Modern transport is literally stupid by different electronics. Some devices are designed to entertain a car owner, others are designed to increase comfort, and the third are additional security improvements. However, do they need car enthusiasts in everyday life? Or their true goal to pull out more money from a potential car owner? In this article we will talk about the rain sensor. Many drivers consider it a mandatory function for any car, while others calmly cost without it, self-controlling the wiper mechanism.

Device and principle of the rain sensor

The rain sensor is an optical electronic device that is installed on the inner surface of the front glass, near the rear view mirror. It consists of photodiode and LED. The principle of operation is quite simple: the LED radiates the light invisible for the human eye, the signal is partially reflected from the front glass, after which it returns to the photodiode, which, in turn, recognizes the degree of moisture content of the windshield. The device is built into the refractive parameters for wet and dry surfaces, with which the sensor determines when the wipers are needed.

The fact is that when the glass is dry, more light is returned to the receiver. If the glass is dirty or wet - light returns less, because of which the sensor and gives the command to clean the glass. The rain sensor kit includes a system control unit and a relay block. It is the device first and is a bunch of photodiode and the LED. As for the relay bloc, he plays the role of the artist in the system and directly controls the mechanisms of brushes. In addition, it protects the system from interference and voltage drops. It is installed there, where it will be convenient for power.

Disadvantages of rain sensors

Some sensor models not only control the mechanism of wipers, and automatically closes the hatch and windows, which pays hidden dangers. Many people love to hold on to the upper door of the door while ride. And in the conditions of having a rain sensor, they need to be careful, because the rising glass can pinch your fingers or hand.

It is important to consider the fact that the installation of the device makes special requirements for the front glass of the car. If there are chips, scratches and other damage on the glass, it may incorrectly affect the operation of the sensor, since the light that passes through the glass can be refracted and distorted by misleading the system.

Also, the disadvantages include false triggery of wiper in dry weather. This is possible if the glass has fingerprints or other insignificant pollution. In addition, you will have to buy good brushes to ensure normal operation of the entire system.

It is also necessary to very carefully use the means for cleaning the glasses, since moisture getting into the control unit is extremely undesirable. Then it may be necessary to replace the sensor. In addition, you will need to say goodbye to the windshield toning, as it interferes with the operation of the system and does not allow for the infrared rays. The problem can be solved by doing a small hole in the film opposite the diodes.

Common myths

Myth # 1: "At night, the sensor does not work."

Infrared rays do not react to illumination. They feel the same as at night and during the day.

Myth # 2: "In the winter, the device does not work."

Partly yes, since it is not configured on the snow, but on the water, and the level of the refraction of the light they have different. However, if your vehicle is equipped with a heating of the front glass, no problems will arise.

Myth # 3: "You can say goodbye to the sensor if the glass broke."

No, it is enough just to replace the glass to another on which there is a place to fasten the sensor.

Myth # 4: "If the system has ceased to work, you need to change the windshield."

Wrong. If the system does not work, most likely, the problem is in condensate and dust on diodes. It is necessary to dismantle and clean the sensor. However, there is a problem here. And she lies in what the sensor is glued. To do this, you will need a special transparent bilateral tape, and the procedure itself is very complex. Therefore, it is not recommended to install the sensor yourself. The most faithful solution is to appeal to a specialized service, in which you will refine a qualitative device.

Tips Profi, do you need rain sensor on the car

It's rather the case of taste than invaluable benefits. The Internet is simply filled with articles, how indispensable and the device data is useful. Does today's motorists are tired of independently turn on wipers? After all, this is a second action.

Of course, there are situations on the road when electronics can really help. For example, if you are traveling along a narrow road and the oncoming machine opens you with mud. Or if you drive along the highway on a rainy day and overtake a big wagon, from the wheels of which the mass of water flies to your front glass. At such a moment, the rain sensor is really useful. However, in the end, only you decide, to trust the electronics or control the process of cleaning the front glass itself.