Which is better: framed or frameless wiper blades? Let's make the right choice! Frame or frameless wipers (brushes). What's better

Today, you can employ any national... excuse me, construction as a janitor: there are framed, frameless, hybrid... Their work is hard, after a year fatigue takes its toll - a replacement is needed. Fresh recruits tend to perform better. And advertising of new products does not hesitate to castigate those design elements that were presented as cutting-edge just yesterday: they say, how did they even go with it?

So which “janitor crew” should you prefer? Newfangled hybrid or familiar frameless? Bosch or Denso? More expensive or cheaper? As a result, we decided to hold a professional skills competition. The Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant volunteered to help us: it has a couple of stands for life tests brushes - you can drive them for at least a year. But we limited the test period to four months: this roughly corresponds to a year’s mileage on a live car.

Each pair of windshield wipers was bought in triplicate - just like in Gaidaev’s comedy. The first - on the stand, the second - in the heat chamber, the third - on the car for comparison: it was and is now.

WHAT WE CHECKED

In the old days, a janitor was the name given to the owner of an inn; he had much more responsibilities than waving a broom. There are also many requirements for modern wipers, so we decided to check the following parameters:

  • ergonomics (packaging, labeling, design, appearance, fastening on a leash);
  • wear resistance on the stand (analogous to a year's mileage on real car);
  • resistance to UV radiation (100 hours);
  • heat resistance (at +65 and -45 °C);
  • quality of glass cleaning real car after laboratory tests.

HOW WERE THE RESULTS EVALUATED

Technical indicators were assessed by a group of experts on a 5-point scale; these assessments were recorded in the test report. Ratings for the price/quality ratio were also given on a 5-point scale: according to the principle “more is better.” The calculation method is simple: dividing the cost of each product by the number of points scored, the best attitude was given a score of 5 points, and the worst - 1 point. The rest received proportional intermediate grades. Thus, an “excellent” student could ideally receive 5 points for both technical results and optimal pricing policy. The same applies to the outsider, who in both cases was threatened with one.

Change brushes at least once a year!

The competition turned out to be democratic: long and short, America and Eurasia were represented. Prices range from 300 to 910 rubles per piece. We were pleased that we did not notice the overwhelming superiority of one design over the other. From an engineer’s point of view, everything is logical: advertising is advertising, but there is no need to lose your head. Frankly, only the overseas “Tights” couldn’t handle it: tearing off the tape is almost like hitting glass with a shovel. But the malfunction is not directly related to the type of design: a specific technology clearly failed.

It is curious that “Anko”, “Champion” and “Tights”, even being new, did not receive the maximum rating. Bench tests reduced the cleaning quality of all products, albeit to varying degrees. This reinforces the need for an annual “changing of the guard” on the windshield. Competitors are located in alphabetical order. Best Value prices and quality - from the German “Hainer Hybrid”, “Denso”, “Valeo” and “Vin” scored the maximum points. Our choice ultimately fell on the Korean Denso: low price, text in Russian, excellent scores and... And, whatever one may say, the most modern design. You can't escape fashion.

Anco Contour, Mexico

Approximate price, rub.: 910

Type; length, mm: frameless; 500

General impression: average

3,8

1,00

Installation information is given in the insert (without the Russian version). Can be installed on a pin-type lever; an adapter for a flat lever is included. Fixing on a leash (as well as eating) is simple and straightforward. But the fit of the brush was not ideal, neither in the original state, nor even more so after the marathon on the stand. Ultraviolet and climate also added a little negativity: an uncleaned strip appeared in the center of the glass. The price is the highest.

Bosch Aerotwin, China

Approximate price, rub.: 570

Type; length, mm: frameless; 530

General impression: very good

Test rating: 4,35

Rating for price/quality ratio: 3,53

The packaging is nice, but I’m in no hurry to part with the wiper, trying to cut my finger with the sharp edge. Information about car models and installation locations is detailed, but Russian is not used. Fixation and removal are very convenient. After the bench tests, they began to mess around in the center and on top. The ultraviolet was tolerated calmly, and the climate slightly worsened the cleaning in the middle part. Crushing in all modes is absent as a class. The price is average.

