Bosch Icon 22a vs. 22b: What is the main difference?
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While driving the car on a rainy day, a wiper blade is one of the most necessary things. These are used to wipe away the water from the windshield and make the trip safer. However, do you know how Bosch Icon 22a and 22b are different?
Actually, the question should not be how these wiper blades are different; are they really different? The thing is they are pretty the same except for the little but valuable difference. The main difference is between icons A and B.
Here we are to give answers to all of your queries regarding these two Bosch Icon wiper blades. Stay tuned if you’re interested.
What is the difference between Bosch Icon A and B?
The story of the difference between Bosch Icon 22a and 22b is all about the two letters, A and B. There's one general sense regarding these letters that say, A is for driver's side, and B is for passenger's side.
It's okay until your car model allows using them. However, some vehicle requires 22a blades on both sides. At that time, there appears a second thought, how could similar blades be installed on both sides?
Here are the things you need to know about A and B before knowing the difference between Bosch Icon 22a and 22b.
- Icon A is a flat curved wiper blade.
- Icon B is a dramatic curved wiper blade.
- Icon A is usable on both driver and passenger sides.
- Typically, Icon B is applicable on passenger sides.
- The installation can be either A/A or A/B on the windshield.
Basically, the windshield has two sides including one flat and another curved side. The flat part of the shield is on the driver’s side, except for some rare models. On the other hand, the curvy part is on the passenger’s side.
You should also know how curvy it is before tinting the windshield. 30 vs. 35 vs. 50 tints are the most common types of users on windshields.
As the driver sits on the left side, and Icon A wiper is installed in that position. However, the right side can have either Icon A or B depending on how curvy it is.
A flat passenger side windshield will be good enough with an Icon A wiper. However, you must go for Icon B if the windshield has a curve structure. Therefore, the passenger side windshield can have both 22a and 22b wipers.
Check out the below chart that shows the comparison between Bosch Icon 22a and 22b.
Bosch Icon 22a | Bosch Icon 22b |
A flat curve wiper | A dramatic curve wipe |
Usable in both driver and passenger side | Typically, usable on the passenger side |
Applicable on the flat windshield | Applicable on the curvy windshield |
Flat to flat installation | Takes a deeper curve to the passenger door |
Icon A is a mandatory part of wipers on the windshield | It can be a mandatory part depending on the vehicle model |
A/A installation possible | B/B installation is rare |
Has less curvature | Has a greater curvature |
The entire thing stands as the main difference is between icons A and B. Thereby, one needs to know what type of windshield the vehicle has and then decide whether he needs both or any one of these.
Bosch Automotive ICON 22A Wiper Blade
Bosch ICON 22B Wiper Blade
About Bosch Icon 22a
Bosch Icon 22a comes with high-quality dual rubber construction. It's a weather shield connector that provides safe and secure installation. Here is more you need to know about this wiper blade.
- Exclusive FX dual rubber compound construction.
- Dual precision-tensioned steel spring.
- Has a longer lifespan up to 40% than other wipers.
- Patented beam design with shielded connector.
- Optimized visibility under extreme conditions.
- Holds the entire blade firmly even at the highest speed.
- Easy to install.
About Bosch Icon 22b
Everything is identical in Bosch icon 22b except for the greater curvature design. Because of the extra curved design or curvature, it wraps around the passenger side properly. It also ensures better visibility and clarity.
- Exclusive FX dual rubber compound construction.
- Dual precision-tensioned steel spring.
- Has a longer lifespan up to 40% than other wipers.
- Patented beam design with shielded connector.
- Optimized visibility under extreme conditions.
- Holds the entire blade firmly even at the highest speed.
- Easy to install.
Benefits of Bosch Icon wiper blades
Bosch Icon wiper blades have always made the ride safer for their riders’ precise construction. Both icons A and B have a lot of identical features with benefits. Now that you know what these blades offer, you must know the benefits as well.
- The wiper blades are made of extreme all-weather performance.
- It is customized for precision fit and performance.
- Both these wipers are easy to install.
- Provides a 40% longer lifespan.
- Fits the custom contoured to the curvature of each side of the windshield.
- It optimizes visibility under extreme weather conditions.
- The dual rubber resists heat and ozone deterioration.
- Holds the blade firmly to the windshield with optimized downforce.
- Protects the arm connection from ice and snow build-up.
How to install Bosch Icon wiper blades?
If the previous wipe blade has worn out, you should rather go for a newer one and install it immediately. However, it may not be an easy task first up. You need to know the basic and proper steps to do so.
Therefore, follow the below steps to briefly get a basic idea regarding the installation.
- First, take up the wiper arm on the left side.
- Then click on the double-locking connector and open it.
- Release the wiper blade by pulling it downwards.
- Take a new Icon A wiper blade.
- Then, click on the double lock connector.
- Now, slide the opening of the connector to the wiper arm.
- Push the wiper blade upward until you hear a clicking sound.
- Finish it by pushing the protective cover on again.
- Repeat the same steps for the passenger side or right side wiper blade as well.
Final verdict
The thing is that you need to know what your vehicle's windshield requires. If it has a flat shield on both driver and passenger sides, you are okay to go with two 22a wiper blades. The same saying goes for a curved shield, though it's the rarest case.
However, Icon 22a is compatible with the driver side, and Icon 22b is compatible with the passenger side. So, check out what you need before you decide.