may differ, but in the United States, rain-sensing wipers aren’t standard or widely available on the Civic.
Summary
Bottom line: In the United States, the current Honda Civic does not offer rain-sensing wipers as a standard or optional feature. If automatic rain sensing is essential, consider checking regional specifications or exploring other models in Honda’s lineup, or verify with a dealer for any market-specific offerings.
How to turn on rain-sensing wipers on Honda?
And controls the frequency of the wiper. Based on the current sensitivity setting. With the vehicle. On turn the windshield wiper stock to select the wiper speed to low high or to turn it.
Does the Civic have rain-sensing wipers?
The Civic Touring trims feature rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Which Honda Civics have Honda Sensing?
The Features: A Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all Civic Sedan trims.
How do I tell if my car has rain-sensing wipers?
You can tell if your car has rain-sensing wipers by checking the wiper control stalk for an "AUTO" setting, looking for a small, dark sensor housing behind the rearview mirror on the inside of the windshield, or checking the vehicle's owner's manual or infotainment system. A specific pattern or lens on the outside of the windshield, sometimes with a visible dark strip or nub, can also indicate the presence of the sensor.
This video explains how to identify and activate rain-sensing wipers on some car models: 58sReese Sells Cars Volkswagen GuruYouTube · Jul 30, 2020
Visual inspection
- Look for the "AUTO" setting: Check the wiper control lever on your steering column. If there is an "AUTO" position, you likely have rain-sensing wipers.
- Examine the windshield: Look for a small, dark plastic housing on the inside of the windshield behind the rearview mirror.
- Check the outside of the windshield: From outside, you may see a distinct lens or film on the glass where the sensor is located, often described as a dark patch, a small cutout, or a nub.
- Look for accompanying technology: Some cars combine rain-sensing technology with sensors for automatic headlights or other safety features, so the housing might be larger or have additional components.
System and manual checks
- Consult the infotainment system: Navigate through the vehicle's settings in the infotainment screen to see if there is a "rain-sensing wipers" option to enable or disable.
- Review the owner's manual: Check your owner's manual for information on your vehicle's specific features, which should list if rain-sensing wipers are included.
- Check the original window sticker: If you have it, the original window sticker should list a "weather package" that includes "rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers".
This video explains how rain-sensing wipers work: 1mHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · Apr 15, 2025
How to confirm
- Activate the system: If you have the "AUTO" setting, try turning it on and then pouring a small amount of water on the windshield to see if the wipers activate automatically. They should also adjust their speed based on the amount of rain.