Champion, Belgium

Approximate price, rub.: 355

Type; length, mm: frameless; 350

General impression: mediocre

Test rating: 4,20

Rating for price/quality ratio: 4,63

There are no questions about the packaging, if you forgive the inattention to Russian-speaking customers. Six adapters included various designs levers. Fixation on the lever is understandable, but difficult. Brushes, even new ones, are prone to chipping. At the same time, they get their hands very dirty (either soot or Silicone Grease- the instructions are silent). The only brush that, after the camera and stand, improved cleaning: perhaps that very dirty layer was erased? The ultraviolet came back with incomplete adhesion and a new attack of crushing. The price is quite low.

BEST WIPER BLADES: CHOICE OF ZR

Denso Wiper Blade, Korea

Approximate price, rub.: 330

Type; length, mm: hybrid; 350

General impression: excellent

Test rating: 4,50

Rating for price/quality ratio: 4,88

Hurray, there is detailed information in Russian! The packaging is convenient, fixing and tightening does not create any difficulties. “Runs” on the stand created minor stripes on the windshield along the length of the brush, and the temperature chamber slightly worsened the cleaning in the upper part, but no crushing or anything else occurred. The price is one of the lowest.

Heyner Hybrid, Germany

Approximate price, rub.: 300

Type; length, mm: hybrid; 500

General impression: very good

Test rating: 4,40

Rating for price/quality ratio: 5.00 (best)

The complaint about the packaging is standard: where is the Russian language? Everything else is good. The set includes two adapters for mounting on pin-type levers. Fixation on the lever is understandable, although difficult. Staying on the stand resulted in small stripes under the middle and upper parts of the brush, and the climate chamber added a small stripe at the bottom. Ultraviolet light did not cause any harm. The price is the lowest.

Trico Innovision, USA

Approximate price, rub.: 490

Type; length, mm: frameless; 510

General impression: bad

Test rating: 3,40

Rating for price/quality ratio: 3,22

The packaging is convenient, but there is no connection to car models (as well as the Russian text). There are small installation instructions. The fixation on the lever is convenient, but removal is difficult due to the non-standard mechanism (you do not need to press on the lever, but pull it). The initial fit was not perfect, and after the stand the picture was supplemented with two stripes - in the middle and upper parts. Not only that, but the rubber band came off! The brush withstood the climate well, but the effect of the UV lamp turned out to be detrimental: stripes appeared along the entire length. The price is average.

Valeo Silencio, France

Approximate price, rub.: 910

Type; length, mm: frameless; 530

General impression: excellent

Test rating: 4,50

Rating for price/quality ratio: 1,86

The information on the packaging is comprehensive, if you close your eyes to the lack of Cyrillic alphabet. Attaching and removing the leash is simple and straightforward. When the brushes move at any speed, there is no crushing effect. After the stand, small stripes are left on the glass along the entire width of the brush. The products did not react at all to climate control and ultraviolet radiation. The only thing I wasn't happy about was the high cost.

Ween Shimo, EU

Approximate price, rub.: 365

Type; length, mm: frameless; 350

General impression: excellent

Test rating: 4,50

Rating for price/quality ratio: 4,70

You highlight it right away detailed information in Russian indicating car models and installation locations. Convenient packaging, three adapters. Installing and removing the wiper is easy. Staying at the stand did not affect the initial abilities in any way: crushing and other negative things were not noticed. The ultraviolet “tanning” also did not cause any harm, and only the temperature effect slightly worsened the cleaning in the upper part. When checking the heat resistance, softening of the rubber tape was detected. The price is reasonable.

FROM FRAME TO HYBRID

The design of brushes has not undergone any major changes over the past century. Hopes for various types of blowers, nanocoatings and other tricks melt away before the simplicity and effectiveness of conventional mechanical cleaning. Therefore, the main efforts of developers are spent on battles with a variable radius of curvature and other innovations.

The most famous brushes are frame brushes: a kind of set of rocker arms and elastic plates plus a rubber band. Rubber was constantly replaced by other materials. The companies used synthetic and partially synthetic rubber, used a graphite coating on the blade, a three-component composition of the belts, etc. As for the rocker arms, the number of which began to grow before our eyes, they decided to get rid of them altogether by using a frameless design. Spring steel element inside rubber band improved the pressure against the glass and gave hope that the brush would not freeze in the cold. As usual, a step back was soon taken: so-called hybrid wiper blades appeared, which were supposed to combine the advantages of their ancestors.

