Rear Wiper Delete: Pros, Cons & How to Do It
A rear wiper delete is a popular modification among car enthusiasts. Here is what you need to know before removing yours — including how to do it safely and what to watch out for.
What Is a Rear Wiper Delete?
A rear wiper delete is the removal of the rear windshield wiper assembly — including the arm, blade, motor, and sometimes the washer nozzle. The mounting hole is sealed with a delete plug or cap, and the washer fluid line is capped to prevent leaks. It is primarily a cosmetic modification, but some drivers also do it to fix a broken wiper motor they do not want to replace.
Why People Remove the Rear Wiper
+ Cleaner appearance
Removing the rear wiper gives the back of the vehicle a smoother, more streamlined look. This is one of the most popular reasons among car enthusiasts and show-car builders.
+ Reduced weight (track cars)
On dedicated track vehicles, every ounce counts. The rear wiper motor, arm, blade, reservoir plumbing, and wiring add a small but measurable amount of weight.
+ Eliminates a failure point
Rear wiper motors and linkages can fail, especially on older vehicles. Removing the system entirely means one less thing to maintain or repair.
+ Prevents scratching on dirty glass
A worn or dry rear wiper blade can scratch the rear window when it drags across dirt and debris. Removing it eliminates this risk entirely.
Reasons to Keep the Rear Wiper
- Reduced rear visibility in rain
Without a rear wiper, rain, snow, and road spray will accumulate on the back window with no way to clear it while driving. This is a real safety trade-off.
- Leaves a hole in the hatch
The wiper arm mounts through a hole in the rear hatch or tailgate. Removing it requires a plug or delete cap to seal the hole and prevent water from entering the vehicle.
- May affect resale value
Some buyers view a rear wiper delete as an undesirable modification. It can also complicate selling the vehicle if the original parts have been discarded.
- Legal concerns in some regions
Certain states and countries require a functioning rear wiper for vehicles that came equipped with one from the factory. Removing it may cause a failed inspection.
How to Perform a Rear Wiper Delete
This process takes about 30 to 60 minutes and requires basic hand tools. Work in a clean, dry environment to avoid getting moisture inside the hatch.
Remove the rear wiper arm
Lift the protective cap at the base of the arm to expose the retaining nut. Use a socket wrench to remove the nut, then gently rock the arm back and forth while pulling to slide it off the splined shaft.
Remove the exterior trim or grommet
Some vehicles have a plastic bezel or trim piece around the wiper pivot. Pry it off carefully with a trim removal tool. Keep it if you plan to reinstall later.
Access the wiper motor from inside
Open the hatch and remove the interior trim panel to access the rear wiper motor. This usually involves removing plastic clips or screws holding the panel in place.
Disconnect the wiring harness
Unplug the electrical connector from the rear wiper motor. Wrap the exposed connector with electrical tape to prevent corrosion and tuck it away neatly.
Unbolt and remove the motor
Remove the bolts securing the motor to the hatch. Pull the motor out carefully, making sure the pivot shaft clears the hole in the hatch without damaging the paint.
Cap the washer fluid line
Locate the rubber washer hose that runs to the rear nozzle. Disconnect it and install a vacuum cap or barbed plug to prevent fluid from leaking. Secure it with a small hose clamp.
Install a delete plug or cap
Insert a rear wiper delete plug into the hole where the motor shaft was. These are available in body-matched or anodized finishes. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the plug to ensure it is watertight.
Reinstall interior trim and test
Reattach the interior trim panel, close the hatch, and run the front washers to confirm the rear washer line is properly capped with no leaks. Check for any water intrusion after the next rain.
Legal Considerations
Before removing your rear wiper, check the regulations in your area. Laws vary by region.
United States
There is no federal law requiring rear wipers. However, some states require that all originally equipped safety features remain functional for the vehicle to pass inspection. States with strict safety inspections — such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia — may flag a missing rear wiper if the vehicle was originally equipped with one. Check your state inspection requirements before proceeding.
Europe & United Kingdom
Most European countries and the UK do not specifically require a rear wiper for the MOT or equivalent inspection, as long as the rear window provides adequate visibility. However, if an inspector determines that your rear visibility is dangerously impaired, the vehicle could fail. Sedans and coupes without rear wipers pass without issue — the concern is mainly with hatchbacks and SUVs where the vertical rear glass collects water.
Canada & Australia
Both countries follow similar principles: there is no specific mandate for rear wipers, but the vehicle must maintain adequate rear visibility. If your province or state requires periodic safety inspections, verify that removing the rear wiper will not cause a failure. Keeping the original parts in storage is always a smart precaution.
Vehicles That Skip the Rear Wiper
Many vehicle types never come with a rear wiper from the factory. The aerodynamic shape of these vehicles allows airflow to clear water from the rear glass at highway speeds.
Sedans (most)
Aerodynamic trunk shape naturally clears water at speed
Coupes (most)
Same principle as sedans — sloped rear glass stays cleaner
Sports cars
Porsche 911, Corvette, Mustang — no rear wiper from factory
Pickup trucks
Open bed design means no rear hatch or window to wipe
Convertibles
Soft or hard top designs do not accommodate rear wipers
Some crossovers
A few newer crossovers have deleted rear wipers for styling
Hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans almost always have rear wipers because their flat or vertical rear glass does not shed water effectively.
Need a Rear Wiper Blade Instead?
If your rear wiper just needs a new blade, we can help you find the correct size. It is much cheaper and easier than a full delete.
Find the right size for your vehicle