Can I use a 21 inch wiper instead of a 22?
Yes, you can generally use a 21-inch wiper blade instead of a 22-inch wiper blade on your vehicle. While the sizes are not an exact match, a 21-inch wiper can often be a suitable replacement for a 22-inch wiper, as long as it fits your vehicle's wiper arm properly.
Wiper Blade Size Considerations
Wiper blade sizes are typically available in increments of 1 inch, ranging from around 12 inches up to 28 inches or more. The size you need depends on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Manufacturers design the wiper system to work best with a specific wiper blade length.
When replacing your wiper blades, it's important to match the size as closely as possible to the original equipment. Using a wiper that is too short may leave areas of your windshield unwiped, while a wiper that is too long could interfere with the wiper arm or other components.
Using a 21-Inch Wiper Instead of 22-Inch
In many cases, a 21-inch wiper blade can be a suitable substitute for a 22-inch wiper. The 1-inch difference is usually small enough that the 21-inch wiper will still provide good coverage across the windshield.
However, it's important to ensure that the 21-inch wiper is compatible with your vehicle's wiper arm. The wiper blade must be able to securely clip or attach to the wiper arm without any issues. If the 21-inch wiper does not fit properly, it could come loose while driving, potentially causing damage or creating a safety hazard.
Before installing a 21-inch wiper, it's a good idea to measure the existing 22-inch wiper and compare the two sizes to ensure the 21-inch is a close enough match. You may also want to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm that a 21-inch wiper is an acceptable substitute.
Conclusion
In summary, using a 21-inch wiper blade instead of a 22-inch wiper is generally possible, as long as the 21-inch wiper is compatible with your vehicle's wiper arm and provides adequate coverage across the windshield. However, it's important to carefully measure and verify the fit before making the switch to ensure safe and effective wiper performance.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