Design hybrid brush completely hidden in the housing, which prevents water from freezing in the hinges.

In any case, you should only use brushes recommended for this car model.

Automotive windshield wipers have always used hinged connectors to hold the wiper blades against the windshield. Design Vehicle was transformed - the size of the windshields increased, their shape changed, becoming more and more convex. Old designs for removing dirt were no longer so effective, interfering with normal driving due to their size, until they appeared frameless wipers

Distinctive features of frameless wipers

  • Tight fit to the surface along the entire perimeter;
  • Increased efficiency of contaminant removal;
  • Improved strength characteristics;
  • Freeze resistance;
  • Good aerodynamics;
  • Adequate cost.

Manufacturers

On virtual shelves there are frameless wiper blades for car models from Germany, Japan, Russia, and the USA. Products available from the following manufacturers:

Today, customers are given the opportunity to purchase goods at factory prices using profitable terms provided by the store. You are guaranteed to receive a quality product - it will be checked for defects before shipping.

Driving a car must, first of all, be safe for the driver himself, for passengers, and for other road users. There are no trifles in this matter at all, important role windshield wiper blades play a role - their choice should be approached carefully and thoughtfully. They can be divided into two large groups – summer and winter. Winter ones have good elasticity due to the use of quite soft rubber. To ensure that the installed products are ideal, a number of important criteria are taken into account when purchasing them:

  • Versatility of fastening method;
  • Length of right and left brush;
  • The material from which the structure is made;
  • Price.


Today there are three main types of wipers on the market: framed, frameless and hybrid.

The first type is found quite often; the products fit tightly to the glass, which can be achieved through the systematic functioning of rocker arms with hinges. All main moving elements are made of high-quality plastic. The material hardly becomes covered with ice in the cold and easily removes snow, water and dirt from the surface of the glass. The price for them is quite low, but such brushes will not last too long. After just a couple of seasons, they work worse, begin to creak and move away from the plane of the glass, which causes streaks of dirt to form.

Frameless windshield wipers are similar in structure to a spoiler made of plastic and rubber. It has two metal plates inside. A rubber blade is attached between them, which will clean the glass. There is a mounting bracket in the center and the ends are capped to resist icing. During operation, the product practically does not emit extraneous noise. If necessary, the rubber insert can be replaced.

Hybrid wipers can adapt to any glass shape. The structural frame is located inside the fairing casing, the product is able to withstand any load well, reliably removes all contaminants that interfere with visibility, and has a long service life.

When compiling the top 10 rating best brushes windshield wipers, we took into account the price-quality ratio of products and took into account user reviews. We hope our review will help you decide on the most suitable brushes that will serve you for a long time and reliably.

Rating of the best wiper models of 2019

This is one of the latest models belonging to the premium class. They clean windows perfectly and perform well at speeds of up to 190 km/h. The products are frameless, which ensures their low weight, they fit well to the windshield, and do not make noise during operation. extraneous sounds. The design includes a special universal adapter to facilitate installation.

The frame is made of high quality plastic that can withstand low and high temperatures. The products are very reliable, due to which it is possible to achieve the same functionality and performance as the original brushes that came with the new car. The average service life ranges from 10 to 18 months; the brush itself is equipped with graphite coating.

Advantages:

  • Perfectly adheres to the glass surface;
  • Does not make noise during operation;
  • High quality build.

Flaws:

  • After about 8 months, the fasteners begin to loosen, causing the brushes to move away from the glass and perform their function worse.

9. Trico Exactfit


This device is equipped with a metal frame and a graphite-coated brush. The brushes are durable and resist wear well. There are small slots in the metal of the body, which significantly reduce the weight of the structure. They are well suited for cars that do not provide mounts for frameless or hybrid products; they clean the windshield well at almost any speed of the car.

The brushes weigh a little, due to which they produce a minimal amount of noise during operation. Attaches securely to prevent theft. The installation is very simple, you can do it yourself, especially since the kit comes with clear instructions in Russian. The average product life is from 8 to 16 months.

