- The older and worse brushes, the higher the consumption of expensive windshield washer fluid.
- Remove the brushes from the machine periodically and wash them with warm soapy water - the swivel will last longer.
- Make sure that the wiper leash keeps it perpendicular to the glass all the way. IN frame models as they wear, the hinges begin to play a lot. It is better to replace such a brush.
- When installing the brushes, make sure that they do not knock on the bottom and side of the glass seal.
- Periodically lubricate the hinges of the wiper arms. Corrosion is so strong that the clamping force comes to naught.
- If the glass is frozen, it must first be freed from ice crusts, and only then turn on the cleaners. Otherwise, the wipers will quickly fail.
- When choosing new brushes, do not deviate from the manufacturer's recommended standard length to a large extent. A longer wiper has a lower down force. In addition, such brushes can cling to each other. A short wiper will not provide the necessary field of view.
- If the glass is badly scratched, visibility will almost certainly be poor, even if the brushes are brand new. Such glass is necessary at least
Most frequently asked question- which brushes are better, framed or frameless? There is no single answer to this question. The rating includes both those and others. In addition, the list of the best includes hybrid models. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages.
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 a car dealership; on many state employees, regular wipers do not suit drivers much. Well, let's try to figure out how this simple item works and by what principle you need to choose the best set of wipers.
brushes modern type were invented almost a hundred years ago - in 1923. Since then, their device has changed little: the working element is an elastic band with a sharp edge, fixed in an elastic bracket for attaching to a 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 closely as possible to the curved surface of the glass.
Depending on the type of suspension in the bracket, the brushes are divided into:
- Frame- in them, the supporting structure itself is the elastic element. The brush frame is connected to the cleaning plate at several points, trying to bend it. Hence and main disadvantage frame brushes: they adhere most closely to the glass at the points of connection with the frame.
- Frameless brushes as an elastic element use a metal plate, poured into the brush itself. Technologically, their manufacture is more complicated and expensive, but this is justified by a much better fit and, accordingly, effective work. Distinctive feature frameless brushes - this is a laconic appearance: the mount 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 the best choice. It is easy to distinguish them by the plastic casing that covers the frame and at the same time serves as an aerodynamic element.
The brush itself can be made from the most various materials, the requirements for which are simple: elasticity, low coefficient of friction (this will ensure not only the absence of creaking, but also reduce edge abrasion), resistance to de-icing reagents, solvents (the main component of the washer is isopropyl alcohol) and ultraviolet radiation. The rubber that was originally used for this is not very suitable for the specified parameters - in the cold it becomes stiffer, which is especially sensitive for frame brushes, it quickly cracks, and due to the high coefficient of friction it is prone to creaking. Modern materials silicone-based allow you to create more best brushes windshield wipers that can work both in summer and in hard frost.
When choosing brushes, you should take into account the peculiarities of car operation - in summer, budget frame brushes will be no less effective than premium hybrid models. But in the northern regions, in cities where anti-icing agents are actively used, the quality of the brush material and its design require more careful attention: here expensive “hybrids” definitely win in all respects.
A topic that I will not take on is the choice of brand and model among brushes of the same type. It's every man for himself! There are occasional test experiments, but they usually come down to how effectively the new brushes cope with a one-time cleaning of a layer of carefully applied, calibrated dirt on the windshield. And are tests necessary? Still, brushes are more of a consumable. Worn out - thrown away: so do many.
Preparing for the Choice
Paradoxically, the endurance of brushes is still considered important parameter. At the same time, some cannot withstand even a year without a depressing loss in the quality of cleaning. But neither in price nor in appearance can they be distinguished from those that go for two seasons. It is unrealistic to test and check each model - there are too many of them.
And the market throws up more and more new designs, complicating the agony of choice. To the usual frame and devil frame brushes added hybrid and winter, as well as exclusive developments like heated brushes. Their idea: an elastic a heating element, thanks to which the frame remains flexible in any frost-snowfall.
The "heated" option to this day seems to be the most doubtful. First, the price is far from moderate. Secondly, a hassle - a kit for their installation (relay and wires) is attached to the brushes themselves. Thirdly, the burden on onboard network. And fourthly, there are a lot of conflicting reviews about their usefulness and resource.
