Frameless wiper blades: description, reviews

Frameless wiper blades are not a novelty in the market of automotive accessories. They were developed back in the 80's of last century. If the frontal has a convex shape, it seemed logical for engineers to bend the metal elements inside the rubber band. Also, the brushes were made wider and gave them lateral rigidity. Fastening the leash was created directly on the product.

With the development of the automotive industry, both windshields and their curvature increased. Together with this, the wipers also grew in length. The design added more so-called swings, which provided pressure to the glass. Wipers themselves have become more cumbersome. This negatively affected the aerodynamic characteristics, as well as reliability. Due to the large size, the view deteriorated and noise increased.

Frameless wiper blades: modern solutions

This was and remained in the 80's. Today this is a completely different design. Although they are called frameless, however, this is not entirely true. The framework is present. But instead of the traditional system of rocker arms, a specially curved spring element made of steel was used in the new solution. This mechanism is made in the form of strips. The frame is hidden inside the rubber band.

The brush has a profile that was created for a specific glass. Curvature persists throughout the life of the product and does not change due to various constantly changing loads and temperature conditions.

High-tech product

Perhaps the frameless wiper blades may seem simple, but this is a very high-tech product. Plate is one of the most important parts in all quality products. As for the second important part, rubber tape, it is made of synthetic rubber with graphite. Rubber gives the brushes elasticity, and graphite makes them more wear-resistant and protects from the impact of destructive solar best. Thanks to the composition with graphite, the brush will not creak when moving on the glass, and also will cope with water perfectly.

Advantages of frameless brushes

The main advantage is uniform pressure of the janitor's working edge to the glass. This allows to improve the efficiency and quality of the cleaning process. This effect was achieved thanks to a specially designed steel strip profile. This profile corresponds exactly to the curvature of the glass. Good frameless brushes can have up to 15 pieces, with which the design changes. The clamping force is controlled at 32 points.

Improved aerodynamics and noise reduction

Another advantage of such solutions in aerodynamics. So, the design without a skeleton, even with the presence of a spoiler, will be lower than the traditional janitor. This allows you to significantly reduce the drag and lift, which tears the structure from the glass. This is very important for those cars where the wiper circuit is swinging and where each brush is large. The flow of air passing through a monolithic and low structure will cause much less noise than if it passed through the clever mechanisms of a traditional brush. So, when driving at speeds of 100 km / h this noise can reach significant values.

Frameless brushes in winter: what you need

Another significant advantage - these structures are practically not subject to freezing. In classic wipers, the water in the hinges quickly freezes, the clamping force decreases to the glass, the mechanism leaves dirty strips on the glass. This is not the case in the frameless product. Perhaps a slight decrease in the quality of work, but this happens only if the ice is formed on the rubber. If this happens, it will not be very difficult to clean such a brush. Also there are products with electric heating. However, the cost of such models starts from $ 50.

Disadvantages of a frameless janitor

The first and most basic disadvantage is the lack of universality. Due to the fact that the steel plates are made with a bend, they can be installed only on those glasses that have the same curvature. So, for each specific glass, or rather, the cutmodel, there is a brush. Due to the fact that the characteristics are different, on some cars the product can not clean all the zones. Often this place is near the right pillar. Also a few centimeters of the brush can hang over the glass. But this is not a marriage, but a special design of the janitor.

Another disadvantage is the lack of unification in the brackets of fasteners. So, each manufacturer for different cars offers only designed for a particular model frameless wiper blades.

Market Review

Everyone wants to have the best for themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to tell which models of frameless glass cleaners are the best. Also, it should be decided what is the difference between affordable and expensive products. For many, the quality-price ratio of a particular model is important.

A test was conducted, during which brushes from different price ranges competed. Among the participants of the test, such brands as "Autovirazh", windshield wipers Bosch, Champion, Phantom, RainBlade Select and "Xopc Ballistic".

How the test was conducted

To get acquainted with the products, they were subjected to the first demonstration test. So, each model had to go through the surface of the glass once and remove the fatty yogurt. Then, after 30 seconds of operation, the brush had to work on a clean glass with liquid from the washer.

