Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of 20?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, wiper blades are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in ensuring visibility during inclement weather. A common question that arises among car owners is whether it's acceptable to use a 21-inch wiper blade in place of a 20-inch blade. In this article, we will explore the implications of this substitution and provide guidance on how to choose the right wiper blades for your vehicle.
Understanding Wiper Blade Sizes
Wiper blades come in various sizes, and each vehicle is designed to accommodate specific lengths for optimal performance. The size of the wiper blade is typically determined by the make and model of the car, and using the correct size is essential for effective wiping action.
Can You Use a 21-Inch Wiper Blade Instead of a 20-Inch?
While it may be tempting to use a longer wiper blade, such as a 21-inch blade in place of a 20-inch, there are several factors to consider:
- Coverage Area: A longer wiper blade may provide a wider coverage area, but it can also extend beyond the windshield's edge, leading to potential damage to the blade or the vehicle.
- Windshield Contact: If the blade is too long, it may not make proper contact with the windshield, resulting in streaks and reduced visibility.
- Mounting Compatibility: Ensure that the mounting mechanism of the wiper blade is compatible with your vehicle. A longer blade may not fit securely, which can lead to it detaching while in use.
Recommendations for Wiper Blade Replacement
To ensure optimal performance and safety, consider the following recommendations when replacing your wiper blades:
- Consult Your Owner's Manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended wiper blade sizes.
- Choose Quality Blades: Invest in high-quality wiper blades that are designed for your specific vehicle model.
- Regular Maintenance: Check your wiper blades regularly for wear and tear, and replace them at least once a year or as needed.
Conclusion
In summary, while you might be able to fit a 21-inch wiper blade in place of a 20-inch, it is not advisable due to potential issues with coverage, contact, and compatibility. For the best results, always use the size specified for your vehicle to ensure safety and performance. If you're unsure about which wiper blades to choose, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Does it matter what wiper blades I use?
There are conventional blades, but there are also beam and hybrid designs. All three of these types work with all vehicles and there is no right choice. Depending on your budget, the climate you live in, and how long you want them to last one type may be a better choice than the others.
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 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.
What happens if you use the wrong size wiper blade?
Using the wrong size wipers can lead to inadequate coverage, streaking, or even damage to your windshield.
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 I upsize wiper blades?
Increasing the wiper blade size will decrease the pressure (Force per unit length in this case of linear contact) and that will reduce the wiping performance, but gain increased sweep area.
Can you use different size wiper blades?
In short, wrong wiper sizes are not a great idea, but it will not cause any immediate or serious damage that you need to worry about.
Do wiper blades have to be the exact size?
Windshield wiper blades are vehicle specific. On some vehicles, both wiper blades are the same size. On other vehicles, the two wiper blades are different sizes. The optimal wiper blade size is determined by the manufacturer and selected for proper fit to clear as much of the windshield as possible.
Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of a 20?
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.