From everything else, it is quite possible to choose. Perhaps soon we will be taught to keep two sets of brushes - for summer and for winter. But while the majority of consumers are not morally ready for this. It is more convenient to put something one and then not to bathe as long as possible. Therefore, when choosing, we look at “China or not China” (although “China” in the field of brushes sometimes performs quite well, but this “worthiness” is extremely unstable) and study the pros and cons of different designs.
What to choose from?
Frame. Where there is no long winters, they are optimal: they are inexpensive and perfectly adapt to the curve of the glass. The disadvantages include a low resource (swivel joints are loosened), the lack of protection against ice freezing, sometimes problematic work on high speeds.
Frameless. IN last years are often included in the primary equipment of cars, gradually replacing the traditional type. The main disadvantages: high (relative to frame) price and some risk of "not getting into the corners" - when replacing relatives with new ones. The profile of the metal insert, which ensures the rigidity of the structure, must exactly match the bend of the glass. Otherwise, high-quality cleaning will not work. Pros: there is no big threat of freezing, and worn rubber band easy to replace if desired. With a tape, however, you can not guess - cheap options tend to tan in the cold.
Hybrid. In fact, these are improved frame brushes: the system of rocker arms and hinges is covered with plastic casings. They protect the connections from dirt and precipitation, and along the way improve aerodynamics (in theory - maybe in practice - who knows). "Hybrids" are not afraid of high speeds. The only downside is the high price. Although under the casings still something penetrates.
Winter. As the name suggests, they are specifically designed to effectively resist snow and frost. The frame structure is protected to the maximum by a flexible shell from moisture penetration. The working edge, according to the assurances of the manufacturers, is made of a softer composition, and its shape is selected taking into account the nature of the upcoming struggle. Weakness- shell. If it is inadvertently damaged, the whole point of such a brush will be lost.
What to choose?
There is no universal advice, of course. I trust the results of our tests and therefore look at the "hybrids". But my aspirations are constrained by the crisis and some rise in prices for everything. Therefore, I remain faithful to frame brushes - nothing has been invented easier and cheaper. The first, native set, which once stood on new car, fantastically served two full annual cycles, plus another part of their third winter. Then buy brushes famous brands- Bosch, Champion, Denso, consciously avoiding the unfamiliar and "cheapest". None lasted more than two years, and deterioration was felt after the first winter. One of the sets barely survived one winter - the rubber band cracked. Conclusion: they can do very well if they want, but they don't always want to.
I still don't see the need to switch to something else. All other types of brushes are more expensive, some at times, and there are no guarantees of durability. Moreover, I am suspicious of the endless debates on the Web on the topic of comparisons “frame-not frame” and persuasion in favor of “winter”. I do not rule out that they were initiated by manufacturers of more complex and expensive brushes. Although, perhaps, people who come across a frankly poor-quality kit are trying to protect themselves from the second of the same.
How to fix?
Repair of brushes is a controversial and amateur activity. But there is a crisis in the yard, and in some cases it is possible to extend the performance of the old "janitors". They offer two options - simple and radical. A simple one boils down to the fact that the hardened rubber parts are degreased (for example, with white spirit) and dipped in gasoline for a while. Then washed with soapy water and coated with silicone grease. This allows for some time to restore the elasticity of the working surfaces.
The second option is to replace the rubber band, which is sold in a fairly wide range. Both methods will not help much if the reason bad work brushes - in the loss of elasticity of the metal, pressing part of the wiper.
When to replace?
The Internet gives a lot various recommendations: every six months, every year, before every winter or before every maintenance. It's more logical to trust common sense and a reasonable assessment of the real state of the "janitors". Brushes should be changed when their performance has deteriorated (noticeable by eye), without waiting until it becomes even worse. Especially if we are talking about the autumn-winter period with long twilight. Safety is paramount, and it is highly dependent on visibility.
Wipers of the future
Many firms today are working on the introduction of fundamentally new technology glass cleaning. It does not include brushes! Cleaning will be done by the ultrasonic signal generator. A properly directed 30 kHz sound wave is claimed to deal with all types of glass contamination - from insects to ice crust. Benefits: no need for fluid, the car will become lighter, aerodynamics will improve. The idea is borrowed from military aviation.
In the eighties of the last century, in the automotive industry began to actively appear the new kind wipers - these were frameless wipers that had their own special design. We will try to figure out what it is, what is the difference from frame wipers, we will make a comparison: which wipers are better - frame or frameless wipers and try to answer the question in as much detail as possible - how to choose frameless wipers ?.
What are frame and frameless wipers?
