Windshield wiper blades, despite their relative low price, play a big role in ensuring the safety of vehicle movement in bad weather conditions. Frameless wipers are very popular among drivers, but framed wiper blades also have many supporters among car enthusiasts.
To find out what the difference is between frame and frameless brushes, and which type of wipers to choose, you need to study their strengths and weak sides. In addition, when making an objective assessment, it is important to take into account the length of the blades and the curvature of the windshield.
At the end of the article, watch a video about which wipers are better to choose for a car - framed or frameless.
Anyway, compared to others car parts, the price of windshield wiper blades is not very high. Therefore, if you don’t like, for example, frame wipers, you can always choose and buy inexpensive frameless ones.
Frame Wiper Blades
Many experienced motorists are accustomed to traditional frame wiper blades. As a rule, they consist of a metal frame, cleaning rubber band and connecting elements.
The metal skeleton of the brush contains movable rocker arms. Thanks to them, the cleaning tape adheres tightly to the glass. As the wiper moves along the curve of the windshield, the rocker arms rotate, pressing the blade. This ensures maximum surface cleaning from moisture, snow and dirt.
Over time, the cleaning element of the frame brush wears out. But it's easy to replace. To do this, you will need to remove the wiper from the car. When installing a new rubber band, you also need to pay attention to the mobility of the rocker arms.
Advantages of frame wipers
The design of the frame wiper blades provides the driver with a number of advantages.
- The cost of the cleaning rubber band that is replaced on the brush is low. Therefore, you can replace it frequently while keeping your windshield clean.
- Even beginners and women can replace the rubber band. To do this, you need to remove the windshield wiper blade from the car and remove the worn element. A new rubber or silicone part should first be trimmed in length according to the old pattern using a knife or scissors. All that remains is to start it carefully replaceable element into the rocker arm mounts and secure with thin steel plates.
- The steel frame is durable and it is almost impossible to damage it. In some models, the rocker arms are protected by plastic covers that prevent moisture and dirt from entering the hinges.
Disadvantages of frame wipers
The presence of hinge joints in the “skeleton” of frame wiper blades becomes their serious drawback.
- Snow or ice getting into the rocker area causes the joint to become immobile. This is also observed when the rocker arms become dirty or rust forms on them. As a result, the rubber band does not adhere tightly to the windshield, which leads to poor cleaning of the surface.
- The appearance of frame wipers also turns into a disadvantage, especially when the protective paint layer is damaged and pockets of corrosion appear.
Frameless Wiper Blades
In the eighties of the last century, unusual wipers with a characteristic bend of the cleaning tape appeared. They lacked a metal frame, and the brush looked like one whole element.
However, even in the frameless design there is a rigid metal base (Evodium plate), which provides bending to the rubber edge. When in contact with the glass, under the action of a spring mechanism, the blade is evenly pressed against the windshield along its entire length.
Advantages of frameless wipers
New frameless brushes windshield wipers have appealed to many car enthusiasts due to the following properties:
- Attractive appearance won the hearts of young car owners. The brush is not subject to corrosion and does not lose the brightness of the paint over time.
- Thanks to the uniform pressure of the cleaning edge, the wiper successfully cleans glass of any curvature.
- The design of frameless wiper blades provides high aerodynamic characteristics. The air flow additionally presses the wiper against the glass and also produces less noise at high speed.
- New brushes are less affected by snow and ice. The design does not have hinged joints that are sensitive to icing and contamination.
- Low profile frameless wipers provides maximum visibility on the road.
Disadvantages of frameless wipers
Proponents of classic frame wiper blades have found whole line disadvantages in new frameless models.
- One of the main disadvantages is the high price of a frameless brush compared to the replaceable cleaning element of a framed “classic”.
- It is not possible to replace the rubber band in a frameless wiper. And when trying to save money, there is a high probability of buying a fake that will not last long.
- Sometimes frameless wiper blades need to be selected for a specific vehicle. Otherwise, the wiper may not clean well convex glass. This is most often observed with cheap frameless brushes.
Each driver decides for himself whether framed or frameless brushes are better suited to his car. The main thing is that they successfully clean the windshield from water, snow and dirt. Then good review road conditions will be the key to safe driving.
Video: framed or frameless wipers - what's the difference?