Advantages:

  • Attaches to the glass as tightly as possible;
  • Able to last for several seasons;
  • The brushes are attached as securely as possible.

Flaws:

  • Despite the universal size, they will not fit every car.


This is a classic frame design of excellent quality. Home distinctive characteristic The product is a two-component rubber brush: the inner part contains a softer material. It allows you to significantly reduce the noise emitted during operation, and also ensures smooth and uniform motion products.

The working edge is made from harder materials, which easily remove everything unnecessary from the surface of the glass; moreover, due to such rubber, it is possible to significantly extend the service life of the structure.

Advantages:

  • The brushes are made of two-component rubber, which easily copes with any kind of dirt;
  • On sale you can find models designed for specific car brands;
  • Very high quality workmanship;
  • Can last several seasons;
  • Some designs have a spoiler, which will have a positive effect on the performance of the brushes, especially when moving at high speeds.

Flaws:

  • An edge made of hard rubber fails quite quickly - it wears off, cracks, and so on.


It is reliable and quality products European level, which is completely different reasonable cost. The rubber insert adjacent directly to the windshield is coated with a graphite compound. This allows it to cope even better with intense precipitation and protect the glass from icing. The rubber also contains fine tourmaline, which prevents the formation of an oil film.

The kit includes one blade and an adapter that allows you to install it on any type of windshield wiper mount. The product is frameless, which ensures a long service life of the product. The brush fits securely to the glass even at high speeds and in headwinds; it does not create additional resistance.

It is universal, due to which it can be installed on both left-hand drive and right-hand drive cars. The brush will provide a comfortable view for the driver at any time. weather conditions, it can be used in warm and cold seasons, the cost is quite reasonable.

Advantages:

  • Doesn't freeze;
  • Copes perfectly with any weather conditions;
  • Reliably cleans the glass, giving the driver a full view;
  • They are quite widespread - you can find them in almost every car store and even at gas stations;
  • All-season products;
  • Long service life;
  • There are no streaks or scratches on the glass.

Flaws:

  • Not suitable for BMW vehicles;
  • If you purchase rubber bands separately, inserting them can be problematic.


These are some of the best winter brushes in an economical price range. The design features a reliable metal frame, and the workmanship is of very high quality. The elastic band of the brush is made of natural rubber using casting technology.

There are no irregularities on the working surface, which significantly improves the quality of surface cleaning windshield from various contaminants. The frame is treated with a powder coloring composition, which reliably protects the product from corrosion processes.

Advantages:

  • Low cost;
  • Excellent working qualities;
  • The elastic is made from natural rubber;
  • The rubber band can be replaced if necessary.

Flaws:

  • Behaves badly in winter period, is not recommended for use at this time.


The brushes are designed specifically for use in the cold season. The design combines the aerodynamic design of frameless products and reliable contact with the glass. This model perfectly cleans glass even on high speeds due to increased pressure contact. The product is coated with a layer of graphite, which reduces the amount of noise emitted.

Used in production polymer materials, not subject to corrosion. The rubber insert itself is replaceable, it passed whole line tests that have proven its reliability and durability. The kit includes a universal adapter that allows you to install the brushes on any car model.

Advantages:

  • Quite reasonable price;
  • Good cleaning performance;
  • The mount fits all cars.

Flaws:

  • Due to the rigid shape of the brushes, not all car windows are pressed tightly.


These brushes combine all the most modern technologies associated with the production of such products. They were developed by American engineers using frameless technology. The product will perfectly remove water and dirt from even the most curved windshields, while it will press tightly against the surface of the glass. It works quite quietly, the vibration level is reduced. The brushes are well suited for Russian climatic conditions, as they will behave well at temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees. They work effectively at vehicle speeds of up to 190 km/h.

The cleaning element is coated with a layer of Teflon. It prevents scratches on the surface of the windshield and removes all dirt. The product has an elongated mount, which allows for maximum uniform pressure against the glass. The brushes are universal, they are suitable even for right-hand drive cars equipped with the so-called swing glass cleaning system.

Advantages:

  • Quiet operation;
  • Teflon coating of the cleaning element;
  • Uniform and high-quality cleaning.

