🔧 Trax - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Your Trax uses a 26-inch driver-side blade and a 13-inch passenger-side blade. Each blade attaches to the wiper arm with a push-button connector, so no fasteners need to be removed.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Replace one blade at a time so you can use the installed blade as a reference.
• ⚠️ Do not release the bare metal arm against the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Place a folded microfiber towel beneath the raised arm for protection.
• ⚠️ Switch the ignition and wipers off before beginning.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 24-inch by 16-inch microfiber towel
• ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 26-inch driver-side front wiper blade with push-button connector - Qty: 1
• 13-inch passenger-side front wiper blade with push-button connector - Qty: 1

Replace both front blades together for even wiping performance.

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park your Trax on level ground and place the transmission in Park.
• 🔑 Turn off the ignition and confirm the wiper switch is in the OFF position.
• 🧼 Clean loose dirt from the lower windshield with the microfiber towel.
• 📦 Keep each new blade beside its correct side: 26 inches on the driver side and 13 inches on the passenger side.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Protect the Windshield

• Put on the ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses.
• Fold the 24-inch by 16-inch microfiber towel and place it on the windshield beneath the driver-side blade.
• Lift the driver-side wiper arm away from the glass until it remains raised.

Step 2: Remove the Driver-Side Blade

• Rotate the 26-inch blade until it is nearly perpendicular to the metal wiper arm.
• Find the small release button where the blade connects to the arm. This push-button connector is the plastic fitting that locks the blade onto the arm.
• Press and hold the release button with your fingers.
• While holding the button, slide the blade straight toward the open end of the arm and remove it.
• Carefully rest the bare arm on the microfiber towel. Do not allow it to snap down.

Step 3: Install the Driver-Side Blade

• Align the push-button connector on the new 26-inch blade with the end of the driver-side arm.
• Slide the blade onto the arm until the button clicks into its locking hole.
• Pull gently on the blade to confirm it is locked.
• Rotate the blade until its rubber edge faces the windshield, then lower the arm gently.
• A clear click confirms proper engagement.

Step 4: Remove the Passenger-Side Blade

• Move the microfiber towel beneath the passenger-side blade, then lift that wiper arm.
• Rotate the 13-inch blade until it is nearly perpendicular to the arm.
• Press the connector release button with your fingers.
• Slide the blade toward the open end of the arm and remove it.
• Rest the bare arm carefully on the microfiber towel.

Step 5: Install the Passenger-Side Blade

• Align the push-button connector on the new 13-inch blade with the passenger-side arm.
• Slide the blade onto the arm until the release button clicks into place.
• Pull gently on the blade to verify it cannot slide off.
• Rotate the rubber edge toward the windshield and lower the arm gently.

Step 6: Check Both Installations

• Remove the microfiber towel from the windshield.
• Confirm the 26-inch blade is on the driver side and the 13-inch blade is on the passenger side.
• Check that both blades sit flat against the glass and do not overlap.
• No fasteners are used, so there is no torque specification for this repair.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start your Trax and spray windshield-washer fluid.
• ✅ Run the wipers at low speed and watch for smooth, quiet movement.
• ✅ Confirm neither blade contacts the windshield trim, the other blade, or the cowl at the bottom of the glass.
• ✅ If a blade chatters or leaves streaks, switch the wipers off and verify that its connector is fully locked and its protective shipping cover has been removed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$85 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$40 (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.