This small and simple test should show everything that was originally laid by the manufacturer. All models were new and in packaging. The wipers were also checked for crushing. And also sharpness of a working edge and force of pressing was checked. In addition, the noise level was assessed during operation.

"Autovirazh": market value - 159 rubles.

This is the most budgetary brush that only exists in the modern market. Its quality is the same as the price. After one passage through the glass smeared with kefir, a fan track appeared on the left lower edge of the working area. At the top right, this brush has done a smear on the radius.

Completely remove traces of yogurt without the use of windshield washer this product failed - there was a noticeable film of fat. But on the noise this product showed itself very well - when working on a clean glass brush, of course, creaks, but these sounds are not sharp and they can not be heard from the saloon.

For 159 rubles, motorists receive four adapters - this makes it possible to install these brushes on most cars with different attachments.

Bosch Aerotween - 489 rubles

At first glance, the packaging may seem like these Bosch wipers are fake. But no, the product is real. In the test, they showed themselves well. After one passage there were no traces left. The middle part of the working area was cleaned completely without the washer. Only on the edges there was a film of fat.

Acoustic characteristics - at altitude. On the cleared glass of creaks practically is not present. As for the bundle, the eminent brand proposes to mount the device on a leash with a hook. One option of fastening is still a little. But it can be said that these are the best frameless wiper blades, although there are other good models.

Champion Contact: 629 р.

This is the most expensive model that was tested in the test. However, the price fully justifies itself. Quality of work - on a par with products "Bosch". No defects were noticed here. The area in the middle of the brush was cleaned even without a windshield washer fluid. Noise at work is not present.

Phantom: 265 р.

This brush is almost the same as the "Autovirus". After the passage, there was a "fan" and smears along the radius of movement, and the radius here in the upper part to the left. Cleaning without a washer is impossible - the fat film is almost invisible, but it is there. The noise here is better. This product is completed with three adapters.

RainBlade Select: 399 р.

This is a new brand. Extra charges for branding are not yet available, but these brushes are worth buying. They are no worse than frameless wiper blades Bosch or "Champion". After one pass there are also no traces or radial lubrications. In the middle, the dirt was also destroyed without the need for a washer. This model, like the brand, does not make noise. As for fasteners, here it is universal and will fit all types of cars. The size of the brushes will also fit most models and brands.

Xopc Ballistic: 269 р.

This is budgetary output. With work, the brush did a little better than the "Auto". After the first pass there are no fans, but one big smear on the working area remained. This product is not able to wash off dirt without using a washer. Acoustic performance is the most noisy and rasping decision. Completed frameless wipers with four adapters and a lid for the lock.

About sizes

In addition to the design of products, their size is also important. If you do not get it, there may be some problems. If the size of the brushes is too large, the clamping force will drop strongly, which will contribute to poor cleaning. In addition, large brushes will go beyond the sealing rubber on the windshield and come off the work surface. And one more problem - a great detail will be beating on the driver's door.

If janitors of a smaller size are chosen, the main minus is the smaller working area. In addition, a dirty area may form in the middle of the glass.

Reviews

To correctly choose frameless wiper blades, reviews are the first thing to be read. What do car owners write? Cheap models frameless brushes are not pleased with high quality, and their wear resistance is low.

About the brand products from "Bosch" advised to look carefully - a lot of fakes. If the products are original, then it is a quality one by default. Also, "Bosch" is suitable for winter.

Well speak about the "Champion". But recently some decrease in the quality of their products has been noticeable. What to choose as a result - skeleton or frameless brushes, everyone decides for himself. But with all the advantages of frameless solutions for many in priority. Their capabilities significantly exceed the functionality of standard frame analogs. They are less noisy, and the quality of work is significantly different for the better. In winter they are also very convenient. The choice is obvious - it is necessary to beware of counterfeits and to get an opinion about these products from those who used them.

So, we found out what the frameless wiper blades are, what their cost is and how the car owners talk about them.