Flaws:

  • Quite a high cost.


These brushes are hybrid design, which differs from analogues in a number of performance qualities. The basis of the product is a stainless steel frame, the rubber bands are replaceable, the mechanics are of very high quality, due to which these brushes are one of the best among those presented on the domestic market.

Natural rubber is used in the production of the product, so the service life becomes much longer. The design has low-profile inserts that keep the height of the brush to a minimum; they also allow the brushes to be additionally pressed against the glass and provide optimal air flow. All parts of the brush are tightly fitted to each other - this improves the quality of glass cleaning and significantly extends the service life of the product.

Advantages:

  • Fits perfectly on most car stacks;
  • Easy to install;
  • Thoroughly removes moisture and dirt from the glass surface.

Flaws:

  • Rubber inserts are made of natural rubber and are quickly erased.


Main distinctive quality These French-made brushes have a wear sensor - the motorist will immediately see when they need to be replaced.

There are many sizes - from 24 to 80 cm. The workmanship is high, the brushes withstand temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet rays well. They can be used in any climatic conditions in any season.

Advantages:

  • The brushes are equipped with wear sensors;
  • During operation they produce a minimal amount of noise;
  • Clean glass thoroughly, even high speed;
  • Wide range of sizes.

Flaws:

  • High price.


One of the most durable designs on the market. It is manufactured on the basis of a metal frame made of galvanized steel, completely protected from corrosion. The brush has high aerodynamic qualities, which allow it to ensure a tight fit to the surface of the windshield even at high speed.

The body is additionally coated with an anti-reflective compound. The cleaning gum can be quickly replaced, and the replacement mechanism is simple and reliable and does not become loose during operation.

Advantages:

  • Reasonable cost;
  • Good fit at any speed;
  • Suitable for the harshest climates.
  • The adapter is also suitable for other types of mounts.

Flaws:

  • Not detected.

A lot has changed since the first cars appeared. Vehicle windshields began to be produced bigger size, their curvature increased. The length of the wiper blades has increased. Windshield wipers began to be made differently. Their design now has more swings, providing better pressure to the glass. Sometimes changes made by manufacturers have a bad effect on aerodynamic performance, reliability of the design, visibility deteriorates, the operation of the wipers becomes noisier.

Frameless wiper blades began to be produced in the 1980s. They had the same convex shape as the windshield. The metal spring elements became curved. The brushes were made wider and stiffer. Thanks to this design, engineers solved the problem of uniform pressure on the blade along the entire perimeter of the wiper. The supporting element of the structure was an evodium or steel plate. It has a precise geometric shape and firmly presses the brush to the glass along its entire length.

Features and benefits of frameless wiper blades

To manufacture frameless wiper blades, manufacturers use high-quality materials, innovative technologies, which provides excellent consumer properties, long term operation. To improve the quality of glass cleaning, the cleaning edges should be pressed evenly along their entire length. This was achieved by bending the spring strips.

In premium blades Valeo Silencio X-Trm, the spring element bends in accordance with the curvature of the windshield of each specific vehicle brand for which they are made. Excellent aerodynamic characteristics are achieved through the invention of a lower monolithic brush. This figure is significantly lower than that of conventional wipers. This reduces the pressure of the air flow pushing the blade away from the windshield.

Some wiper models have a spoiler, which is a special name given to the curved profile of the blade. It increases the clamping force when the vehicle reaches high speed. This is important for swing-type windshield wipers. They are installed on Peugeot 307, Honda Civic, Citroen C4 Picasso. Two brushes resist the air flow at the same time. Frameless wipers significantly reduce noise. At a speed of 120 km/h this figure will be only two decibels.

The frameless brush is almost not covered with ice. In the usual design of the wiper, the water in the swing hinges always froze, and they stopped lying tightly on the glass, leaving streaks and streaks of dirt. Thanks to the low profile of the frameless brush, such effects were avoided. The high popularity of frameless wipers has been confirmed by numerous positive reviews vehicle owners and experts.

Integrated spoiler

In conventional brushes, the spoiler played the role of a windage compensator. Without it, they began to jump on the glass when the car picked up high speed. The design of frameless brushes has more low profile than frame models, but still manufacturers equip them with an integrated spoiler. It has excellent aerodynamic performance.