Selection by car
By parameters
Frameless Wiper Blades
In development automotive industry, car windshields became increasingly larger, and the curvature increased. The length of the windshield wiper blades has increased, they have acquired more “swings” to ensure normal pressure against the glass and have become more bulky. This negatively affects the aerodynamics and reliability of the structure, impairs visibility and increases noise...
Frameless Wiper Blades were invented in the 80s of the last century: since the glass is convex, it is logical to bend the metal spring elements inside the rubber tape accordingly, make them wider, give the necessary lateral rigidity and place the leash mount directly on them. With the invention of such brushes, the problem of ensuring uniform pressure on the blade along the entire length of the wiper was solved. The steel or evodium plate is the load-bearing element of the entire structure, presses the brush against the glass along its entire length and has a precise geometric shape.
In the production process of frameless wiper blades, only high-quality materials are used in combination with innovative technologies, which provides excellent consumer properties.
Advantages of frameless wiper blades
More uniform pressure cleaning edge to the glass, which significantly improves the quality of cleaning. This is achieved by pre-bending the spring strips. In premium blades, such as Valeo Silencio X-Trm, the spring element flexes to match the curvature of the windshield of a particular car model.
High aerodynamic characteristics. 
The height of the monolithic brush is noticeably lower than that of a traditional wiper design. This feature helps reduce drag and reduce the pressure of the air flow pushing the brush away from the glass. Some brushes additionally have an “integrated spoiler” - a specially curved brush profile that increases downforce by high speeds. This is especially important for vehicles with a hinged wiper design (Peugeot 307, Honda Civic, Citroen C4 Picasso) - both brushes work against the air flow. Another aerodynamic property of a frameless wiper is noise reduction: at a speed of 120 km/h, the effect can reach two decibels.
Frameless brush is less susceptible to icing. In classic wipers, the water in the “swing” hinges freezes, the blade no longer fits tightly to the glass and begins to “stripe”. This does not happen in a frameless design. Thanks to their low profile, such brushes improve visibility, and due to their elastic design, they increase pedestrian safety.
The high popularity of such windshield wipers is confirmed by numerous positive reviews our clients.
In the classic frame design of brushes, a spoiler is needed to compensate for the “windage” of the brush. Without a spoiler, the classic brush begins to “jump” across the glass at high speeds. Frameless brushes initially have more low profile than frame ones, nevertheless, manufacturers equip them with an “integrated” spoiler. This is the name given to the enlarged brush profile, which has an aerodynamic shape. There are symmetrical and asymmetrical types of integrated spoiler. Windshield wipers with an asymmetric spoiler (for example Bosch Aerotwin) have a O greater downforce and designed for very high speeds. A blade with a symmetrical spoiler has less downforce, but greater versatility - they can be installed on right-hand drive vehicles with a swing-out windshield wiper system.
Wiper blade wear indicator
Frameless brushes Manufacturers are often equipped with a wear indicator. This is a mark on the wiper made with special paint. It is located in such a way as to be visible to the driver. When installing such a brush, you must remove protective film from the indicator. Over time, under the influence weather conditions, UV rays and other factors affecting the wear of wipers, the indicator changes color, which indicates the need to replace the brushes.
The future of windshield wipers
Frameless brushes are the next round of evolution of windshield wipers. Frameless design ensures high-quality cleaning of heavily curved glass modern cars, and at the same time has minimal aerodynamic drag. Like other technologies entering our lives, frameless brushes first appeared in the executive car segment, and are now gradually becoming more accessible. Most automakers already equip cars with frameless brushes on the assembly line.
Manufacturers of frameless wipers
Currently, production technology frameless wipers Many manufacturers have it. Leading campaigns focus on innovation in brush production and product quality. This is how they maintain their market share. There are also manufacturers who copy the most successful designs, but the quality of frameless “no-name” windshield wipers is usually significantly lower than that of famous brands. Leading manufacturers have developed distribution networks and receive feedback from customers, which allows them to constantly improve the consumer qualities of windshield wipers.
Most frequently asked question- Which brushes are better, framed or frameless? There is no clear answer to this question. The rating included both those and others. In addition, the list of the best includes hybrid models. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Windshield wiper blades are one of the most frequently changed consumables in a car: you often have to install new ones even on cars that have just left the showroom; on many "state-owned" cars, standard wipers are of little satisfaction to drivers. Well, let's try to figure out how this simple item works and on what principle you need to choose best kit wipers.
