🔧 MX-5 Miata - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll remove the old front wiper blades from the wiper arms and snap on new ones. This restores clear visibility and prevents streaking or scratching the windshield from worn rubber.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Never let a bare wiper arm snap onto the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Work with the ignition OFF and wipers OFF so the arms don’t move unexpectedly.
• 🧤 Put a towel on the windshield under the arm as protection.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Microfiber towel
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Small flathead screwdriver

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 18", Passenger: 16" (verify your current blade lengths) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and switch the car OFF.
• Lift each wiper arm carefully and place a microfiber towel on the windshield under it.
• If your new blades include multiple adapters, set them aside and only use the one that matches your wiper arm connector.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the wiper arm safely

• Lift the driver-side wiper arm up off the glass by hand.
• Place a microfiber towel under the blade area on the windshield.
• Keep one hand on the arm.

Step 2: Remove the old wiper blade from the arm

• At the connection point, look for a small release tab (a little button/clip that unlocks the blade).
• Press the tab with your fingers. If it’s tight, gently help it with a small flathead screwdriver.
• While holding the tab, slide the blade downward (toward the hood) to unhook it from the arm.
• Remove the blade completely and set it aside.

Step 3: Install the new wiper blade

• Confirm the new blade is the correct length for that side (length is usually printed on the box/blade).
• Align the new blade’s connector with the wiper arm hook/connector.
• Slide/push the blade into place until you hear/feel a solid “click.”
• Gently tug the blade (by hand) to confirm it’s locked in.

Step 4: Lower the arm and repeat for the other side

• Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield slowly by hand (don’t let it drop).
• Repeat Steps 1–3 for the passenger-side blade.

Step 5: Quick functional check

• Put on safety glasses.
• Start the car and spray washer fluid, then run the wipers briefly.
• Check for skipping, chattering, or one side not wiping fully (usually means it isn’t fully clicked in).

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both blades sit flat on the glass and wipe smoothly.
• If you see streaks, clean the windshield and blade rubber with a clean microfiber towel.
• Re-check that each blade is fully latched by gently tugging near the connector.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $20-$30 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.