🔧 Highlander - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Replacing the front windshield wiper blades on your Highlander is a quick beginner-friendly repair. Fresh wiper blades help clear rain, dirt, and road spray so you can see safely.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do not let the bare metal wiper arm snap back onto the windshield. It can crack the glass.
• ⚠️ Keep one hand on the wiper arm while removing or installing the blade.
• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off before working near the wipers.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 20" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Highlander on level ground and turn the ignition off.
• Make sure the wiper switch is in the OFF position.
• Lift each front wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up by itself.
• Place a microfiber towel on the windshield under the wiper arm. A microfiber towel is a soft cloth that helps protect the glass from scratches or impact.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the Driver-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to gently lift the driver-side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place the microfiber towel between the wiper arm and windshield for protection.
• Keep control of the arm.

Step 2: Find the Blade Release Tab

• Look where the wiper blade connects to the metal wiper arm.
• The Highlander uses a hook-style wiper arm. The blade locks into a curved hook on the arm.
• Use your fingers to press the small plastic release tab on the blade connector.

Step 3: Remove the Old Driver-Side Blade

• While pressing the release tab with your fingers, slide the wiper blade down toward the base of the wiper arm.
• Once it clears the hook, pull the blade away from the arm.
• Use the microfiber towel to keep the bare arm from touching the glass.

Step 4: Install the New 26" Driver-Side Blade

• Hold the new 26" front driver-side wiper blade with the rubber edge facing the windshield.
• Slide the blade connector into the hook on the wiper arm by hand.
• Pull the blade upward into the hook until you hear or feel a click.
• Gently tug the blade by hand to make sure it is locked in place.

Step 5: Lower the Driver-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to slowly lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.
• Do not drop it. Lower it gently onto the glass.

Step 6: Raise the Passenger-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to lift the passenger-side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place the microfiber towel under the arm to protect the windshield.

Step 7: Remove the Old Passenger-Side Blade

• Use your fingers to press the release tab on the blade connector.
• Slide the old blade down and out of the hook-style wiper arm.
• Keep the bare metal arm controlled with one hand.

Step 8: Install the New 20" Passenger-Side Blade

• Hold the new 20" front passenger-side wiper blade with the rubber edge facing the windshield.
• Slide the blade connector into the hook on the wiper arm by hand.
• Pull the blade into place until it clicks.
• Gently tug the blade by hand to confirm it is locked.

Step 9: Lower the Passenger-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to carefully lower the passenger-side wiper arm onto the windshield.
• Remove the microfiber towel from the windshield.

Step 10: Test the Wipers

• Use the windshield washer switch to spray washer fluid onto the glass.
• Turn the wipers on low speed and watch both blades move smoothly.
• If a blade chatters, skips, or is loose, turn the wipers off and recheck that the blade is fully clicked into the hook.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm both blades wipe cleanly across the windshield.
• ✅ Make sure neither blade hits the windshield trim or the other blade.
• ✅ Check that both blade locks are fully seated.
• ✅ Dispose of the old wiper blades safely. The metal strips can have sharp edges.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $25-$45 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.3 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.