Brushes modern type were invented almost a hundred years ago - in 1923. Since then, their design has changed little: the working element is an elastic strip with a sharp edge, secured in an elastic bracket for attaching to the leash. The elasticity of the brush is its main quality, which directly affects the cleaning efficiency, since when moving, the edge of the brush should fit as tightly as possible to the curved surface of the glass.
Depending on the type of suspension in the bracket, brushes are divided into:
- Frame- in them the elastic element is the supporting structure itself. The brush frame connects to the cleaning plate at several points, tending to bend it. Hence the main disadvantage of frame brushes: they fit most tightly to the glass at the points of connection with the frame.
- Frameless Brushes use a metal plate cast into the brush itself as an elastic element. Technologically, their production is more complicated and more expensive, but this is justified by a much better fit and, accordingly, efficient work. Distinctive feature frameless brushes have a laconic appearance: the fastening is located on the plastic frame of the brush itself.
- Hybrid brushes have both a supporting frame and an additional elastic element in the plate. For glasses with a large curvature of the surface, they will probably become best choice. It is easy to distinguish them by plastic casing, covering the frame and at the same time serving as an aerodynamic element.
The brush itself can be made from a wide variety of materials, the requirements for which are simple: elasticity, low coefficient friction (this will ensure not only the absence of squeaking, but also reduce abrasion of the edge), resistance to de-icing agents, solvents (the main component of the washer is isopropyl alcohol) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The rubber originally used for this is not very suitable for the specified parameters - in the cold it becomes harder, which is especially sensitive for frame brushes, it cracks quickly, and due to the high coefficient of friction it is prone to squeaking. Modern silicone-based materials make it possible to create better windshield wiper blades that can work both in summer and in cold weather. severe frost.
When choosing brushes, you should take into account the operating characteristics of the car - in the summer, budget frame brushes will be no less effective than premium-segment hybrid models. But in the northern regions, in cities where deicing agents are actively used, the quality of the brush material and its design require more careful attention: here expensive “hybrids” clearly win in all respects.
When the windshield wiper blades become unusable and cease to cope with their main responsibilities, the car owner is faced with the question of how to replace the worn-out wipers. Auto store shelves are overflowing with brushes. different manufacturers, types and designs so much that it’s easy to sort through all the suitable ones and not suitable options already a whole story. And how can you find exactly those ideal brushes that will delight you with the quality of their work, reasonable price and appearance?
It is at this moment that many car owners have a question: which one to choose? Which wipers are better, framed or frameless?
Huge discussions on various forums and articles on websites are devoted to the answer to this question. Moreover, all discussions and articles most often do not give a clear answer to this question. Somewhere they choose one thing, somewhere else. Let us try to understand this question and understand why there is no clear answer to it.
The cleaning rubber tape in frame wipers is fixed in a developed metal frame; this is a set of levers hinged to each other, which are usually called “rocker arms”. On the top of them there is an attachment point for the leash. The purpose of the frame is, firstly, to evenly distribute the pressing force from the leader, and secondly, to give the brush the necessary lateral rigidity. To give rigidity to the rubber band, two steel strips are inserted into its grooves.
The main advantages and disadvantages of frame wipers
Advantages:
- the most low price compared to comparable brushes of other types;
- versatility, because rocker arms allow you to effectively use the brush on glass of almost any curvature;
- possibility of replacing the cleaning tape;
- wide distribution and availability of brushes of this type.
Flaws:
- freezing and loss of mobility of the frame in winter;
- high windage, due to which the brushes lose efficiency at high speeds;
- less attractive appearance.
Read more about frame type brushes can be read in.
About frameless wipers
Of course, brushes of this type have a frame. This uses a curved springy steel plate placed inside a rubber band. It specifies the blade profile, which is calculated for the profile of a specific windshield, or some average option. The calculated working curvature of the brush must be maintained throughout its service life, regardless of dynamically changing loads and temperature environment. In that given profile lies both the advantage and disadvantage of this type of brush. If the profile of the blade matches the shape of your windshield, you get good cleaning and uniform pressure along the entire length of the wiper; if not, uneven cleaning and uncleaned areas even with a new blade.