Symmetrical and asymmetrical types of integrated spoiler are available. This important indicator. Windshield wipers with an asymmetrical Bosch Aerotwin spoiler feature increased downforce. They are designed to work with high rates speed. Brushes with a symmetrical spoiler have less downforce, but they are universal. They are installed on vehicles with right-hand drive and a hinged wiper system.

Brush wear indicator

Frameless brushes can be equipped with a wear indicator, for example SWF wipers. This refers to a mark on the windshield wiper made with permanent paint. It is clearly visible to the driver. When installing brushes, it is better not to forget to remove protective film from the indicator. It will change color over time, which signals the need to change your wipers. Their wear is affected by weather, bright sunlight, operating time and some other factors.

What does the future hold for frameless wiper models?

Frameless brushes have replaced lower quality designs. They provide ideal cleaning even for heavily curved glass of most brands of modern vehicles. They have excellent aerodynamic performance. They are installed on expensive, executive class cars. They have a price that is affordable to everyone. Most manufacturers today equip their cars with frameless brushes during their manufacture. Therefore, they have a great future.

The most famous manufacturers of frameless wipers

Most manufacturers have mastered the technology for manufacturing frameless windshield wipers. To trade confidently, they bet on modern equipment and high quality. The stores also sell copies of the most successful models development.

It must be borne in mind that the quality of no-name frameless wipers will always be lower than that of famous brands who care about their reputation. World-famous manufacturers have developed sales networks and many distributors. They regularly receive feedback from customers, which allows them to continually improve the quality of their windshield wipers.

A brand known to many vehicle owners Aerotwin produced by the company Bosch. Such frameless wipers are characterized as reliable and durable. They are equipped with a spoiler excellent quality. They can be installed on any car because they come complete with various types fastenings

Aerotwin can be sold as a set or as a single brush with a hook mount. Bosch releases various modifications wipers. The popular Multi-Clip series are single brushes with a universal adapter for unusual fastenings. They are very high quality. These windshield wipers are not suitable for hook mounting.

Company Valeo produces frameless brushes under the brands Valeo, SWF and PJ. PJ products are not widely distributed. Valeo, SWF wipers are widely represented on Russian market. Most famous series frameless models brush companies:

  • inexpensive modifications Valeo Compact Evolution and Compact Revolution. Evolution model characterized by the presence of a special type of fastening, supplied included. Revolution are brushes with standard mount hook. They are sold one at a time.
  • premium Valeo Silencio X-trm models are designed for specific cars, are supplied in twos.
  • SWF Visionext- This is the modern generation of janitors. They are designed taking into account the latest technological solutions. They are inexpensive and different high quality and reliability. They have a symmetrical spoiler, so the brushes can be installed on right-hand drive vehicles. Delivered one at a time.
  • Premium SWF Visioflex brushes are sold in pairs. They are made taking into account the special curvature of the glass.

British company

The safety of driving a car depends on many factors. Not least on this list is the cleanliness of the windshield. And maintaining it is the direct responsibility of the janitors. Recently, frameless wiper blades have become popular. They do not have a frame, only a metal base onto which the rubber band is directly attached.

Advantages of frameless wiper blades:

  • modern design, suitable for any car;
  • effective cleaning of glass from precipitation and debris, removal of water and snow;
  • resistant to icing, suitable for winter;
  • fit tightly to the glass, low, unlike classic rocker arms.

Frame wipers are simple in design; they are already chosen for the standard equipment of cars.

When creating these products we use resistant rubber, she doesn’t care about everything - from low temperatures to the aggressive environment that arises in major cities when using chemicals road services. The brushes have excellent aerodynamic properties, thanks to which they do not affect higher speed ride.

Disadvantages of frameless wipers:

  • not universal, they are created for specific car models, for a certain glass bend;
  • are not suitable for repair; in case of malfunction, they will have to be completely replaced;
  • more suitable for European winter, although they handle snow well;
  • high price.

Such windshield wiper blades do cost more, however, you can find affordable product options among them.

Choose frameless wipers needed for a specific vehicle model. You can buy them in our online store in Yekaterinburg. We have a large selection of frameless wiper blades made in Germany, China and other countries.