Can I use 22 inch wiper blade instead of 24 inch?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, one of the often-overlooked components is the windshield wiper blades. Many car owners find themselves in a situation where they need to replace their wiper blades but may not have the exact size on hand. A common question arises: can you use a 22 inch wiper blade instead of a 24 inch? In this article, we will explore the implications of using a different size wiper blade and provide guidance on making the right choice for your vehicle.
Understanding Wiper Blade Sizes
Wiper blades come in various sizes, typically measured in inches. The size you need is usually specified in your vehicle's owner manual or can be found on the manufacturer's website. Using the correct size is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Implications of Using a Smaller Wiper Blade
While it may be tempting to use a 22 inch wiper blade in place of a 24 inch, there are several important factors to consider:
- Coverage Area: A smaller wiper blade will not cover the entire windshield, leaving areas uncleaned. This can obstruct your view, especially during rain or snow.
- Performance: Wiper blades are designed to work within specific dimensions. A smaller blade may not make proper contact with the windshield, leading to streaking and ineffective wiping.
- Safety Risks: Reduced visibility due to inadequate wiper coverage can increase the risk of accidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
When Is It Acceptable to Use a Different Size?
In some cases, using a slightly smaller wiper blade may be acceptable, but it is generally not recommended. If you find yourself in an emergency situation where a 24 inch blade is unavailable, a 22 inch blade can be used temporarily. However, it is essential to replace it with the correct size as soon as possible to ensure safety and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can technically use a 22 inch wiper blade instead of a 24 inch, it is not advisable due to the potential safety risks and performance issues. Always aim to use the correct size wiper blades for your vehicle to maintain optimal visibility and safety on the road. If you're unsure about the right size or need assistance with wiper blade replacement, feel free to reach out to a professional auto service like Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 22 wiper blade instead of a 24 car?
Nothing wrong will happen by using 22" instead of 24". All you will get is lesser wiping area. But no damage to be worried about.
What happens if you use the wrong size wiper blades?
If you're unsure about the size, it's better not to guess. Using the wrong size could result in inadequate windshield clearing, wiper malfunction, or even damage to your windshield.
Can I buy smaller wiper blades?
There are a range of wiper blades available, in sizes from 9" to 32" or 250mm through to 813mm. If you replace your wiper blades with smaller blades, they won't cover the entire windscreen - leaving gaps.
Can you shorten a wiper blade?
We strongly advise you not to cut your wipers. Even high-quality wiper blades can be obtained at a low cost these days, so it's advisable to invest the money in a new set of wipers instead.
Can you oversize wiper blades?
Using a larger wiper blade than what is advised for your car can reduce visibility and put additional stress on the wiper motor. The motor may prematurely wear out as a result of this, necessitating expensive future repairs.
Does the bigger windshield wiper go on?
To give the driver with the most visibility and safety, the larger wiper blade should always be placed on the driver's side of the car. To ensure the optimum performance, make sure to pick the appropriate wiper blades for your car and instal them in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I use a different size wiper blade?
If you replace your wipers with a smaller sized blade, you will find that there are areas of the windshield that are not cleared. And some of these areas may be critical for safe operation of the vehicle. Check your owner's manual and only replace your wiper blades with the size specified by the manufacturer.
Is it OK to use shorter wiper blades?
Choosing a blade that's too short can leave large areas of your windshield unaffected, lowering your visibility. Blades that are too long can hit each other and cause damage to the blade mechanism.
Do wiper blades need to be exact size?
Size matters to a point, just as long as you are about 1 inch higher or lower than your current wiper blade size. If you buy wiper blades that are too big, they might overlap or touch which will cause them to break.
Do wiper blades have to match?
Though some vehicles have wipers that are the same length, most have subtle differences between the left and right side. This is evidenced through the fact that when buying new blades, most come with the driver and passenger side separately labeled.