Frameless wipers are made of a special rubber blade, which is used to clean the glass from various particles of dust or moisture. Inner part rubber is strengthened with the help of two metal plates, which play the role of a supporting device. The rubber blade itself is mounted in the wiper arm and can be replaced depending on the degree of wear. The mounting bracket is located in the upper part in the middle of the product. On both sides of the wiper there are plugs made of soft plastic.
Installation of this type windshield wipers is allowed only on cars, the design of which provides for such a product. In some cases, a motorist may confine himself to a simple alteration of the wiper arms.
The frame analogue of the wipers is made in a different way and is the most common. The windshield wiper gum itself is fastened by means of special rocker arms, on which special hinges are mounted. On cars manufactured before the 2000s, the special axles of these hinges were made of metal. This design of the janitor is the cheapest, however, in the process of work, it could be noticed that the frame is prone to severe loosening, due to which their work is disrupted. In addition, this type of hinge freezes faster in winter, which makes the process of preparing the car for movement much longer than usual, since the driver has to spend some time “revitalizing” the windshield wiper mechanism.
Currently on frame wipers plastic hinges are already used, which provide reliable performance windshield wiper and winter period vehicle operation.
This is the difference between the design of frame and frameless wipers. Now is the time to compare these two elements and decide which one is better.
Which wipers are better frame or frameless?
To talk about which is better - frame or frameless wipers, it is necessary to compare them. In this case, we will describe the advantages and disadvantages of all types of windshield wipers, after which everything will become clear.
Advantages of frame wipers:
- Relatively low cost kit. Inexpensive rubber brushes can be changed often enough without worrying about costs.
- Even a woman can handle the replacement of frame wipers operating such a vehicle. Their design allows quick replacement. To do this, it is enough to remove the brush element and remove the rubber product from them. After that, align a new brush relative to the length and install in place of the old one. The last thing to do is to clamp the special iron plates.
- Frame durability. Since the bearing part is made of metal, it becomes quite difficult to damage it, which improves the resistance of the structure to mechanical influences. In addition, many modern wiper arms are covered with special covers that protect them from moisture and dust.
Disadvantages of the frame structure:
It should be noted right away that the main disadvantage of such wipers is the presence of special hinges at the joints.
- Very small hinges sensitive to sharp decline temperature. Covered with an ice crust, turning such a connection becomes a rather problematic task. The other side of the problem is that the jammed connection does not allow to fully ensure the normal fit of the rubber wiper to the windshield. Thus, the glass is not completely cleaned.
- Another disadvantage is appearance. This becomes especially relevant when long-term operation frame structure. The fact is that the metal of the wipers is covered with a very thin layer of paint and does not have protective layers. Thus, it turns out that under the influence of moisture, the hinges and levers become rusty and violate the overall aesthetics of the car.
Benefits of frameless wipers:
A new type of windshield wipers fell in love with many car owners. The main advantages of frameless structures are listed below.
- The first thing that catches your eye is the appearance. This type of brush is not subject to various effects of corrosion and fits into the design of any modern car. In addition, such a brush does not lose its color under any influence.
- Elasticity of the rubber blade allows it to take the form of any windshield, which ensures the most snug fit of the wiper and, as a result, its efficient operation.
- Few people know, but the shape of the rubber wipers frameless wipers also has aerodynamic properties. When moving to high speed, the wind flow presses the brushes better and allows you to achieve more effective cleaning glass, which is important for high speed in bad weather conditions.
- Bes frame windshield wipers have more low profile stop what provides the widest visibility to the traffic situation.
- Unlike frame brushes, in frameless no various articulations, which makes them immune to the effects of snow.
Disadvantages of frameless wipers:
- First of all, this is a high price, which calls for the most careful treatment of new brushes, since replacing a rubber cleaner will cost more.
- There is no way to change, when necessary, the rubber band. When buying a new set, you can easily find a fake that will quickly fail.
- The selection of such brushes is individual for the model of the car. This disadvantage is widely related to cheap parts, which in the future will not cope well with their duties.
Based on the above, you yourself must decide on the choice of the type of windshield wipers. The selection is recommended climatic conditions car operation, price and car model. In favor of frameless wipers, we can only say that they will be an excellent solution in the period of snow and ice.
How to choose frameless wiper blades?
There are very, very few criteria for choosing frameless brushes. But there are still some requirements for them.
- First of all, pay attention to the price of the windshield wiper, cheap is not always of high quality.