The main advantages and disadvantages of frameless wipers
Advantages:
- uniform pressure over the entire surface of the brush (if the profile fits your car);
- good aerodynamic qualities, low profile of the brush allows it to work effectively even at high vehicle speeds;
- freeze less than other types of brushes in winter;
- attractive appearance;
Flaws:
- price, such brushes are more expensive than frame brushes;
- less versatile, may not fit your glass profile;
You can read more about frameless wipers in.
So which wipers are better?
Understanding the design features different types blades, having assessed their advantages and disadvantages, we can draw preliminary conclusions about which windshield wiper blades are better, framed or frameless. And here the evaluation criterion comes first, what is important to you in brushes in the first place.
Frame brushes will be better if:
- The price is important to you, because... They are cheaper than frameless ones, and replacing the rubber band with them is quite simple, which also reduces the cost of using the brush in the future. At the same time, they are quite capable of providing acceptable quality of windshield cleaning.
- your windshield has a complex profile, why? frame brushes better follow all its curves and do not leave uncleaned areas.
Frameless brushes are better if:
- you choose universal wipers for year-round use;
- the profile of your windshield does not have sharp bends;
- ready to overpay a little for higher performance indicators and appearance;
- Good aerodynamic properties of the windshield wiper blade are important to you;
conclusions
It is important to understand that the advantages and disadvantages of framed and frameless wipers presented in the article, as well as advice on which brushes are better in a particular situation, are based only on the design features of the wiper. However, the store will offer you specific models from a variety of manufacturers. Everyone has good and unsuccessful models, there are defects or fakes, it may turn out that the quality frame brush will cope with cleaning glass better than the more expensive, but low-quality frameless one.
Frameless wiper blades are not new to the automotive accessory market. They were developed back in the 80s of the last century. If the windshield has a convex shape, then it seemed logical to the engineers to bend metal elements Inside there is a rubber band. The brushes were also made wider and given lateral rigidity. The leash attachment was created directly on the product.
With the development of the automobile industry, both windshields and their curvature increased. At the same time, the wipers also grew in length. More so-called swings were added to the design, which provided pressure to the glass. The wipers themselves have become more bulky. This had a negative impact on aerodynamic characteristics, as well as reliability. Due to the large size, visibility has deteriorated and noise has increased.
Frameless modern solutions
It was and still is in the 80s. Today it is a completely different design.
Although they are called frameless, this is not entirely true. The frame is present. But instead traditional system In the new solution, a specially curved spring element made of steel was used for the rocker arms. This mechanism is made in the form of strips. The frame is hidden inside a rubber band.
The brush has a profile that was created for a specific glass. The curvature is maintained throughout the entire life of the product and does not change due to various constantly changing loads and temperature conditions.
High-tech product
Frameless wiper blades may seem simple, but they are a very high-tech product. The plate is one of the most important parts in all quality products. As for the second important part, the rubber tape, it is made from graphite. Rubber gives the brushes elasticity, and graphite makes them more wear-resistant and protects them from the damaging effects of the sun. Thanks to the composition with graphite, the brush will not creak when moving on glass, and will also cope well with water.
Advantages of frameless brushes
The main advantage is the uniform pressing of the working edge of the wiper to the glass.
This improves the efficiency and quality of the cleaning process. This effect was achieved thanks to a specially calculated profile of the steel strip. This profile exactly matches the curvature of the glass. Good frameless brushes can have up to 15 segments, with the help of which the design changes. The clamping force is controlled at 32 points.
Improved aerodynamics and noise reduction
Another advantage of such solutions is aerodynamics. So, a design without a frame, even with a spoiler, will be lower than a traditional wiper. This allows you to significantly reduce drag and which lifts the structure away from the glass. This is very important for those cars where the windshield wiper circuit is hinged and where each blade is different large sizes. The air flow passing through the monolithic and low design will cause significantly less noise than if it were passing through the tricky mechanisms of a traditional brush. So, when driving at a speed of 100 km/h, this noise can reach significant levels.
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 pressing force against the glass decreases, and the mechanism leaves dirty streaks on the glass. This is not the case with a frameless product. There may be a slight decrease in performance, but this only happens if ice forms on the rubber. If this happens, it will not be difficult to clean such a brush. There are also products with electrically heated. However, the cost of such models starts from $50.
