Replacing the wiper blades on a 2017 Chevy Cruze is a straightforward maintenance task you can do at home. The front blades are swapped by releasing the old blades and snapping on new ones, while a rear blade (if your Cruze is the hatchback and equipped) uses a similar but slightly different attachment. Sizes can vary by market and trim, so verify using the existing blades or the owner's manual.
What you’ll need
Having the right blades and a few basic tools on hand will make the replacement quick and safe.
- A pair of new front wiper blades sized to your Cruze (commonly driver-side around 26 inches and passenger-side around 16 inches; verify exact sizes before purchasing)
- A rear wiper blade if you have the Cruze hatchback and it’s equipped with one
- Replacement blade adapters as needed for your chosen blades
- Isopropyl alcohol or windshield cleaner and a soft cloth for cleanup
With the blades on hand, you’re ready to begin the replacement process.
Front wiper blade replacement (2017 Cruze)
The following steps apply to swapping the two front blades. Most Cruze front blades use a quick-release adapter; the process is the same for both sides, with minor length differences.
- Turn off the ignition and park the wipers. Gently lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays upright.
- Locate the release mechanism at the base of the blade’s adapter. Depending on the blade type, you may press a small tab or clip, or slide a release lever to detach the blade from the arm.
- Remove the old blade by sliding or pulling it away from the arm while keeping tension on the release. Do not force the arm back toward the glass.
- Prepare the new blade. If your blades require a different adapter, attach the correct one per the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the blade orientation matches the old blade (symmetrical ends are important for proper contact).
- Attach the new blade to the wiper arm. Slide the blade into the arm until you hear a click or feel it lock in place. Lower the wiper back onto the windshield carefully.
- Repeat for the opposite front blade. Confirm both blades are secure and aligned with the windshield.
- Test the installation. Turn on the ignition and run the wipers, then spray a small amount of windshield washer fluid to check for proper contact and streak-free coverage.
After the front blades are replaced, you should see improved wiping performance with no skips or streaks. If streaks remain, ensure the blades are seated correctly and the windshield is clean around the blade contact areas.
Notes on blade sizes and compatibility
Front blade sizes can vary by market and trim level. Typical configurations for the 2017 Cruze are around 26 inches on the driver side and 16 inches on the passenger side, but some versions may use different lengths. Always verify by checking the label on your current blades, measuring them, or consulting the owner's manual or parts store data for your exact vehicle configuration.
Rear wiper replacement (if equipped)
Some 2017 Cruze hatchbacks are equipped with a rear window wiper. If your model has a rear wiper, follow these steps to replace it. If your car does not have a rear wiper, skip this section.
- Raise the rear wiper arm away from the rear window until it holds in place.
- Locate the release mechanism at the base of the rear blade. This could be a small tab or a pinch-lock connector. Depress or slide the release to detach the blade.
- Remove the old blade from the arm. If the blade uses a separate adapter, remove it and attach the new blade with the appropriate adapter.
- Attach the new blade to the arm, ensuring it is secured with a click or lock. Lower the wiper back onto the window gently.
- Test the rear wiper by cycling it a few times to ensure proper contact and clearance.
Rear wiper replacement tends to be less common than the front, but following these steps will help ensure a clean, streak-free wipe on the rear glass.
Summary
To replace wipers on a 2017 Chevy Cruze, start with the front blades using the release mechanism to remove old blades and snap on new ones, then test for proper operation. Verify blade sizes before purchase, as configurations can vary by market. If you have a hatchback, replace the rear wiper blade using the same general approach, noting the different attachment method. Regular maintenance of wipers ensures better visibility and safer driving in adverse weather.