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Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of a 22?

The short answer is that it is generally not recommended to use a 21-inch wiper blade in place of a 22-inch wiper blade. While it may seem like a small difference, the size of the wiper blade is specifically designed to match the dimensions of your vehicle's windshield. Using the wrong size wiper blade can lead to poor coverage and performance, potentially compromising your visibility and safety while driving.


Understanding Wiper Blade Sizes


Wiper blades come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 12 inches to 28 inches in length. The size of the wiper blade is determined by the width of the vehicle's windshield, and it is important to use the correct size to ensure proper coverage and effective wiping. Using a wiper blade that is too small for your vehicle's windshield can result in streaking, missed areas, and an overall poor cleaning performance.


Potential Issues with Using a 21-Inch Wiper Blade


If you attempt to use a 21-inch wiper blade instead of the recommended 22-inch size, you may encounter the following issues:



  • Incomplete Windshield Coverage: The 21-inch wiper blade will not be able to reach the full width of the windshield, leaving areas uncovered and potentially obstructing your view.

  • Ineffective Wiping: The smaller wiper blade may not be able to effectively clear water, snow, or debris from the entire windshield, leading to poor visibility and safety concerns.

  • Uneven Wear: The wiper blade may not make full contact with the windshield, causing uneven wear and a shorter lifespan for the blade.


It is important to always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a professional to determine the correct wiper blade size for your specific make and model. Using the wrong size wiper blade can compromise your safety and the overall performance of your vehicle's wipers.

What's the difference between a and oe wiper blades?


A: The A blades is hook handle as used by toyota's and Suzuki while OE uses a metal pin such as infinity's and europeas cars.



Can you cut wiper blades to size?


If the refill is longer than the frame, cut the excess parts using a knife or scissors. Push back the metal reinforcing with the pliers to ensure the blade is properly locked into the wiper blade.



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.



Can I use a 24 inch wiper blade instead of a 22 inch?


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.



What happens if I use the wrong size wiper blades?


The right wiper blade size can be the difference between crystal-clear vision and a blurred horizon. Too short, and you're left with unseen obstacles; too long, and they might just do a tango on your windshield.



Can I use a different size wiper blade?


Using a wiper blade that was not intended for your vehicle could lead to subpar performance because wiper blades are meticulously built to fit the precise curvature of a vehicle's windscreen. Therefore, it's always advisable to use the wiper blade size that is suggested for your car.



What does OE stand for on wiper blades?


original equipment
A: "oe" is original equipment. It may vary by vehicle, but "a" is driver side, and sometimes fits passenger also. "B" is for passenger side only .



Is it okay 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.



Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of a 20?


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 be exact?


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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.