🔧 Traverse - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

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

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do not let the bare metal wiper arm snap back onto the windshield. It can crack the glass.
• ⚠️ Work with the ignition off and the wipers turned off.
• ⚠️ If the windshield is dry or dusty, avoid running the wipers until the new blades are installed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 24", Passenger: 18" - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Traverse on level ground and turn the ignition off.
• 🧽 Make sure the wiper switch is in the OFF position.
• 🧤 Place a clean microfiber towel on the windshield under each wiper arm. This protects the glass if the arm drops.
• ℹ️ Your Traverse uses a common hook-style wiper arm. The new blade locks onto the curved end of the arm.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the Driver-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hands to gently lift the driver-side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place a clean microfiber towel on the glass below the arm.
• Hold the wiper arm firmly. It is spring-loaded, which means it can snap back with force.
• Keep one hand on the arm.

Step 2: Rotate the Old Wiper Blade

• Use your hands to rotate the old blade so it sits roughly perpendicular to the wiper arm.
• Look where the blade connects to the curved hook at the end of the arm.
• The small locking tab is the plastic release that keeps the blade from sliding off.

Step 3: Release the Old Driver-Side Blade

• Use your thumb to press the small locking tab on the wiper blade adapter.
• While pressing the tab, slide the blade downward toward the base of the wiper arm.
• Once the blade clears the hook, remove it from the arm by hand.
• Do not let go of the bare metal arm.

Step 4: Install the New Driver-Side Blade

• Use your hands to position the new 24" driver-side wiper blade under the hook of the wiper arm.
• Slide the blade adapter up into the hook until it clicks into place.
• Gently pull the blade downward by hand to confirm it is locked.
• No torque spec applies because this repair uses a snap-lock connector, not bolts.
• Listen for the click.

Step 5: Lower the Driver-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hands to slowly lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.
• Remove the microfiber towel only after the blade is resting on the glass.

Step 6: Replace the Passenger-Side Wiper Blade

• Use your hands to lift the passenger-side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place the clean microfiber towel under the arm to protect the glass.
• Use your thumb to press the locking tab on the old blade.
• Slide the old blade downward out of the hook and remove it by hand.
• Use your hands to slide the new 18" passenger-side blade into the hook until it clicks.
• Gently pull the blade to confirm it is locked in place.
• Slowly lower the arm back onto the windshield.

Step 7: Test the New Wipers

• Use the windshield washer function from inside your Traverse to wet the glass before testing.
• Turn the wipers on low speed and watch both blades sweep smoothly.
• If a blade chatters, skips, or lifts, turn the wipers off and recheck that the blade is fully clicked into the hook.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm both blades sit flat against the windshield.
• ✅ Make sure the driver-side 24" blade and passenger-side 18" blade are installed on the correct sides.
• ✅ Spray washer fluid and test the wipers for a clean, streak-free sweep.
• ✅ Dispose of the old blades safely. The metal edges can be sharp.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$90 including blades and installation

DIY Cost: $20-$45 for the front wiper blades

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

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 hours.

---

🎯 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.