Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
Are the left and right windshield wipers the same?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs, Tips and Tricks on Friday, January 10th, 2020 at 9:47 pm
If your driver-side windshield wiper brakes, one temporary solution could be to put your passenger-side wiper over onto the driver side. Is this possible? Are left and right windshield wipers the same, or are there differences between them?
Windshield Wiper Interchangeability
Whether your left and right windshield wipers are the same depends on your vehicle; while some automobiles have equal-length left and right wipers, others use different lengths for each side.
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How do I know if my windshield wipers are the same?
To determine for certain that your windshield wipers are the same length, we recommend simply measuring them with measuring tape. This will give you their exact length. This is especially important if you’re heading to a shop to purchase new blades.
Are all windshield wipers different?
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.
What are the differences between driver and passenger-side windshield wipers?
Sometimes the two wipers are numbered, with #1 referring to the driver’s side and #2 being the passenger side. Sometimes the driver’s side wiper is noted with a tiny “D” somewhere on the wiper, while the passenger side has a corresponding tiny “P.” Some choose to use letters, with the driver’s side being designated with an “A” and the passenger side being designated with a (you guessed it) “B.”
Besides the notation markings, some theorize that there are subtle differences in design between both sides. One may be more curved or angled differently.
Did you know?
Windshield wipers consist of three parts: the lower wiper arm, metal blade, and rubber blade. The rubber blade is what wipes the windshield clean. “Changing a car’s wiper blades” just refers to replacing the rubber part.
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