Frameless Wiper Blades

Frameless wiper blades. As the automotive industry has evolved, car windshields have become larger and more curved. The length of the wiper blades has increased, they have acquired more “swings” to ensure proper pressure on the glass and have become more cumbersome. This negatively affects the aerodynamics and reliability of the design, worsens visibility and increases noise…

Pros of Frameless Wiper Blades

Advantages of frameless wiper blades: More pressure of the wiper blade on the glass, which significantly improves the quality of cleaning. This is achieved by pre-bending the spring bands. In premium wipers, such as the Valeo Silencio X-Trm, the spring element flexes according to the curvature of the windshield of the particular car model.

High aerodynamic performance. The spoiler of the frameless wiper blade. The height of the monolithic set is noticeably lower than that of a traditional kit. Such a feature helps to reduce windshield drag and reduce the pressure of the air flow pushing the blade off the glass. Some sets additionally have an “integrated spoiler” – a specially curved profile of the blade that increases downforce at higher speeds. This is especially important for cars with swept design (Peugeot 308, Honda Civic, Citroen C4 Picasso) – both work against the air flow. Another aerodynamic feature of frameless wiper blades – noise reduction: at a speed of 120 km / h effect can reach two decibels.

Frameless wiper blades are less susceptible to icing. In the classic kits the water in the joints “swings” freezes, the blade ceases to adhere tightly to the glass and begins to “fray. This does not happen in the frameless design. Due to the low profile such sets improve visibility, and due to the elastic design increases the safety of pedestrians.

The high popularity of these wipers is confirmed by the numerous positive reviews of our customers.

Integrated Spoiler

With classic framed wipers, the spoiler is needed to compensate for the “floatiness” of the blade. Without a spoiler, classic kits start to “jump” on the glass at high speeds. Frameless blades originally have a lower profile than framed wipers, however, manufacturers equip them with an “integrated” spoiler. This is the name given to the enlarged profile of the blade, which has an aerodynamic shape. There are symmetric and asymmetric types of integrated spoiler. Windshield wipers with an asymmetric spoiler (e.g. Bosch Aerotwin) have more downforce and are designed for very high speeds. Kits with symmetrical spoilers have less downforce but greater versatility – they can be installed on right-hand drive vehicles and with a “swivel” system.

Wiper Blades Indicator

Wiper blade wear indicator. Such blades are often equipped by manufacturers with a wear indicator. It is a mark on the kit made with special paint. It is located so as to be visible to the driver. When installing such a blade it is required to remove the protective film from the indicator. Over time, under the influence of weather conditions, UV rays and other factors affecting the wear of the wipers, the indicator changes color, indicating the need to replace them.

The Future of Wiper Blades

Frameless wiper blades are the next step in the evolution of windshield wipers. Frameless design provides quality cleaning of the strongly curved windows of modern cars, while having minimal aerodynamic drag. Like other technologies, frameless wiper blades first appeared in the segment of executive automobiles, and now they are gradually becoming more and more accessible. Most automakers already equip cars with frameless wipers on the assembly line.

Manufacturers of frameless windshield wipers

Currently, many manufacturers possess the technology to produce frameless windshield wipers. Leading companies bet on innovation in the production of kits and product quality. They hold their market share. There are also manufacturers who copy the most successful developments, but the quality of frameless wiper blades “no-name” is usually much lower than the well-known brands. Leading manufacturers have developed distribution networks and receive feedback from customers, which allows to constantly improve the quality.

BOSCH produces frameless kits under the name Aerotwin. Bosch Aerotwin have a reliable construction, have a well-developed spoiler and are produced for cars with any mountings. Wiper blades are available in kits and individually (with “hook” attachment), the series Aerotwin Multi-Clip includes single kits with a universal adapter for specific mountings (these wipers are not suitable for “hook” attachment!).

Valeo produces frameless wiper blades under three brands: directly Valeo, SWF and PJ. Kits by the first two manufacturers are represented on the Russian market, the products of PJ has a small distribution.

Series of Valeo Frameless Windshield wiper Blades

Valeo Silencio X-trm – the premium segment. During production, the manufacturer takes into account the curvature of the glass of specific car models, are supplied in sets of 2 pieces.
Valeo Compact Evolution and Compact Revolution – the economy segment. Evolution kits have specific fasteners and come in sets, and Revolution – standard “J-hook type” fasteners and are supplied by one.
SWF Visioflex are the wiper blades of premium segment. In the process of their manufacture the curvature of the windshield of the target car is taken into account and comes in sets.
SWF Visionext is the new generation of SWF frameless windshield wipers. These kits are developed using the newest technologies allowing to make them cheaper without losing their consumer qualities. Symmetrical spoiler allows to use them on right-hand drive cars, they come in 1 piece.
The British company Trico is not so well known on the Russian market, as Bosch and Valeo. Trico Production occupies a narrow niche of wiper systems production for over 100 years and she owns a lot of inventions that changed the history. The company produces the following series of frameless kits:

Trico Neoform is the newest series of premium Teflon-coated frameless blades. Neoform wiper blades can be installed on right-hand drive cars due to the symmetrical spoiler. Comes in a pack of 1 blade each with different mounts. These kits get the highest quality rating according to consumer reviews;
Trico Innovision – the first economy series of frameless Trico.
Federal Mogul produces kits under the brand Champion. Models by this manufacturer have gained popularity, despite their high price. Champion produces frameless wiper blades under the names Easyvision and Aerovantage. The distinctive feature of these kits is the ability to use them as for right-hand drive, for left-hand drive, and for swinging kits. This is accomplished by a unique attachment that allows the wiper blade to unfold.