- Check rubber elasticity. If you plan to use these windshield wipers in the winter, then the rubber must be soft, otherwise it will become icy, will not clean the glass enough and may simply break. The requirements for the summer version are, on the contrary, in good rubber hardness. Although this does not mean at all that they should be "oak, like a stone."
- Decide in advance on the length of the wiper. This parameter made according to the dimensions of the windshield of your car. A poorly selected rubber cleaner will clean insufficient area, or even go beyond the windshield.
- Don't forget to check the fasteners. They must match your wiper arm, otherwise you simply cannot put them on.
Video - Replacing wipers with frameless ones
That's all you need to know about frameless wipers. We hope this article has been helpful to you when choosing a windshield wiper.
Over time, each of us wonders which is better. car wipers put on the car, framed or frameless? Without high-quality and well-functioning cleaners, it is better not to leave the parking lot at all in rainy or snowy weather, otherwise you risk running into very serious troubles.
Yes, and in dry and seemingly sunny weather, no one is safe from an unplanned blunder from a dirty puddle from under the wheels of the vehicle in front directly to the windshield. And a low-quality wiper will smear the liquid on the glass for some time, even if the washer works like a clock. And thereby narrow the view to the driver, which can lead to emergency situation on the highway, especially when overtaking.
Which car wipers, framed or frameless, are better for your iron friend, depends primarily on the shape of the windshield. In this regard, some designs have significant limitations.
What is required of a windshield wiper?
The quality of windshield wipers is determined not only (and not so much) by their appearance. It is desirable that they have the following parameters:
- wear resistance. Without breakdowns and abrasions, the janitor should work for up to one year - usually this is the interval allotted between its replacement;
- Sun resistance. Theoretically, after standing in bright light for 100 hours, the rubber bands on the wipers should not change, as well as the rest of the components;
- temperature resistance. Ideally, windshield wipers should be indifferent to -45°C +65°C. In our climate, special emphasis should be placed on frost resistance;
- Cleaning quality. The janitor should not leave streaks and gaps behind him (that is, a tight fit of the rubber to the glass is required), and even more so should not scratch the windshield.
Types of wipers
By engineering solution windshield wipers can be divided into 3 groups:
- Frame wipers. The design can be considered classical: the “blade” is pressed against the glass by a hinged rocker system. On the plus side, they can be installed on almost any model and brand of car, since the degree of bending of the windshield does not affect the fit (unless, of course, the wiper is of high quality). In the minuses - low frost resistance. The disadvantage can be largely avoided if you buy frame wipers with plastic axles and bushings;
- Frameless wipers- this is a one-piece case made of plastic and rubber, in which metal plates are filled with a rubber “blade” sandwiched between them. Positive sides: can serve for several years with the replacement of brush inserts; skew the wiper is impossible in principle; operation is completely silent; aerodynamics are an order of magnitude better than the previous category, which is especially nice at high speeds. But most frameless wipers are produced for a specific car model. In addition, they can only be installed on modern machines with almost even glasses;
- Hybrid wipers have a frame, but with a very low rocker. They combine the advantages of the first 2 types without inheriting their shortcomings: you don’t even need to change the brushes for up to a year, the fit is as tight as possible, they fit any glass curvature. The only obstacle to buying may be the price - this is the most expensive type of wipers.
Top 3 best manufacturers
With the existing richness of the assortment, even having precisely decided on the design, it is difficult to choose a truly good wipers. Enthusiast-experimenters tested the 10 most commonly encountered models and offered their conclusions.
Korean "Denso Wiper Blade" (hybrid) won the tender. At reasonable price at 330 rubles, the manufacturer offers: convenient installation, good stability to the above temperature range, after a year of intensive use - only slight strip marks. Bonus there is an instruction in Russian, which few can boast of.
The Germans were in 2nd place with the wipers " Heyner Hybrid ", also hybrid. Their price is even less - 300 rubles. per set. Alas, there is no Russian-language manual. Fixing is somewhat more complicated than that of the Koreans. Slightly lower temperature resistance, more pronounced stripes after long-term operation.
European frameless " Ween Shimo"will cost 365 rubles. Accompanied by instructions in Russian, installation is simple, like the Koreans, the wear resistance is the highest. The wipers were moved to 3rd place due to the price (still not a hybrid, but more expensive) and some softening of the rubber when heated. Of course, there is simply no exact indication of which car wipers are better in nature. But we hope our recommendations will help you decide on your preferences.
