Can I use a 21 inch wiper instead of a 22?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, one of the often-overlooked components is the windshield wiper. Many car owners find themselves wondering if they can substitute a 21-inch wiper blade for a 22-inch one. This article will explore the implications of such a switch and provide guidance on the best practices for wiper blade replacement.
Understanding Wiper Blade Sizing
Wiper blades come in various sizes, and each vehicle is designed to accommodate a specific length for optimal performance. The size of the wiper blade is crucial for ensuring that it effectively clears the windshield without leaving streaks or missing spots.
Can You Use a 21-Inch Wiper Blade Instead of a 22-Inch?
While it may be tempting to use a shorter wiper blade, there are several factors to consider:
- Coverage Area: A 22-inch wiper blade is designed to cover a larger area of the windshield compared to a 21-inch blade. Using a shorter blade may leave parts of your windshield uncleaned, which can impair visibility.
- Performance: Wiper blades are engineered to work within specific dimensions. A shorter blade may not make full contact with the windshield, leading to ineffective wiping and potential skipping.
- Safety Concerns: Reduced visibility due to inadequate wiper coverage can pose a safety risk, especially in adverse weather conditions. It's essential to prioritize safety by using the correct size.
Best Practices for Wiper Blade Replacement
To ensure optimal performance and safety, follow these best practices when replacing your wiper blades:
- Check Your Owner's Manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended wiper blade sizes.
- Replace in Pairs: For even wiping performance, it's advisable to replace both wiper blades at the same time.
- Inspect Regularly: Regularly check your wiper blades for wear and tear, especially before the rainy season.
- Choose Quality Products: Invest in high-quality wiper blades that are designed for your specific vehicle make and model.
Conclusion
In summary, while you technically can use a 21-inch wiper blade in place of a 22-inch one, it is not recommended due to potential visibility issues and safety risks. Always opt for the correct size to ensure your wipers perform effectively and keep your windshield clear. If you're unsure about the right size or need assistance, don't hesitate to consult a professional at your local auto service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Does it matter what windshield wiper I use?
Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended size of wiper blade. The blades needed are specific to that unique year, make, and mode. It is essential to choose replacement blades of the correct size for your vehicle.
What does 22A mean for windshield wipers?
Answer. A: the A or the B after the model number (e.g. 22A) refers to the spring force of the blade (i.e. how hard it is to pull it straight). The B applies more force, and would be useful if you have a highly curved windshield.
Can I use a different size windshield wiper?
Check your owner's manual and only replace your wiper blades with the size specified by the manufacturer. This will ensure proper fit and prevent unwanted damage. If you cannot locate your owner's manual, you can easily find out the wiper blade size by using a blade size finder.
Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of a 22?
Does Size Really Matter? 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.
Can you switch windshield wipers?
Fortunately, changing your wiper blades is a simple and typically inexpensive process that can be accomplished in 15 minutes or less on most modern cars. Also, simple, regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your wipers.
What happens if I put wrong size wiper blades on my car?
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 use a 16 inch wiper blade instead of 17?
24" to 22" won't cause any issue as the latter is obviously shorter. It could've been a problem if it was the other way around. The difference between 16" and 17" is again too small to create any issues. If the wipers are working smoothly without brushing with each other, there's no need to change.
Can I use shorter windshield wipers?
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.
Can you cut wiper blades to size?
Tip: If you cannot find refills that match the length of your blades, buy the closest to your size and cut them using a knife to match your length. Ensure the width of the wiper refill matches your blade width.
