Can you use a 17 inch wiper blade instead of a 16?
The short answer is yes, you can generally use a 17-inch wiper blade instead of a 16-inch one. However, it's important to ensure the replacement wiper blade fits your vehicle's specific make and model. Let's explore this topic in more detail.
Wiper Blade Sizes and Compatibility
Wiper blades come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 12 inches to 28 inches in length. The size you need for your vehicle is determined by the make, model, and year, as well as the specific design of the wiper arm. Most vehicles use either 16-inch or 17-inch wiper blades, but it's essential to check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you get the right size.
While a 17-inch wiper blade may physically fit on a vehicle designed for a 16-inch blade, there are a few factors to consider:
- Fit and Attachment: The 17-inch blade may not fit the wiper arm or mounting system as securely as the 16-inch blade, which could lead to poor performance or even the blade falling off while driving.
- Coverage: A slightly larger blade may not provide complete coverage across the windshield, leaving some areas unwiped.
- Aesthetics: The larger blade may look slightly out of place or awkward on a vehicle designed for a 16-inch wiper.
In general, it's best to use the wiper blade size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. However, if a 17-inch blade is all that's available, it may work as a temporary or emergency replacement, as long as it fits securely and provides adequate coverage.
Considerations for Replacing Wiper Blades
When replacing your wiper blades, regardless of size, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:
- Blade Type: Ensure the replacement blade is the same type as the original (e.g., conventional, beam, or hybrid).
- Mounting System: Check that the new blade is compatible with your vehicle's wiper arm and mounting system.
- Condition: Replace both wiper blades at the same time, even if only one is worn, to maintain even performance across the windshield.
- Maintenance: Regularly clean and inspect your wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition and providing optimal visibility.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your replacement wiper blades, whether 16-inch or 17-inch, will provide the best possible performance and safety for your vehicle.
What happens if you use the wrong size windshield wiper?
Using the wrong size wipers can lead to inadequate coverage, streaking, or even damage to your windshield.
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 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.
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.
Are wiper blade sizes universal?
No, wiper blades aren't universal. Cars come in a whole range of shapes and sizes, from sports cars to SUVs, and each has a different sized windscreen and wiper blade.
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 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 you use a 17 inch wiper blade instead of a 16 car?
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.
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.
How to shorten a wiper blade?
On all you do is just open the door the snap locks. And then you can adjust the length of the arm by pulling on the outer part of the arm.