Disadvantages of a frameless wiper
The first and most basic disadvantage is the lack of versatility. Due to the fact that the steel plates are made with a bend, they can only be installed on glass that has the same curvature. So, for each specific glass, or rather short model, there is its own brush. Due to different characteristics, the product may not clean all areas on some vehicles. This is often near the right A-pillar.
Also, a few centimeters of the brush can hang above the glass. But this is not a defect, but a design feature of the wiper.
Another minus is the lack of unification in the fastening brackets. So, each manufacturer for different cars offers only model-specific frameless wiper blades.
Market Review
Every person wants to have the best for themselves. Therefore, we need to tell you which models of frameless glass cleaners are the best. You should also decide what the difference is between affordable and expensive products. Many people care about the quality-to-price ratio of a particular model.
A test was conducted in which brushes from different price ranges competed.
Among the test participants are such brands as "Avtovirazh", windshield wipers Bosch, Champion, Phantom, RainBlade Select and "Xopc Ballistic".
How the test was carried out
To get acquainted with the products, they were subjected to the first demonstration test. So, each model had to walk across the glass surface once and remove the fatty kefir. Then, after 30 seconds of operation, the brush was supposed to work on clean glass with washer fluid.
This small and simple test should show everything that was originally intended by the manufacturer. All models were new and in packaging. The wipers were also checked for crushing. The sharpness of the working edge and the clamping force were also checked. In addition, the noise level during operation was assessed.
“Autovirage”: market value - 159 rubles.
This is the most budget brush that is available on the market. modern market. Its quality is the same as its price. After one pass on glass smeared with kefir, a fan trail formed on the lower left edge of the work area. At the top right, this brush made a radial stroke.
This product failed to completely remove traces of kefir without using windshield washer fluid - a noticeable film of fat remained. But in terms of noise, this product performed very well - when working on clean glass, the brush, of course, creaks, but these sounds are not sharp and cannot be heard from the interior.
For 159 rubles, car enthusiasts receive four adapters - this makes it possible to install these brushes on most cars with various mounts.
Bosch Aerotween - 489 rubles
At first glance, the packaging may seem like these Bosch windshield wipers are fake. But no, the product is real. They performed well in the test. After one pass there were no traces left. Middle part The brush cleaned the working area completely without connecting the washer. Only a film of fat remained around the edges.
Acoustic characteristics are excellent. There are practically no squeaks on cleaned glass.
As for the equipment, the famous brand offers mounting the device on a leash with a hook. One mounting option is still not enough. But we can say that these are the best frameless wiper blades, although there are other good models.
Champion Contact: RUR 629
This is the most expensive model, which was tested in the test. However, the price is completely justified. The quality of work is on par with Bosch products. No defects were noticed here. The area in the middle of the brush was cleaned even without There is no noise during operation.
Phantom: 265 rub.
This brush is almost the same as the Autovirage. After the passage, there was a “fan” and strokes along the radius of movement, and the radius here is in the upper part on the left. Cleaning without washer is impossible - the film of grease is almost invisible, but it is there. Everything is better with noise here. This product comes with three adapters.
RainBlade Select: RUR 399
This new brand. There is no premium for branding yet, but these brushes are worth buying. They are no worse than frameless Bosch or “Champion” wiper blades. After one pass there were no marks or radius smears left either. In the middle, dirt was also destroyed without the need for washer. This model, like the brand, is quiet. As for the fasteners, they are universal and suitable for all types of cars. The size of the brushes will also fit most models and brands.
Xopc Ballistic: RUR 269
This is a budget product. The brush did the job a little better than the Autotirazh.
After the first pass there are no fans, but one large stroke remains over the work area. This product is not capable of washing off dirt without using a washer. In terms of acoustic characteristics, this is the noisiest and creaking solution. Supplied with four adapters and a lock cover.
About sizes
In addition to the design of the products, their size is also important. If you buy the wrong one, some problems may arise. If the brush size is too large, the clamping force will drop significantly, which will contribute to poor cleaning. In addition, large brushes will extend beyond the sealing rubber on windshield and lift off from the work surface. And one more problem - large detail will hit the driver's door.
If smaller wipers are selected, then the main disadvantage is the smaller working area. In addition, a dirty area may form in the middle of the glass.
